London has overtaken New York City as the world’s fashion capital for 2011. Given the number of badly dressed folk in the news looting the English capital at present, this may be difficult for the rest of the world to swallow.  But respondents in this year’s Global Language Monitor survey have identified London as the most fashionable city on the planet.

The death of British designer Alexander McQueen in 2010 and fanatical focus on Kate Middleton and her wardrobe are said to have shifted global media attention to England’s fashion industry recently.  The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress, lest we forget, was also made by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

Wondering what on earth a Global Language Monitor survey has to do with fashion?  The survey tracks the frequency of words and phrases in print, electronic and social media, and the more certain names appear, the more influential a city can become.

“We are seeing what the impact of two genuine media stars, …Kate (Middleton) and Alexander McQueen can have upon a global ranking. Our numbers show that it was their presence that tipped the victory to London over New York,” says Bekka Payack of the Global Language Monitor.

New York held the top spot in the survey for several years.  London has climbed to the number one position from third position last year.  And the late Alexander McQueen would no doubt be happy to know he is still a ‘genuine media star’.

[Source: World Post News]