Fashion is the most prominent way to express one’s personality through clothing. It can be a subtle whisper, a high-energy scream or a wink and smile. It can be found in every aspect of life: from what musicians and other cultural icons wear, to how politicians and royalty dress. It is a massive industry and has a profound influence on the world.
People have always used fashion to communicate their style, preferences and identity. They have scourred the markets for the latest styles, or looked to the stars and celebrities in magazines to find out what they should wear. The concept of fashion has adapted over time, and the term now encompasses much more than just clothes: it is about jewelry, shoes, bags, accessories, language and even what you do.
Unlike art or music, where a single person’s taste can make or break an entire genre, fashion is a collective phenomenon: in order to be considered “fashionable,” a certain style must have wide consumer acceptance. This is why designers and brands spend so much time researching the upcoming trends. They need to know what consumers want before it’s too late!
It Gives You Confidence: If you follow the prevailing trends, then it gives you confidence in interacting with others. You are able to assert your personality in an aesthetically pleasing manner which helps you in getting more attention and positive feedback from others. This also helps you in building a strong self-esteem.
Beauty: A beautiful object or activity is a source of permanent joy, as the Poet of Love John Keats once wrote. Fashion is a form of beautification and reflects our desire to look our best at all times. Fashion is a reflection of our inner and outer self, and it can be an indication of our beliefs and values.
Identification and Tradition: judges wear robes, people in the military wear uniforms, brides wear white dresses. They all serve a purpose and are a part of our culture and society. Fashion can also be a symbol of our political or religious beliefs. For example, people who support environmental causes wear shirts from companies like Patagonia or TOMS Shoes that donate money to clean up our planet. People who support black activism often wear t-shirts with the names of Angela Davis or Malala Yousafzai on them.
Fashion is Big Business: Millions of people are involved in the design, production and sale of clothing around the world. They may work in the design, sewing, glueing, dyeing and marketing of this industry. Moreover, millions of people are employed in the retail industry selling the clothing they create.
In the past, most clothing was handmade for individuals by dressmakers and tailors. The advent of new technologies enabled the industrialization of this industry. This led to the emergence of clothing chains, which are now known as department stores. Today, most clothing is made in factories and sold at fixed prices. The newest styles are advertised in magazines and on television.