Why is fashion important and why should it matter to you? Truthfully, just like everything in life, different people will have different takes on this so answers will vary. We must also consider that fashion is not something that everyone considers important but in this post, I’m going to give you my answer as to why it’s important to me and build up a bit of a fashion foundation along the way. So let’s start with something pivotal here: what is fashion?
Simply put, it’s a popular clothing trend. My personal definition of fashion is a little different. Fashion is wearing what is popular at the moment. The trends that I partake in are ones that make me feel confident and excited. For instance, right now plaid is everywhere and on everything, so naturally, my wardrobe and living space reflect the trend.
What is Fashion
Fashion is the dynamic and ever-changing expression of style, encompassing clothing, accessories, and trends that reflect the collective imagination and cultural identity of a society, serving as a powerful means of self-expression and creativity, influencing how individuals present themselves to the world, and shaping perceptions, fostering confidence, and celebrating the diverse tapestry of human individuality.
1. Cultivating Identity
Fashion plays a pivotal role in shaping and expressing individual and communal identities. It allows us to showcase our personalities, beliefs, and values, providing a canvas for self-discovery and confidence. Through clothing choices and style preferences, we communicate who we are and how we want to be perceived by the world. Fashion empowers us to embrace our uniqueness and stand out, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance in a diverse society.
2. Cultural Reflection
Fashion serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the values, traditions, and history of various cultures. It embodies the essence of a community’s heritage and social norms, creating a tapestry of diversity and inclusivity. By embracing and celebrating cultural fashion, we promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, fostering a global sense of unity and respect for one another’s unique backgrounds. Through this shared language of style, we bridge the gaps between societies and honor the beauty of human heritage.
3. Boosting Confidence
Fashion empowers us with authentic and comfortable self-expression, enhancing confidence and self-esteem. The right clothing choices positively impact how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us, fostering a positive self-image and inner strength. Embracing our unique style radiates authenticity, resulting in a greater sense of self-worth.
4. Driving Innovation
Fashion serves as a catalyst for innovation, inspiring creativity across diverse industries. Designers and enthusiasts constantly push boundaries, experimenting with fabrics, styles, and concepts. This creative spirit transcends the fashion realm, influencing advancements in technology, art, and architecture. Fashion trends and ideas spark fresh perspectives and cross-disciplinary collaborations, propelling society forward with inventive solutions.
5. Economic Impact
Fashion plays a pivotal role in the global economy, driving growth and generating employment opportunities. The industry’s vast network encompasses designers, manufacturers, retailers, marketers, and artisans, sustaining numerous businesses worldwide. As consumers, our fashion choices influence market trends and drive demand for products and services, contributing to economic prosperity. Fashion also supports local communities, particularly in regions with textile production and garment manufacturing, making a positive impact on livelihoods and fostering economic development.
6. Fostering Social Change
Fashion becomes a powerful platform for social change and advocacy. Throughout history, clothing has symbolized movements and challenged societal norms, promoting equality and raising awareness about important causes. By using fashion as a means of protest and activism, individuals and communities amplify their voices and ignite conversations that drive positive transformation. The fashion industry’s capacity to inspire solidarity and support for critical issues empowers us to be agents of change, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
7. Environmental Sustainability
Fashion’s focus on sustainability encourages eco-friendly practices, promoting responsible sourcing and ethical production. By supporting sustainable brands and choosing eco-conscious materials, we reduce the industry’s environmental impact. Embracing fashion’s commitment to sustainability fosters a collective effort to protect the planet and support ethical practices within the industry.
Fashion Life Cycle
First things first, the fashion life cycle is used in the textile merchandising industry. This cycle tracks the life span of a particular item. Consumers influence this cycle. If a style is purchased it becomes accepted and if it is accepted then it becomes fashion. Here’s the fashion life cycle chart:
This life cycle has 5 stages, so as long as a trend does not end during the introduction stage, it is considered fashion. This cycle is important for retailers but equally as important for consumers, as it indicates when something is losing popularity and thus is going out of fashion. An example would be seeing that the once-popular item is now in the clearance section.
Fashion is semi-permanent art, which is what I love about it. When I say semi-permanent, I mean that it’s easy to make it whatever you want it to be. I love that I can create any sort of persona that I want depending on my mood, where I’m going, or what I want to say that day. Unlike a finished sculpture, I’m able to easily change up my outfit or even the way that each piece looks if I choose to (using a sewing machine and sewing supplies or some of my mediocre DIY skills). Not only can I handpick the pieces I want, but I can create them myself or change up the look of ones I already have by altering them or adding extra details like buttons, ribbons, patches or other details to make them my own.
I see fashion as a tool and I utilize it by investigating new trends. Fashion is influenced by real-world events and news, so it’s one way I stay up-to-date with the things that are happening around me. I follow runway trends, fashion blogs, and am constantly browsing my favorite fashion retailer’s websites and window shopping so that I can see firsthand what’s hot or not. Brands in the 21st century realize that being socially aware is imperative to their survival. So when inclusiveness in sizing or making silhouettes that don’t place people in a box between one gender to another became evident, proactive companies quickly began taking action in order to get to a solution that would suit our current needs. Many companies are offering size ranges that are much more inclusive than they were even 5 years ago and they’re also coming out with lines and collections that are androgynous. Another huge economic shift in fashion for companies is creating things in more sustainable ways so that fashion can continue to prosper without it being at the expense of our environment. Fashion is important because it changes with me and it changes with the world.
On a larger scale, fashion is important because it represents our history and helps to tell the story of the world. Clothes began as a necessity but they gained their power early on when certain groups wore specific styles, making them popular. An early example: Levi jeans were worn among miners because the copper rivets used at points of stress within the jeans expand the lifespan of the jeans, making them a favorite among the blue-collar worker. Levi’s saw an opportunity and quickly created a solution and even after more than 150 years, they still remain an iconic denim brand.
Fashion trends vary at least slightly from place to place so different styles are more suitable for different climates and areas. Clothes help to keep people ready for whatever they may face in life but fashion keeps up with the current crazes and changes that we all face so that we’re ready for whatever life throws our way.
Fashion can also be a part of people’s culture. It helps people to show what they stand for and can even aid in honoring their faith and values such as turbans, hijabs, and other accessories that symbolize people’s way of life. Fashion is there to keep that honor and also to provide a bit of expression if someone chooses to do so.
From a designing perspective, fashion gives you complete control in delivering any message that you desire. Fashion is more than a hobby or interest, for some, it’s a way of life (much like it is for me). It’s one of the surest forms of expression and you get to choose how you use it and what you want to do with it.
Fashion is everywhere and you get to decide your fashion tastes and destiny. So go shopping for new clothes, used ones, or fabric, and get to creating the you that you want to be today.
Thank you so much for stopping by to give this article a read; I hope you found it informative.
Now I’m curious, what does fashion mean for you and why do you think it’s important? Drop your comments below, I can’t wait to read them!
I learn a lot about a person by the colors they choose to wear.
Fashion also speaks to eras, as I note the quality of my purchases I still own and wear/use, from 3 decades back,
– a jean jacket that came with Hong Kong seam finishing,
– a leather clutch, just now cracking around the zip opening,
among other things bought on my then stereotypical manufacturing wage job.
I sewed then also but less. I now see sewing as a necessity, for sake of fabric quality, and fit.
Levi’s, “they still remain an iconic denim brand”
The last pair of Levi’s I bought, was from Walmart, in the mid-1990s, which lasted 2 months, in use at my desk job. They’re a good example of industry transition from quality that built that brand, to skating through on their name.
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