What is Fashion?
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Fashion is a form of style, often dictated by cultural norms, and is closely tied to identity formation. It also can serve as a means of communication. For example, the miniskirt became a symbol of feminism during the 1960s, while cassocks or nun’s robes signify a life free from vanity.
In recent decades, the term “fashion” has come to include not only clothing but also hairstyles and makeup, accessories, and even lifestyle choices. It is a global industry that encompasses designers, manufacturers, and retailers. The business of fashion is highly profitable and creates numerous jobs around the world. However, the way that fashion is mediated has led to a diversification of meaning and ambiguity.
Clothing is both a mode of identification and a mark of culture, indicating gender, social class, or ethnicity. It has been a tool of revolution and rebellion, as seen in nineteenth century England when laws prohibited people from wearing foreign clothes, and in twentieth century communist revolutions when uniforms were used to abolish class distinctions. It is also a marker of tradition and belonging. Judges wear robes, people in the military wear uniforms, and brides wear white dresses.
As a medium of expression, fashion can be a silent language of sorts, conveying one’s attitude and mood. It can be a whisper or a scream, a wink or an all-knowing grin. It can be a way to show off, as with designer jeans and boots or to hide away, as with a long overcoat in winter. It can be a statement of wealth, as with silk and velvet or cheap cotton. It can also be a statement of taste and refinement, as with fine jewelry and expensive designer bags.
Trends change fast, and so does fashion. Various factors are at play in determining when something is in or out of fashion, including the tastes of consumers, celebrities, and the media. It is important to note that fashion is not just about what you wear, but how you carry yourself and the confidence with which you present yourself.
It is easy to be influenced by what other people are doing and to get caught up in the latest trends. But the real power of fashion is in how you carry yourself and what message you send out to the world. This is a powerful force that can affect people worldwide and influence them to buy into certain ideas, concepts, and products. It is also important to remember that while the business of fashion is lucrative, it has its drawbacks. For example, it can be detrimental to the environment when textiles and raw materials are shipped from far-flung locations. It is also difficult for small businesses to compete against big-name designers and the mass marketing they can produce. This is why it is important to shop responsibly and support local business. The more you shop locally, the better it is for everyone involved in the fashion industry. It is also important to support sustainable fashion, which uses fewer resources and supports local communities.