What Is Fashion?
Fashion is the term used to describe the changing styles of clothing, hair, makeup and decoration. It can also refer to a particular way of behaving or an art form. It is a phenomenon that has been present from the start of civilizations, as people have always cared about how they look. Fashion is influenced by culture, environment, political influences, technology and economics, among other things. In order for something to be considered a “fashion” it needs to be popular and influential, generating trends that can be followed by other people. Trends are typically short-lived, causing an item to become fashionable for a period of time before becoming out-of-fashion.
The development of fashion has been influenced by a wide variety of factors and has evolved from necessity into a form of art. The earliest clothing was made to protect humans from the elements, but as civilisations developed so did a sense of fashion and style. Once the ability to weave cloths was developed fashion became more about personal expression and individuality. People began to create clothes in different colours and styles to suit their moods or activities, creating a whole new industry.
As time went by and fashion became more of a social phenomenon, it became easier for individuals to get inspiration for their outfits from the media. Musicians and artists often inspire fashion trends, but celebrities, politicians and royalty can also have a huge influence. For example, the women in the 1920s fought for their right to wear pants, which led to designers like Paul Poiret creating styles such as the harem pant, that were seen as more feminine and modern.
Today the fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar business that is constantly evolving and expanding. The internet and social media have helped to spread trends globally, with websites such as Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook making it easy for people to share and follow their favourite styles. In addition, low-cost fashion retailers such as H&M and Zara have become incredibly popular, offering affordable versions of runway styles that can be purchased by anyone.
Fashion is not just about the latest looks and trends; it is also about what is comfortable to wear, what suits your body type and how well it fits. Moreover, fashion can be an important aspect of one’s identity and can even act as a status symbol. For example, it is not uncommon for a person to be referred to as a “fashionista” if they are extremely interested in and follow the latest fashion trends. This is in contrast to a person who is not so interested in fashion and simply follows the traditional style of their family or generation.