Fashion is a phenomenon of changing times that affects all the aspects of society in one way or another. It is also a form of self-expression and a reflection of a particular social group. Fashion is widely followed by people all over the world.
It is also considered a status symbol. The rich and the elite class excel in the field of fashion. The lower classes either give no heed to the latest trends or follow them only for special occasions. However, it has become a necessity of life in the modern era. It is omnipresent in the print media, electronic media and even in movies, music and advertising hoardings.
The earliest records of clothing show that it was used both to protect from cold and as a means of showing a person’s social standing. In ancient Rome, only the wealthy could wear garments dyed with Tyrian purple, while in China before the proclamation of the Republic, only the emperor was allowed to wear yellow. Even today, wealthy women often dress in designer clothes and the latest styles of hats and shoes.
It is important for fashion designers to understand what people are thinking about and what is currently popular in their society. A good understanding of this will allow them to predict the direction of future trends. This is why they are paid so well. Popular fashions can be hard to trace; it is difficult to know how the short skirts and boots of teenagers in England made their way to Paris runways or how blue jeans became as popular as they are now.
