Fashion is a worldwide phenomenon – a prevailing mode of expression that changes faster than society as a whole. It can be seen in clothing, shoes, hairstyles, makeup and lifestyles as well as in art, music, advertising hoardings etc. It also varies by geo-political regions, age groups, social classes and sexes as different cultures have distinct established trends in their dressing styles.
In modern times, fashion has become a massive industry with magazines dedicated solely to it as well as special shows on TV and the internet. It is so influential that people will be forgiven for thinking it is superficial and ephemeral, but the truth is that it is not. It is an incredibly powerful medium that can inspire social change and promote equality.
One of the main reasons why fashion is so popular is that it can instantly unify a culture or generation, and it can even be used to denote socio-economic status. It is also a hugely important tool for self-expression, especially in the case of women. Girls often spend hours thinking about what they should wear to school or work, and men are equally obsessed with the latest trends as well.
Fashion is closely linked to celebrity culture, with the fashion of musicians, actors and actresses influencing that of the general public. However, it is not just the popular idols that influence fashion; political and royal figures also have a huge impact on the clothing of their subjects.