It was mostly due to the influence of Louis XIV politics that France became a country associated with luxury and style. Paris was the most fashionable place to be in the 17th century. In the 19th century the tradition was renovated by Napoleon III, turning the city into a modern and stylish place to be. The business of haute couture flourished due to a tradition of high quality craftsmanship , and traditional French brands became a staple of every stylish person.
