Fashion is a way of dressing and an industry which produces and sells clothing. It is considered to be a form of self-expression and a cultural and social statement. Fashion is influenced by past trends, current events and celebrity culture. It is a highly competitive business with a short turnaround time between when a trend is seen on the catwalk or in celebrity media and when it hits the stores.
The earliest evidence of continuous and accelerating change in clothing styles is believed to be from the late medieval period. Some historians have dated the origins of modern Western fashion to the middle of the 14th century.
Fashion can be influenced by a number of factors, including the appearance of celebrities or other public figures and the availability of new fabrics and materials. It can also be influenced by historical or national traditions, and the manner in which societies organize themselves, such as their laws, customs, and values.
The most visible and measurable effect of fashion is how it influences our sense of style. A person’s taste and style can be reflected in the clothes they wear, their hairstyles, and even their names. For example, some families name their children after fashionable or popular characters. Some people use fashion to express themselves, such as by wearing t-shirts with political slogans or choosing to dress in animal prints in support of veganism. Others find it simply a means of socializing with friends, like tucking in a mock neck sleeveless crop and pulling out a bold clutch for cocktails and conversation.