Fashion is a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses clothing, footwear and accessories. It is also a way of displaying one’s social status and cultural identity through the styles and trends that are popular. It is a global industry that is driven by merchandising, the creation of new styles and trends and the consumption of apparel.
It can be influenced by the media and celebrity, but it is ultimately decided by the consumer. For a style to be considered “fashion,” it needs to be adopted and worn by many people. This dissemination can happen from the top down (“trickle-down”) or bottom up (“bubble up”), but it is most likely to occur in tandem with the social and cultural changes that are happening.
In the past, fashion has been used as a way to show a person’s wealth and status. For example, only Roman senators could wear garments dyed with Tyrian purple; in the 17th century, the emperor of China was the only person allowed to wear yellow; and high-ranking Hawaiians wore feather cloaks and carved whale teeth necklaces. Today, the fashion industry is highly globalized and consists of clothing designers, manufacturers and distributors. Designers are often based in Europe and America, while clothing is manufactured and sold all over the world.
The most important aspect of fashion is the ability to communicate. It can be a whisper or a shout, but it must be articulated in such a way that it catches someone’s eye. The best way to do this is by attending some fashion shows, which will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in modern trends.