What Makes France a Fashion Power: A Socio-historical Approach

Abstract

1)Having set a trend for luxury fashion brand markets since the 17 th century, France has established the norms and the forms of the fashion business. In addition, it has maintained its status as a leading fashion power by discovering economic value from the intangible value of design and brand, and developing fashion into a high value-added industry. This paper aims to examine the socio-cultural factors that have exerted a positive influence on the formation of "fashion power" in France from a historical perspective. It will focus on four major external historical factors that made France the top fashion power: 1) insights and innovation of French leaders as well as their constant concerns and efforts for the promotion of fashion, 2) a tradition of experimental cultures and arts, 3) open and the public-centered social environment and an atmosphere of cherishing the values of creation, and 4) the establishment of a legitimate system that protects them.Key words: fashion power(패션 파워), French and industrial revolution(프랑스 이중혁명), French mercantilism(프랑스 중상주의), intellectual property(지식재산), luxury goods industry(사치재산업), socio-cultural factor(사회ㆍ문화적 요인), the spirit of the times(시대정신).