Fashion is a way of expressing oneself through the clothing you wear. It has been a part of the human experience since early days. From the beautiful arcs of printed silk dresses of dynastic China, to the elaborate corseted ball gowns of eighteenth century England. People are always searching for ways to express themselves through clothes.
Trends of Fashion vary by social class, generation, occupation and geography, and may change over time. Individuals of high cultural status are viewed as role models and may inspire a new fashion. The terms fashionista and fashion victim describe individuals who slavishly follow current trends and designs.
In modern times, fashion is largely influenced by the media and celebrity culture. It is a multi-billion dollar global industry that encompasses many sub-industries and businesses. It includes design, manufacturing and retailing of clothing and accessories. In recent years, fashion has expanded to include online content such as blogs and TikTok videos, which has helped to spread trends more quickly.
Fashion can be a way to create identity in a group or community, especially among young people. It can also be a tool for social or political protest. For example, during the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, some fashion designers used their clothing to make political statements. Clothes are often used as a form of status, with wealthy people wearing designer label clothing to show their wealth and power. Conversely, poor people may wear recycled or hand-me-down clothes.