British fashion and style?

what makes British fashion and style so distinctive and so
Influential ?
I have just read (in femina) an article about fashion and British style which a mixt of, odd,
avant-gardist and funky because it is a street style
There is also the classical style which means quality
And durability for the older generation

I think british fashion goes in two different directions: either to stay cool or to go for the glamour. In general british fashion is very relaxed, but you would see this awesome outfits in places like London. Well...they say there are is no british people in London.... =S