Fashion is a way of expressing individuality through clothing. It is a form of communication that can be an understated whisper, a high-energy scream, or even a knowing wink and a smile. It can tell a story about the person wearing it, whether it’s a revealing dress or an outfit that says, “I hate everyone.”
Prior to the middle of the 19th century, most clothing was handmade for individuals as tailoring and dressmaking grew in importance. By the early 20th century, however, new technologies and the rise of global capitalism fueled the development of factory production methods that allowed for mass production of inexpensive clothes in standard sizes. In addition, the introduction of the sewing machine in the mid-19th century dramatically accelerated the process of changing styles from season to season and year to year.
The evolution of the fashion industry was further fueled by the popularity of women’s magazines and the advent of color photography. The first fashion magazine, Vogue, was founded in the United States in 1902 and quickly became the dominant force in the industry. Later, the popularity of TV encouraged the creation of dedicated fashion shows.
People have always used their fashion choices to communicate with the world around them. In fact, fashion has been described as a kind of language, a means to express emotions, ideas and solidarity with other people. Many people also use their choice of clothes to make a statement about themselves or their environment. For example, rock stars wear outrageous hairstyles and t-shirts with slogans that promote antiwar or environmental causes.
In some societies, different clothing styles have been used to show class distinction or to mark an ethnic group. Only Roman senators could wear garments dyed with Tyrian purple; in early China only the emperor was permitted to wear yellow; and Hawaiian chiefs wore garments made of feathers or carved whale teeth. Nowadays, it is common to see people identifying themselves by the music they listen to, the films they watch and the clothes they wear.
The influence of fashion can be seen on the runways of Paris, Milan and London as well as in everyday life. People follow the fashion trends set by famous musicians, movie stars and politicians, or they can look at their favorite television shows and magazines to find out what’s hot. Some styles of clothing are only suitable for men or women, so any attempt to wear them in the opposite gender is considered to be cross-dressing.
Although the influence of fashion on people is largely unconscious, it is very powerful. It can change the course of history and radically alter lifestyles. The influence of technology in the form of 3D printing and smart fabrics is already beginning to be felt. Moreover, fashion is becoming more and more socially and environmentally responsible with designers making garments that are biodegradable, made of recycled materials or constructed with solar panels for energy. This is a trend that will continue to grow in the future.