Thesis On Understanding Fashion

Understanding Fashion
Fashion is a means through which one expresses who they are without the means of verbal
communication. The elements that make fashion a whole are clothing, footwear, lifestyle,
accessories, makeup, hairstyle, body posture, etc.
Fashion industry is not as simple as making a garment and selling it. There are more than
100 other things to take care of in the middle of it. A lot of thought process goes into taking
even the smallest decision in this industry.
To begin with, understanding the importance of clothing is very necessary. One does not
just dress up to look pretty or to stand out in a crowd or just for the sake of it. Clothing drapes
one into modesty, irrespective of what they are wearing. It adds a veil of protection to one’s
skin, and body. A piece of clothing adds a certain helpfulness if stitched with pockets, collars,
attached belts, etc.
Every new piece of clothing that is introduced to the world goes through 4 stages. Some of
which do not make it to the 4th stage. These stages are as follows – 1. Original, 2. Popular, 3.
FAD.
Originals consist of all the new inventions that are introduced. Each and every Piece of
clothing has once been an original in the history of fashion. Be it a denim, a plain silk shirt, a
tulle skirt, even shoes.
When a new original piece stays for a long time and becomes a staple it is considered as a
Classic. A few of such timeless classics are an LBD, denim jeans, a white shirt, a Louboutin,
Mary Jane boots, etc. When originals stay for a long time and are interpreted year after year,
they also become a classic.
Every time a new trend or piece of clothing is introduced and followed by everybody it
becomes a Popular. When every fashion influencer, actress, actor, civilian, stylists, etc., follow
the trend in one or the other way it is regarded as Popular. Some current examples can be y2k
clothing and jewelry, chunky florals, cropped cardigans, boiler suits, balloon sleeves, etc.
Every classic has once been a popular.
When any Original or Popular comes and stays very dominantly for a very short period of
time, it is known as a FAD. Some of these examples are Bum ripped jeans, upturned collar,
etc.
The only factor affecting fashion is not just People but a lot of other factors affect the life
of a clothing item or trend. Some of these factors are economic factors, cultural factors,
technological factors and social factors.
Economic factors can have both positive and negative impacts on fashion. During
economic boom period people have more disposable income, thus increasing their spending
power. Which is why the hemline theory suggests that the skirt lengths (the hemline) rise
with the stock prices.
Every country and part of the world has its own culture. This difference with different
clothing styles of every culture is considered Cultural Factors.
Social factors include-population growth, age distribution, health consciousness, career
attitudes and so on. These factors are of particular interest as they have a direct effect on how
fashion industry understands customers. The fashion industry is one of those industries that
may be most affected by the impact of socio-cultural trends.
Technological Factors include new inventions, availability of machinery or technology,
etc.
Fashion is not just piece of clothing worn for utility or to hide one’s skin. It is used to
showcase one’s social position. Whether it be a uniform that shows one’s authority, or an
occasional attire that shows one’s social status., etc. It is used to showcase wealth and dignity
for the elite and higher upper-class. For college students or teens, it is used to blend in and
validation from peer groups. For some it is used as a rebellious for of act or to fight against a
cause for e.g., the punk form of clothing or for a social cause parade like the pride movements.,
etc. Fashion is also used for its aesthetic values like, y2k, punk, chic, earthy., etc.
All in all, fashion is a very wide subject that can have its own 100 encyclopedias and still
wouldn’t cover up all the topics.

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Understanding Fashion

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