Fashion is a cultural phenomenon and form of art through which a society examines its notions of beauty, goodness and worth. It is also a global business with millions of people employed in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of clothing, accessories, shoes, bags, etc. Fashion is a multibillion dollar industry that spans from the couture designs that are shown on runways in Paris and New York to the mass-produced casual wear found in malls and markets worldwide.
What is important to understand about Fashion is that what starts as a fad often becomes part of the mainstream in a very short time. The way that styles and trends change is one of the most fascinating aspects of this phenomenon.
In addition to changing with the times, Fashion also changes depending on the social and cultural influences at play. Musicians and other celebrities are known to strongly influence the fashion choices of their followers. For example, the hoodie style that became popular in America was first popularized by rap musicians. Politicians and royalty also have a great impact on Fashion, with newspapers and magazines often reporting on what they are wearing.
The blending of the worlds of Fashion and anti-fashion is another interesting aspect of this phenomenon. This is often seen in the way that elements of a culture’s attire that were once considered anti-fashion, such as traditional dress, tattoos, or certain forms of hairstyles, can become part of the mainstream through capitalization and commoditization.