The Essence of Fashion
Fashion is a term that encompasses clothing, footwear, cosmetics and accessories. It can also refer to the creation of new trends and styles in these areas. It is a highly fluid concept, influenced by changing cultural aesthetics and social contexts. For something to be considered fashionable, it must be widely distributed and embraced by followers. This dissemination may occur either vertically (top-down or “trickle-down”), horizontally (by imitation and reworking of original designs), or transversally via the internet, memes, music or art.
The ubiquity of fashion has led to its being seen as a kind of mirror of society. However, this metaphor is flawed because fashion often reflects only a certain segment of society, for example, the wealthy or middle class. Moreover, the selection of garments displayed in fashion magazines or preserved in museum dress collections only shows a particular moment in time, not the whole spectrum of society’s attire.
Moreover, the fashion industry is inherently a commercial enterprise, and this is evident through its constant need to create new trends. These trends are then exploited by advertising and branding campaigns in order to sell clothes. This approach to creating and disseminating fashion is controversial because it can be viewed as a form of intellectual property theft. However, some argue that fashion’s role as a catalyst for social change makes it necessary for the industry to continually introduce new trends.
In the past, fashion was an important tool for social status and self-expression. During the 14th century, for example, people began to wear clothes with more complicated patterns and colours as a sign of wealth and prestige. Later, the aristocracy started to wear clothes made from silk and other expensive materials. These were then admired by others, and it was not uncommon to see young women copying the style of the older generation.
As such, the social impact of fashion was far-reaching. It helped shape the way in which people perceived their environment, other cultures, and even themselves. However, today, it has become a cult, and many youngsters blindly follow the styles of celebrities and models. This is not how fashion should be used.
The best way to understand the essence of fashion is to experience it first-hand. Take some time to look at fashion magazines and cut out bits of designs that you find interesting. Likewise, visit thrift stores and flea markets to find inexpensive bits of vintage eras to explore. This will give you a deeper appreciation of the fashion industry and its influence on everyday life. Moreover, it will help you write an essay on fashion that has an authentic touch and is not a doppelganger of someone else’s work. This is because a successful essay on fashion must capture the reader’s attention from start to finish. Keeping these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to crafting a superb article on this topic. Good luck!