The Purpose of Fashion: The Industry's Role in Society

Since the beginning of time, clothes have been a signifier of social status. But what is the purpose of fashion? The industry's role in society has changed over time. In the 18th century, there were only a few hundred modistes and designers in the world. Today, there are more than 5 million fashion creators globally. What you wear can also say a lot about yourself. Fashion reflects our changing attitudes towards race and gender. Here are some ways to explore the varying roles of fashion in society.

What is the purpose of fashion?

Historically, it was used by royalty to attract attention. It was a vehicle to assert power over those with less authority. Fashion could also be used as a message of protest. Colonialists in the 19th century would wear full-length trousers as a means of resisting British rule. "The idea of colonial protest has a very long history in the English language," says Kit Juckes, currency strategist at Societe Generale. "Even before any other part of our heritage, the colonial struggle for freedom carried with it the oppressive clothing habits of the colonized."

Today, fashion is used to display your identity or a range of similar identities. In this way, style helps us find aspects of our identity through our clothes. However, there is also a darker side to fashion.

Fashion and Society

The 18th century saw the advent of tailors and dressmakers in the world. However, most people in society were not wearing any type of clothes at all. It was not until the mid-19th century that women started wearing men's clothes for different occasions. Fashion reflected social status at that time, but it also reflected changes in society. Fashion has played a big part in changes in society, such as gender stereotypes and immigration. In the late 1800s, various Russian immigrants were looking to get dressed and keep up with the latest fashions.

Although fashion is an industry, it is also an industry in itself. It provides a means to keep people happy and entertained. In fact, some fashion designers go so far as to send staff to a production line to teach their workers how to make designs.

Fashion and Identity

Fashion communicates ideas about self, beauty, and ideals of beauty, among other things. Fashion promotes the idea that there are multiple ways of expressing oneself. Designers know this and take this to the next level. For example, when the first black models walked the runways of high-end fashion, they were not praised for being the first but for being there at all. They symbolized a time where white models would not make up the majority of the runways. For this reason, we should celebrate diversity. Fashion is also a catalyst for social change. Given the modernity of communications, it is now possible to change someone's perspective simply by wearing a certain garment.

Fashion and Self-Expression

We often think of fashion as frivolous, but it can be empowering. A woman can feel powerful when she puts on a bold, colorful, and exciting outfit. A man can feel powerful when he wears an innovative, unexpected outfit. When we buy something new and eye-catching, we are signaling to the world who we are and what we believe in.

Powerful images in fashion can promote political protests and enhance self-esteem. By using items like bright colors, creativity, and cultural context, we can express ourselves in many ways. Plus, they can help us find or create a new identity. For example, white shirts and jeans were synonymous with the conservative Republicans before Obama.

The Role of Fashion in Society Today

As a result of the growth of the world economy, wealthy individuals want to express their wealth through clothes. Most of the world's foremost fashion capitals, such as London, Paris, Milan, and New York, are now becoming as profitable as Silicon Valley in the U.S. Today, fashion reflects who we are as a society. Some of the most potent fashion and luxury goods brands such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, and Burberry are owned by companies such as LVMH and Kering. On a global scale, these three companies had revenues of US$115 billion, US$62 billion, and US$42 billion, respectively, in 2016.

Whether it's on the runway, in advertising, in Hollywood, or on TV, everyone is watching what people wear.

The Business of Fashion

Although fashion is a global industry, most of its profits are concentrated in the hands of a few fashion brands. This phenome is known as the fashion cycle. The cycle starts with consumers, who love to shop and spend money. Because of this, brands can often invest large amounts of capital and resources in the fashion cycle. It is estimated that the fashion cycle affects almost half of the world's economy. However, the cycle changes with each cycle. In the fashion cycle, fashion trends and fashions shape how people view the world. It's a powerful business to be in. At the top of the cycle are the "hipster" designers. Most of these designers are young, white, and American. They popularised punk, indie fashion during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Diversity in Designers

Over time, new designers started appearing. Many of these designers are known for their edgy style. These days, even children are following in their parents' footsteps. How can we understand the impact of this in the context of fashion? From this perspective, even children are influential. Their aesthetic choices reflect their parents' socio-economic status and how they see themselves. What's more, is that this influence is largely positive. Designers also use social media to make their own statements.

Over the last century, the ability to design and sell has evolved. Nowadays, designers are more than designers. They can design anything from clothing to cars, buildings to houses.

The Importance of Sustainability

How can fashion be a force for positive change? Clothing is a polluting industry. Permafrost, permafrost, permafrost! It's everywhere. And we know the permafrost is thawing. The carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere contributes to global warming and climate change. For instance, even though we've been using oil-based paint for nearly 100 years, its impact on the planet has intensified. Methane is an even bigger concern. When burned, it produces 80% more heat than carbon dioxide. The paint industry accounts for 12% of all carbon dioxide emissions. If you take a closer look at the figure, methane is released when you pour oil onto the asphalt, so the less you pour, the better for the planet.

Fashion may not always be our first instinct when looking for how to keep up with fashion. But it is important to remember that what you wear is a form of communication and storytelling. So, be sure to take some time to consider how to put together the perfect outfit that speaks to you and reflects your unique values.