Fashion is a cultural phenomenon that impacts all of us. It affects the way we dress, the language we use, how we interact and even the food we eat. The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar global enterprise. Fashion is everywhere; in magazines, television shows, movies, the internet, art galleries and advertising hoardings. Fashion can be as subtle as a whisper or as obvious as a scream. It can be as playful as a child’s finger painting or as sophisticated as an haute couture gown. Fashion can be a statement of individuality or a way to blend in with the crowd.
Fashion encompasses the trends, styles and practises that society follows during a certain period of time. It can also remind people of a previous era when a style from that era becomes popular again. Fashion is a dynamic concept that changes constantly; it moves in cycles, and as the cycle ends new trends begin to emerge.
The life of a trend usually starts when a group of people that are influential or popular in their social circle start wearing a particular style. These leaders, often referred to as fashion influencers, are followed by the general public. As more people adopt the trend, it spreads through the society forming a bell curve with early innovators and late adopters.
As with most things, there is a fine line between staying current and getting swept up in the latest fashion. While it may be fun to have a closet full of trendy clothes, it is also important to build your personal style and stay true to your personality. It is also important to be aware of the impact that your purchases have on the environment. For example, the rise in fast fashion has led to the proliferation of clothing made with toxic chemicals like polyester, which degrade after a few wears and shed microfibres into the environment.
Another important consideration is that fashion is not just about the items that are worn, but the whole system of production and consumption. The fashion system tends to favour financial capital over human and natural resources. This has resulted in a glamourisation of the fashion industry that has allowed it to escape responsibility for its impact.
Whether it is a whisper, a scream or an all knowing wink and a smile, fashion can speak volumes about the person who wears it. It is a way to express ourselves and share our innermost thoughts with the world. It is a tool to communicate our mood and personality, and it is always evolving. Staying current is a challenge, as trends move so quickly, but consciously participating in the current can be an effective way to stay in touch with your own style and your own unique identity. The fashion zeitgeist can be a powerful tool for personal expression, but it is also a tool that can be used to create social change.