Fashion is a global, ever-changing phenomenon that affects all aspects of life. From the high-end designer clothes that make their way down the runways of Paris and New York to the mass-produced casual and athletic wear that fills the shelves of retail stores worldwide, there is no shortage of style options. However, there is a distinction between “fashion” and “style.”
Fashion refers to the current trends in clothing, accessories and hairstyles. It is also about how people present themselves to others. Clothes and personal styling convey a person’s mood, status, and culture. For example, a young boy in a gothic t-shirt and multiple piercings may communicate to others that he is a member of a specific subculture. In addition, a man wearing white gloves with black trousers and blue masks may seem silly to the average person, but to an extreme Goth or skater, it might be part of his signature style.
A great article about Fashion should be well researched, with facts and figures that are verifiable. A writer should also offer original insights. While it is easy to follow the crowd when it comes to fashion, a truly excellent article should offer something unique. This could be a new take on a classic style or a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.
The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise that consists of designers, manufacturers and retailers who create and market clothes. Before the industrial revolution, almost all clothing was handmade for individuals, either at home or by local tailors and dressmakers. Then, with the invention of sewing machines and later on the development of factory systems for production, clothing began to be produced in large quantities and sold at fixed prices. Today, the terms haute couture and ready-to-wear are used to distinguish between exclusive, designer-made clothing that is made for models or celebrities and mass-produced clothes that are sold in department stores.
Changes in fashion often reflect societal changes and/or financial incentives, but research indicates that there are internal taste mechanisms at work as well. A style that is fad, rage or craze will quickly lose popularity and be dropped, only to be replaced by another fashionable trend.
A popular way to demonstrate one’s personal style is through the use of a trademarked name for a particular fashion line or garment. This is a form of branding and can increase sales significantly. In addition, fashion journalists, critics and commentators have an important role to play in the fashion world. Their critiques, opinions and insights can influence consumer behavior and thus the direction of trends. However, there are some critics of the fashion industry who believe that the media exaggerates and over-dramatizes fashion events. It is also important to note that fashions are gendered. In some cultures, there are restrictions on which types of clothes can be worn by men and women. Any deviation from this can be considered a violation of cultural norms and lead to social stigmas.