<P> Fashion in France is an important aspect in the spectrum of culture and social life, as well as being an important aspect of the economy . </P> <P> Fashion design and production gained prominence in France from the 15th century . From the 17th century, it exploded into a rich industry both for local consumption and for export . The Royal Minister of Finances, Jean - Baptiste Colbert, expressed it as "Fashion is to France what the gold mines of Peru are to Spain ...". During the 19th century, fashion transitioned into many styles . The modern term of haute couture originated in the 1860s, for fashion in good taste . The term prêt - à - porter was born in the 1960s, reacting against the traditional notions of fashion and garment - making process, satisfying the needs of pop culture and mass media . </P> <P> Paris acts as the center of the fashion industry and holds the name of global fashion capital . The city is home to many prime designers, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Lanvin, Chloé, Rochas, and Céline . </P> <P> With the decentralization of the fashion industry, many cities including: Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille and Strasbourg have their own luxury districts and avenues . In recent times, these have become important customers and significant producers . Île - de-France, Manosque, La Gacilly (near Rennes), and Vichy lead the cosmetic industry, and house well - known international beauty houses such as L'Oreal, Lancôme, Guerlain, Clarins, Yves Rocher, L'Occitane, Vichy, etc . The cities of Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez among others in the French riviera are well known as places of pleasure, annually hosting many media celebrities and personalities, potentates, and billionaires . </P>

Which french city is world famous for the fashion industry