Fashion is a multifaceted term for clothing styles, aesthetics and trends that can be influenced by culture, economics, politics and social movements. It can also refer to a particular way of dressing and the use of cosmetics, jewellery and other accessories. A more narrow definition of fashion may include the idea of style and taste, as well as a certain degree of sophistication and class.
Historically, people have sought to express their sense of personal style through the clothes they wear. The most popular fashions are often based on the most recent styles and trends, but they can also be inspired by previous seasons, specific events, or even movies or television shows. The earliest evidence of continual change in clothing styles can be traced to the late medieval period, although the appearance of some individual styles can be dated back much further.
A major aspect of fashion is the design process, with designers creating new styles, materials and textures. This includes the work of haute couture fashion houses that create designer clothing, as well as the work of more casual designers who produce ready-to-wear collections and line extensions. In addition to designing and producing clothes, many fashion brands also run stores and retail outlets that sell the latest styles and trends.
Trends have a life cycle that typically lasts five to seven years. When a particular style reaches the end of this cycle, it is generally considered to be “out of fashion.” However, as long as something retains some popularity, it can reappear as a fashion for a period of time.
Some of the most influential figures in fashion are celebrities, sports stars, politicians and royalty. Musicians and artists are also known to inspire fashion trends, and the press frequently reports on the clothes that these individuals wear.
The most prestigious and exclusive clothing styles are often referred to as “high fashion.” These designs can be seen on the runways of Paris, London or Milan, or they can be found in high-end department stores. Generally, high-fashion items are made with very expensive materials and are designed by professional designers.
People also seek to influence their own personal fashion through experimentation and self-expression. Some of the most interesting experiments in this area can be seen on the internet, where people post photos of their outfits and get feedback from others. Other ways that people experiment with their personal style is by trying on a variety of clothes to see what works for them.
Fashion can be a form of art, as well as a tool for social activism. For example, London College of Fashion curator Alison Moloney tapped into this potential through her exhibition “Cabinet Stories,” which toured a female prison, a mental health unit and a care home for elderly people. In these settings, people were encouraged to select clothes that had personal meaning for them and share the story behind them. This was an attempt to show that, despite the stereotypes of these institutions, these people were not just criminals or patients but individuals with a unique personality and individuality.