Fashion is a mode of expression, the way people express themselves through their clothing. It can also be seen as an expression of the time we live in, with trends changing faster than ever. The art of fashion is about the freedom to experiment with various styles and be whoever you want. The industry is very dynamic, with designers bringing in new inspiration, ideas and techniques every day.
People started covering themselves when they were exposed to the elements, and with this came the evolution of clothes. They used to wear their leaves, tree trunks and then animal skin before they moved on to weaving cloths out of plant fibres. Fashion has been around for a long time, but it was only when the industrial revolution took place that it became a major form of expression.
The industry is very feminine, with a few exceptions like Charles Worth, who was the first man to be a fashion designer. The word ‘fashion’ actually comes from the French term, La Mode, which means the current style or manner of dress. This may be why people have associated the term with modernity, as Paris is the centre of the high-end international garment industry.
The influence of fashion has gone beyond the clothing, and into shoes, accessories and even the way we speak. There are fashion blogs and websites, and magazines dedicated to a single aspect of fashion. People are inspired by their family, friends and the culture they live in, and all this influences how they express themselves through their clothing. Fashion is a powerful tool for socialisation and a way of being, but it can also be one of the most confusing.