Fashion is a mode of expression that can take many forms including clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories and makeup. It varies by time, place and culture. Fashion is influenced by the society and culture it is a part of, as well as by current events. The most important aspect of fashion is how it communicates a message to the wearer and the viewer. The way a person dresses can show the world who they are, what they stand for and what they believe in.
The style of a person’s clothes may reveal their social status, hobbies, religion or political affiliation. They can also create stereotypes and distance between groups of people. For example a boy with green hair and multiple piercings might be perceived as a rebellious outsider, while a girl in tight designer jeans with a tiara might be seen as an elegant and desirable beauty.
Clothes are an easy and effective form of self-expression, allowing us to convey our emotions and personality. They can speak in a whisper, a high-energy scream or a wink and smile. Fashion is a form of communication that can be used for good or evil, to deceive, seduce, intimidate and control. The fashion industry is a global business that operates at several levels, from the production of raw materials and textiles to the retailing of finished goods. It has a direct effect on the economy of nations, as consumers worldwide spend billions of dollars on apparel every year.
Some of the most famous designers in the world have created and marketed their own brands of clothing, with some even making millions of dollars. However, the success of these designs is based on the ability to create trends and appeal to consumer desires. This requires the creation of new ideas, unique design details and a successful marketing strategy. Some have argued that the theft of unique designs and intellectual property is a major contributing factor to the failure of many small or independent design companies.
The earliest known changes in Western clothing styles can be dated back to late medieval times, when the garments worn by gentlemen began to change in shape. Historians, such as James Laver and Fernand Braudel, date the start of continuous and accelerating change in clothing styles to the mid- 14th century.
Trends in Western dress have been driven by cultural and social influences, as well as economic factors, such as the increasing availability of dyes, fabrics and machinery for making clothes. The development of printed fabrics allowed for more variety in colors and patterns, while advances in weaving technology increased the speed at which garments could be made. These developments also enabled a greater number of individuals to own clothing. Moreover, the rise of the middle classes in Europe meant that more people could afford to buy and wear fashion clothing. As a result, trends in dress became increasingly popular and influential throughout the world. The prevailing modes of dress in other cultures, such as traditional Indian and Islamic dress, have been slower to evolve and change.