Fashion is the style and customary practice of dressing. It is a form of self-expression and a way to communicate one’s personal identity and social class. It can also be a form of art. For example, the miniskirt began to signify feminism and liberation, while nuns wear cassocks to show their renunciation of vanity.
In the past, clothing was primarily utilitarian and made of rough materials. But as new technologies allowed for more and more clothes to be made faster, it became possible to make a garment to order, which opened up a world of possibilities. Then came the invention of a sewing machine that enabled mass production and the advent of standardized sizes.
The fashion industry is a global business, and its trends can be seen all over the world. People everywhere are influenced by what celebrities and public figures wear, as well as by the designers they follow.
While it is commonly assumed that changes in clothing styles reflect societal change, researchers have found evidence of internal taste mechanisms that drive trends independent of external influences. This suggests that there is a limit to how much influence outside forces can have on fashion.
The best fashion schools are renowned for their faculty and facilities, as well as for the achievements of their alumni. They also have strong connections to related graduate programs, which can help students find jobs after graduation or transition into a different area of the field.