Fashion is a term used to describe the prevailing style of clothing in a culture. It is the most visible expression of a society’s identity. It is a system of customs and trends that can be seen in the arts, sports, entertainment and business. The earliest examples of continual and accelerating change in Western fashion can be traced to the late medieval period. Before that, most clothing was made individually by tailors or dressmakers. After the industrial revolution, fashion became more mass-produced and available to a wider range of people.
The industry of fashion is global and includes the design, production, retailing and advertising of clothing. It is a massive business that employs millions of people around the world, including designers, seamstresses, tailors, pattern makers and other clothing professionals. In recent decades, the popularity of television shows and the internet have spread knowledge about fashion trends to consumers worldwide.
Historically, fashion has been driven by cultural change and a desire to express individuality. But it has also been a powerful vehicle for social change, activism and advocacy. Fashion has empowered people to amplify their voices, support causes and challenge societal norms.
It can be difficult to define what is “fashion,” as it changes and develops all the time. Some styles go out of fashion and become ‘out of date’, but they may reappear in a new form. Fashion is often influenced by subcultures and street culture, with elements from previous styles emerging into new ones. For example, the copper rivets that were first developed to make jeans stronger in areas of stress went on to influence modern denim trends.