Fashion is a cultural and social phenomenon that affects the way people dress. It may also refer to a style of art or a method of acting. The term fashion is used to differentiate a mode of clothing from an earlier one, as well as to distinguish between styles of clothes in different times and places.
Fashion changes constantly, reflecting new trends and fads. The pace of change has accelerated since the advent of mass-market fashion, as people now have access to cheaper and faster ways to acquire fashionable goods.
Changing fashions can influence the social structure of a society, causing individuals and groups to adopt new ways of dressing, for example by separating themselves from traditional dress by wearing a uniform or by wearing clothes of a particular color. This can create a sense of unity amongst members of a group. The way that people dress can also reflect their beliefs, for instance when religious groups wear certain garments.
What is considered fashionable can depend on many factors, including age, social class, occupation, and geography. In modern Western culture, fashion is often influenced by celebrities and other high-profile figures who set trends for the rest of society to follow. This influence can be seen in the’moody blue’ suits that Barack Obama wears, for example, or the bare midriffs and baggy pants of the hip hop generation.
Many of the world’s most famous designers have established their names through fashion. New York, Paris, London and Milan are all considered fashion capitals, where the latest styles originate and where the most important fashion shows take place. Fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry that includes designing, production, and selling of clothes and accessories. Fashion is a major source of employment, especially in developing countries where clothing is largely produced locally.
Some people criticize the rapid pace at which fashion changes, arguing that it is indicative of an excessively consumerist and materialistic culture. Others enjoy the diversity and variety that changing fashions can provide, and see it as an outlet for self-expression.
People can express their own style and creativity by designing, sewing and knitting their own clothes, but the majority of people purchase ready-made clothing. These fashions are created by a large number of designers, manufacturers, and suppliers who produce a variety of clothing for the public to choose from. The clothes are advertised in magazines and newspapers, and some even feature on television shows. Designers sometimes make political statements with their clothes, for example when they encouraged women to shun revealing dresses during the Vietnam War, or in the recent fashion show that featured a burqa designed by an Islamic terrorist organization. The direction of popular fashions is usually difficult to trace, as they are often based on personal choices that are difficult to analyze objectively. This makes it easy for the fashion industry to manipulate and control the public’s perception of their products. For example, a dress with a racy neckline or cut may be seen as sexually provocative, while one that is dull and shapeless is viewed as tasteful.