If someone were to mention that they’re into haute couture, fashion week, or are simply a fashion enthusiast, you’d be surprised how many people immediately look down upon their interest. Many express that fashion is pointless, shallow, or even a waste of time in this fast paced world. Some choose to ignore it because what they see on runways and advertisements don’t match their consumer preferences or simply the idea that the costumes are “outrageous, immature, and too random” to be considered wearable clothes. Although all views are respected, being an avid lover of fashion, here is my take on this.
What many don’t realize is that fashion is beyond just the clothes. It’s a movement that allows for the thriving of art, cultures, ideas, etc. Numerous countries have fashion platforms that allow them to network with other nations in collaboration of ideas and celebration of art. Designers from various cultures design their collections based on their idea of art, while their clothes embody the culture and identity they originate from.
Throughout history, fashion trends have been influenced by various factors that allow consumers to identify and connect with what is being sold to them. Political culture has played a massive role in the fashion industry and still continues to do so. During the 1960’s economic expansion, younger generations began to rebel and sported miniskirts, which became a major fashion trend during the decade. Using this as inspiration, designers utilized the trend and began to experiment with garment sizes and variations of common apparel, thus making the mini-skirt an icon during the 60’s. During the Vietnam War, American youth would wear vibrantly patterned clothes, bell-bottom jeans, etc. to protest against the war and rally for peace, which eventually became known as the Hippie trend and still carries an influence in modern fashion.
It’s known that fashion trends reach beyond the aesthetic nature and becomes a tool for designers to convey his/her message to society. This is seen many cases, whether it be high end or high street fashion. A runway show, such as those seen in fashion weeks, are essentially a reflection of trends and a designer’s mind. Vivienne Westwood, a renowned British designer, uses her shows as a platform to voice her societal views. During her AW15 menswear show, the models displayed bruised faces to channel “Eco-Warriors” on a mission to save the planet. Another example is the Chanel SS15 show, where models carried signs reading, “Feminist but feminine” and other words of empowerment. This show reflected Coco Chanel’s work in liberating the female body during the post-World War II era as well as Chanel’s long history of advocating for female empowerment.
The amount of influence fashion has had on society is endless and with modern fashion engaging with both traditional fashion collections as well as collections that connect with popular culture and consumers, the industry is expanding to encompass anyone with a passion for the arts. Both high end and high street fashion reflect our current society as a whole and the trends are both expressive as well as aesthetic, allowing one to showcase their personal statement. It is beyond just clothes or models who wear them. It’s a different form of art that integrates many factors to give essentially anyone the opportunity to engage themselves in it.
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