Fashion is a form of popular aesthetic expression and it appears in clothing, footwear, accessories, makeup and hairstyles. It is also a global industry with New York City, Paris, London and Milan being the major fashion capitals in the world.
Fashion has always been important to humans as it helps us stand out from each other, a semiotic way of distinguishing ourselves. In the past fashion was only available to those of higher social status as it signified wealth, power and influence. Today, however, it has become a means of self-expression for people from all walks of life and can be found in everyday clothing.
The 1920s, known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’ was a time of great change in fashion and saw the rise of the flapper style. This was characterised by short hemlines and dropped waists, reflecting the greater freedom of the times. Designers such as Coco Chanel and Jean Patou helped to popularise this new style.
A shift towards ready to wear clothes became prevalent after the First World War as fabric rationing and the introduction of machine-made processes meant that mass production could be streamlined. Designers were able to produce garments with the latest styles and fabric finishes. This led to a greater variety of clothing and was a significant turning point in the history of fashion.
This was the start of the modern era of fashion and the beginning of a more democratic approach to what we wear. It was a time of experimentation and exploration for people as they tried out different looks, trying to find out what suited them best. This was especially true in the adolescent period where people are searching for who they are and their personal style is often very indicative of this.
As time goes on, fashion will continue to evolve and change with the times. It will be influenced by cultural and political changes as well as social and technological advances. The ever-changing and expanding nature of fashion is what makes it such a fascinating subject to explore.
In the future, fashion is likely to continue to evolve and grow as technology impacts every aspect of our lives. In the fashion industry, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on sustainability, ethical production, and forward-thinking practices.
As the fashion industry continues to expand, more and more people are becoming interested in fashion and exploring their own personal styles. This is a positive thing as it allows people to express their individuality and create unique looks that suit them best. This is what makes fashion so exciting and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this thriving industry.