Fashion is a word we hear often, known and admired all around the world. Have you ever stopped to contemplate what “fashion” truly is? As someone who is drawn to fashion, style and beauty, here’s my take on what fashion means.
Fashion is a popular style or practice, especially in clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, products, hairstyle and body. Fashion is a distinctive and often constant trend in the style in which a person dresses.
There is a distinct difference between fashion and style, although the words are often used interchangeably. Style is a unique cut or clothing preference individual to each person, and the way the person wears and carries the clothes. Whereas fashion is basically the clothing and garment industry as a whole. One can wear fashionable clothes without carrying them off in a stylish manner. On the other hand, take a person who oozes style, and they can dress in not too fashionable of clothes, yet put the outfit together with excellent, exquisite class and style.
The term fashion not only refers to clothing, but also to the study of clothing. Fashion is a very detailed subject and there is much interest of research which is taught at several world renowned institutes. The Fashion Institute of Technology in the United States and the National Institute of Fashion Technology, based in India, has produced several notable professionals, alumni and designers in the fashion field.
Although many aspects of fashion can be feminine or masculine, some trends are androgynous. Think tuxedo suits, pink shirts, etc. Yes, men look handsome and sexy wearing pink or purple shirts!
Fashion trends can be influenced by several factors including cinema, celebrities, climate, creative explorations, political, economical, social and technological trends. Fashion forecasters use this information to help determine growth or decline of a popular fashion trend or fad. Examining these factors is called a PEST analysis. Fashion forecasters can use this information to help determine the growth or decline of a trend, which can change daily. For the true fashion diva, always have the confidence and the courage to set your own fashion trends, true to you and all that you do!
No matter how you view fashion, there is no denying that fashion is fun, fearless and aesthetically visual and pleasing. For the fashion buff in all of us…clothes truly do make the man or the woman!
The notion of a global fashion industry is a product of the modern age. Prior to the mid-19th century, most clothing was custom made. It was handmade for individuals, either as home production or an order from dressmakers and tailors. By the beginning of the 20th century, with the rise of new technology such as the sewing machine, the rise of global capitalism and the development of the factory system of production, along with the addition of retail outlets such as department stores, clothing had increasingly come to be mass-produced in standard sizes and sold at fixed prices.
How would you describe fashion?
Young man and beautiful lady in flower dress
The Fashion Industry Consists of Four Levels:
- The production of raw materials, principally fibers, textiles, leather and furs.
- The production of fashion goods by designers, manufacturers, contractors and others.
- Retail sales.
- Various forms of advertising and promotion.
Fashion forward, fashion sweet, whether you’re dressing comfy and casual or sophisticated and chic, all aspects of fashion are a true “clothes buff’s” treat!
Fashion Fun Fact: The four major current fashion capitals are acknowledged to be Paris, France; Milan, Italy; New York City, United States; and London, England. These exciting cities are all headquarters to the greatest fashion companies and are renowned for their major influence on global fashion. Fashion Weeks are held in these cities, with Los Angeles, California following in their footsteps.
Step into style in the fashion of your choice, whether you’re comfortable dressed casual like a Volkswagen or dolled up to a Rolls Royce!
Whatever fashion means to you…without its flair and flamboyance the world would be a drab, lonely place. Hail the delight we get from our sense of style and fashion taste!
Nancy Mangano is an American beauty/fashion/style influencer, fashion journalist, screenwriter and author of the Natalie North murder mystery book series. Visit Nancy on her global online fashion/style/beauty magazine Strutting in Style! at http://www.struttinginstyle.com, her Facebook page Nancy Mangano at https://www.facebook.com/nancymmangano/ Twitter @https://twitter.com/nancymangano and her author website http://www.nancymangano.com
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