Fashion is an ever-changing industry that encompasses everything from designers sketching new collections to retail workers helping customers find the perfect outfit. It’s a global powerhouse that employs millions of people worldwide—from the models walking the runways to the seamstresses sewing their creations to the marketers promoting new trends to the consumers. Fashion is not only a way to express one’s individual style, but it also reflects cultural changes and helps depict historical periods.
Fashion can be influenced by many factors, from social class to geographical locations to time of year. In order for something to be considered fashionable, it must be widely embraced and followed. The terms fashionista and fashion victim are used to describe individuals who follow current fashion trends without question or reason.
While the term fashion is often associated with clothing, it can also refer to footwear, accessories, cosmetics, and other ways of self-expression. Throughout history, fashion has been used to break society norms, solidify traditions, increase confidence, and spark creativity.
In modern times, the definition of fashion has expanded to include cultural trends and fads. For example, in the 1920s, Art Deco style was popular with geometric shapes, biased cut dresses, and dramatic accessories. During the same era, women’s fashion included corsets and bustles that focused on creating an hourglass figure. Today, we see gender-inclusive styles and bold colors paired with classic silhouettes like shift dresses. Fashion is a reflection of our culture, and it continues to play an important role in our daily lives.