Fashion is the way people dress, usually influenced by their culture, social class, age or location. It is also about personal style and expression. Fashion trends are popular, and many people follow them consciously or unconsciously. Fashion is a big industry that involves millions of people around the world; it includes designing, sewing, cutting, dyeing and transporting clothing. Many people follow the fashions of celebrities and politicians, and others look at magazines to see what is fashionable. The clothing that a person wears is a reflection of their values, and it is important to some people. Some people may be described as “fashion victims,” because they slavishly follow trends.
People wear clothes to protect themselves from the elements, and to keep warm or cool as appropriate. People often decorate their clothes with symbols of status or wealth, such as expensive jewellery, embroidered handkerchiefs, furs and expensive shoes. Fashion changes continuously, and trends come and go. When people start wearing a new style, other people may copy them and start wearing the same thing. People also wear clothes for identification and tradition: judges wear robes, soldiers wear uniforms, brides wear white dresses.
A change in fashion can be caused by a discovery of a new material or the appearance of someone who is considered to be a model. For example, the eighteenth century saw a shift from heavy silk to linen for dresses. New ideas in art, music or literature can influence fashion.
In the past, travel to far-flung parts of the world could provide an impetus for fashion trends. However, modern globalization has reduced the availability of exotic items.
The development of fashion is closely connected with the growth of trade and the development of manufacturing industries. In the nineteenth century, Europeans began to trade with Asia and Africa, and the production of textiles grew rapidly. This led to the invention of machine-spun and loomed yarns, which increased the amount that could be produced in a day. This allowed manufacturers to produce and sell more cloth, which made the industry boom.
Often, people who are involved in the fashion industry have an interest in art and design. They may have a background in architecture, painting or sculpture and use their skills to create the latest looks. A good understanding of how fabric, colour and shape can be used is crucial for the success of a designer.
A fashion show is a public event where designers present their latest collections to buyers and the media. The shows are often televised and are a major source of publicity for the designers. The most successful fashion designers have a good knowledge of how to market their collections.
There is a growing movement toward ethical and sustainable fashion, in which designers make clothes that are eco-friendly or fair trade. They may also have an understanding of the importance of supporting the local economy and community. The trend towards sustainable fashion has begun to be reflected in the designs of some high-end fashion brands, and the popularity of certain types of clothing has fallen off as others become more popular.