Fashion is a social phenomenon, intrinsically a form of expression. As such, it needs followers and propagation mechanisms. Dissemination can be top-down, bottom-up, cross-cultural, and viral, just to name a few. This article explores these mechanisms and their relationship to fashion. To begin, we must understand the social and cultural context in which fashion is created. Then, we can analyze the role of popular culture in spreading fashion.
It is a form of expression
While art is a one-way output form of expression, fashion is a multi-dimensional medium of artistic expression. It allows people from all walks of life to express themselves while maintaining personal dignity and avoiding unwanted attention. For students at San Bernardino High School, fashion is a form of expression that reflects their own individuality and personal style. They are encouraged to explore and experiment with their personal style by wearing different outfits and wearing different clothing brands.
It transforms the body
The desire for body transformation is an extension of a culture that privileges and favours certain bodies. It is a means to purge bodies that are socially deemed unappealing or disgusting. It blurs the boundaries between subject and object, and between self and other, and makes the body a symbol of “not good enough.” Moreover, these transformations are often violent, resulting in the objectification of bodies.
It is a medium of expression
Clothing is a form of expression, used to both protect and navigate the environment. It also displays a person’s body and constructs a sense of gender or culture. Roland Barthes’s seminal work, The Language of Fashion (edited and translated by Andy Stafford), traces the history of fashion in modern society. While fashion is not always a representative forum for political debate, it has always been an important part of human culture and social interaction.
It is a business
Fashion is a billion-dollar global industry with many different designers contributing to the business. The fashion industry is both an expression of creativity and an economic necessity, benefiting both the wealthy and the poor. While many people think of fashion as being a nuisance, the fact remains that it is an essential business. As a business, fashion involves many different aspects, including public infrastructure, manufacturing, distribution, and working capital. Below, we’ll take a look at how the fashion industry operates.
It is a media
Fashion is a major influence on politics, economics, and the social sphere. Media outlets in the fashion industry help people communicate and display the latest trends. These outlets appeal to people’s emotions and aesthetics. As a result, they are often influential in shaping public opinion. The future of media is in the hands of fashion students. Here are some examples of the types of media in the fashion industry. In addition to news outlets, magazines, and newspapers, fashion magazines and newspapers often feature interviews with prominent fashion personalities.
It is a subculture
The rise of social media has changed how fashion is defined. No longer are subcultures defined by a specific style or aesthetic, but by a “subculture’s” sense of style. While some subcultures may be extinct, others are constantly thriving, such as emo subcultures and the Goth movement. The future of style is bright and subcultures will continue to develop and evolve into the 2020s.
It is a style
The term style is frequently misused, because it implies that a piece is only ornamental or a mere accessory. Critics fail to recognize that style is the antithesis of something else. Some of them think they’re protected by the theoretical disclaimer of filtering out the vulgar from the content. By perpetuating this misunderstanding, they reinforce the very things they are trying to deny. Here are some examples of how the term is misused.
It is a fad
What is a fad? A fad is a collective behavior that develops within a culture, generation, or social group. A group of people will follow a fad for a short period of time. When you notice a fad in your friends’ social circles, you may have caught on to the trend. But can you spot it when it is fading?
It is a trend
Millennials are blazing a new trail in fashion by asking questions like “where does my dress come from?” and “who made it?” More people are demanding to know the story behind the clothes they wear, and want to feel confident in the companies that make them. Another fashion trend is minimalism. Before the Netflix show “Marie Kondo,” this trend had been a popular choice. By keeping your wardrobe simple, you can focus on fewer, higher-quality pieces that will last for years.