Fashion is a multibillion dollar global enterprise that creates and sells clothes and accessories. It is often seen as a form of self-expression, with a person’s outfit giving others an idea about their personality. However, fashion can also be a way to show solidarity with a group or cause.
Throughout history, fashion has varied widely within societies and has been influenced by geography, social class, occupation, and generations. A new fashion trend can be initiated by a celebrity wearing a certain style, which then becomes popular among the public. In general, people follow a fashion that they are comfortable with and which fits their personal image.
The first fashion magazines appeared in the late 19th century, and were aimed at an elite clientele. These magazines displayed the latest trends in haute couture, a high-end fashion line created by designers. These designers were inspired by a variety of sources, including art exhibitions and travels to other countries. They then began to create ready-to-wear fashion lines that were more affordable and accessible to the mass market. These ready-to-wear lines were promoted in the fashion magazines and soon became very successful, dwarfing the original haute couture businesses.
In the 20th century, a new generation of young people began to take an interest in fashion. This was influenced by the glamour of film and the changing attitudes towards women as a result of female emancipation. During the period between the two World Wars, the fashion industry truly developed as production methods were streamlined with clothes rationing and the introduction of fabric swatches to help manufacturers match colors and patterns. It was also during this time that department stores like Debenhams began to expand offering customers more choice and variety in their clothing purchases.
For women, this included a change from dresses to skirts and blouses. Wider hoops were worn to accentuate tiny waists, and pagoda sleeves were introduced for formal occasions. Pants for women were frowned upon until the early 20th century when French designer Paul Poiret introduced the harem pant. This was a more feminine skirt that flared out at the knee and became extremely popular.
Today, fashion is a worldwide phenomenon with influence from many different cultures. Often a fashion trend starts in one country and then spreads to other countries through magazines, music videos, and viral memes. Garments that are identical in color and design can appear completely different when worn by a person with a different body type or shape, a difference that is sometimes referred to as the “fashion paradox”. With the rise of internet commerce, the gap between haute couture and mass-produced fashion has narrowed, with some designers creating exclusive line of clothes that can be purchased at a fraction of the price of what is shown on the runways. This has led to a decline in the number of independent boutiques, with some shops closing down and others moving into more online retail space. However, the popularity of online shopping has increased consumer awareness about the environmental and ethical impact of fast-fashion.