How Fashion Is A Cultural Phenomenon
Fashion is a way of expressing oneself, whether that be through clothing, accessories or hairstyles. It is also a cultural phenomenon, reflecting social attitudes and moods. It is closely linked to popular culture and often influenced by music, art, and literature. Fashion trends are closely watched and copied by millions of people all over the world. The clothing industry is a multi-billion dollar global business and has become a major part of modern society.
Fashionable garments serve as semiotic means of distinction and social categorization, as well as a form of relief from the stresses of daily life. This is partly because the clothes and other aspects of style change in response to economic, political, and social events, but also because it’s a means of self-expression for both men and women. Some fashion styles act as status symbols, while others are simply fads that come and go.
In the past, fashionable clothes were usually expensive and were only available to the upper classes. However, in the twentieth century, fast-fashion companies like Zara and H&M made it possible for everyone to have a wardrobe of cool trendy clothes at an affordable price. Designers show their latest collections during Fashion shows. The designs are mostly over-exaggerated and not suited for everyday wear, but they give a general idea of the new trends.
Fashion designers use a melting pot of Western historical styles, folk traditions, avant-garde art and ancient cultures to create their collections. Likewise, modern pop culture influences popular fashion through films, sit-coms, and magazines. It’s close to impossible to trace how exactly the short skirts and boots of teenagers in England in 1960 evolved into the baggy jeans of the 90’s, or how hip-hop developed from the streets of the Bronx to the Haute Couture fashion shows in Paris.