Posted on May 14, 2024
Fashion is not only a type of clothing; it is a way of communicating yourself which has been changing for generations. Fashion, as eccentric as it sounds, has always been a part of life, from the extravagant ancient clothes to the fast-paced modern fashion trends. This, in turn, reflects our culture, values, and individuality, which forms a strong force that shapes our identities.
Fashion has been a tool to show the status, wealth, and social standing, which were the main reasons for people to use it throughout history. In ancient Egypt, the clothing was a sign of the one’s social status, especially the royalty and the elite, and it was the only way to distinguish them from the common people. Just like in medieval Europe, sumptuary laws were the dress codes that people had to follow based on their social rank, so that the clothing was always a symbol of social hierarchy.
Nonetheless, fashion is not just the compulsion to follow the society norms, it is also about the rebellion against them. All through the world, fashion has been employed as a way of nonconformity, thereby, the opposition of the globally accepted concepts and the stretching of the limits. At one time, from the flappers of the 1920s, who were not following the traditional feminine ideal, to the punks of the 1970s and 80s, who were embracing the DIY aesthetic, fashion has been a way to express the dissent and individuality.
Nowadays, fashion has become more approachable because of the development of mass production and the worldwide market. In the present day fashion is not only decided by designers and celebrities; it is also influenced by street style, social media and cultural movements. Trends are being changed very quickly with the rapid desire for the uniqueness and the novelty.
Fashion is so amazing because it can always be new and updated to the current trends. Styles that were previously labeled as radical or avant-garde have become the mainstream, thus, showing the changing attitudes and values. For instance, the mini-skirt, which was initially a sign of rebellion, is now a basic part of women’s everyday wardrobe all over the world.
The fashion is also a representation of the time we are in. In the boom of the economy, fashion becomes more flashy and extravagant, showing the people’s wish for the luxurious and the excess. On the contrary, in times of hardship fashion becomes more neutral and practical, thus reflecting the fact that people are not willing to have a lot of things but rather want things that are cheap and functional.
In the recent years, the occurrence of environmental and ethical fashion concerns has been increasing, and now people are more aware of the long-lasting consequences. Fast fashion, which means cheap and disposable clothes, has become a huge problem, and has raised issue about waste and exploitation in the industry. Thus, there has been a movement towards the development of more sustainable and ethical fashion practices, with the emphasis on transparency, accountability, and the quality of life.
Though it is a complicated thing, fashion is still a source of joy, creativity, and self-expression for the millions of people worldwide. Fashion is a way of letting you know who you are, telling your story, showing your personality and accepting your uniqueness whether you are a trend setter or a trend follower. To be more precise, Coco Chanel, the fashion designer, once said that “Fashion is not just about dresses. Fashion is in the sky, the street; fashion is about ideas, the way we live and what is happening.