Fashion is a cultural phenomenon that has evolved into a powerful means of self-expression. From streetwear to haute couture, it reflects the world around us and gives us a glimpse into people’s beliefs, affiliations, moods, and identities. It also drives societal changes, sparking movements and influencing trends across the globe. In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, fashion is all about individuality and creativity, with designers pushing the boundaries of what we can wear and how we express ourselves through our clothes.
Fashion can be dated back to ancient civilisations, where clothing was used for both practical purposes as well as symbolic representations of social status and power. As societies advanced, so did their clothing styles, with the Renaissance period marking a significant change in European fashion with structured garments that emphasised elegance and simplicity. In the present day, the global fashion industry is a massively lucrative enterprise with many different professions involved, from designers and models to marketers and retailers. It is also an increasingly sustainable sector, with brands focusing on reducing waste and ensuring fair labour practices.
The word ‘fashion’ comes from the French phrase meaning “to suit one’s taste.” While there is no official definition of this term, it essentially means what is currently popular or desirable in society. This can be seen in the ever-changing styles of fashion, with certain items of clothing being worn in a particular way for a limited time only before becoming out-of-fashion or even obsolete.
This constant fad in fashion is due to various factors, including mass media and new technologies that make it easier for people to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. For instance, in the nineteenth century, the rise of photography allowed for more realistic depictions of clothing and thus influenced fashion. In addition, the Industrial Revolution brought with it increased production of textiles which then led to greater mass distribution and cheaper clothing prices.
In modern Western culture, it is common for people to follow fashions based on their gender, age, social class, and occupation. The concept of a ‘fashion victim’ refers to someone who slavishly follows the latest fashions without having the personal style to match, while the term ‘fashionista’ refers to a person who combines their own unique sense of style with current trends.
While the most popular sources of fashion inspiration come from magazines, blogs and social media, it is important to remember that fashion is not just about what you wear but how you interpret these influences. The things a character takes note of, whether it’s the colour of their shoes or how they tie their scarf, help to further define who they are as individuals and can be a great way to convey an overall feeling of the storyline. This is particularly true in fiction, where the choices a character makes can be as much about who they are as it is about what they look like. This is why it’s so important to get the details right.