The list was compiled by the Global Language Monitor, a non-profit group that tracks the frequency of words and phrases in the media, on the Internet and throughout the blogosphere.

New York led the list in 2008 for the fifth consecutive year with Rome retaining the second slot, Paris third again but Milan overtaking London for the fourth position. London came fifth.

But more surprising was the rise of some smaller fashion centers, with Sydney jumping from 12th position to seventh in the list and Dubai moving up 12 spots to No. 12.

Among the newcomers, New Delhi broke into the top 25 at No. 24 and Madrid came in 15th. Stockholm in Sweden was also new and the only Nordic city on the list, while Cape Town in South Africa also made an appearance.

A model displays a creation from the Hong Kong Apparel Society Fashion Fiesta's Spring/Summer 2008 collection during Hong Kong Fashion Week July 9, 2008.[Agencies]

A model presents a creation by Miss Bikini during the Malta International Fashion Show 2008 in Victoria on the Maltese island of Gozo July 5, 2008.[Agencies]

CROWNED: Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori of Japan crowns Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela Miss Universe at the Miss Universe pageant.[Agencies]

A model displays a creation by Lebanese designer Abed Mahfouz during a Rome Fashion Week haute couture fall/winter 2008 show July 10, 2008.[Agencies]