Dubai drops in ranking of top global fashion capitals

Dubai has fallen in a global listing of the world's fashion capitals despite plans being announced to build the world's first Fashion Hotel in the city.Dubai was the top ranked Middle East city in the top 50, positioned at number 27 but that represented a fall of six places compared to last year.Abu Dhabi was a new entry to the list at number 42, the list compiled by the Global Language Monitor showed. According to the list, London has overtaken New York as the top global fashion capital for 2011. London and New York were followed by Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. Barcelona, Singapore, Tokyo and Berlin rounded out the top ten. New York had reclaimed the crown from Milan last year.Bekka Payack, the Manhattan-based fashion correspondent of the Global Language Monitor, said: “We are seeing what the impact of two genuine media stars, Princess Kate and Alexander McQueen can have upon a global ranking.The list was expanded to 50 cities this year to recognise the growth of regional capitals with their distinctive styles and contributions to the fashion industry. Top Movers on the plus side included Bali (+11), Rome (+9), Berlin (+8), Mexico City (+8), and Singapore (+7).In May it was announced that Dubai will be the location for the world's first Fashion Hotel, with more to follow in key fashion cities around the world.French-based broadcaster Fashion TV said it had signed an agreement with the UAE's Al Habtoor Group to build the five-star hotel.The hotel, to be located in the heart of Dubai, will be owned and operated by the Al Habtoor Group, a statement said. From / Arabian Business News