Fashion is a style or practice of dress that is a reflection of the culture and time in which it was developed. It is also a way of displaying one’s individuality and is seen as an art form. Fashion is an ever-changing concept, with new trends appearing and others disappearing as quickly as they are established.
The evolution of fashion can be attributed to several factors, including changes in social and cultural attitudes, as well as economic conditions and technological progress. The fashion industry itself is very large, with millions of people worldwide involved in the design, manufacture, and marketing of clothing. Fashion also varies by geographic region and even within societies, with different age groups, classes, and sexes having their own established styles.
A fashion trend usually begins when someone who has a high social status or who is popular wears a new style. As a result, those who admire or respect them start to wear clothes in the same style. This may be done consciously or subconsciously. For example, in high schools, groups have names like “goths,” “skaters,” and “herbs” because of the way they dress.
In addition to influencing individuals, fashion has also been used as a tool for expression of political and social ideas. It has been used as a form of protest, for example, when black-clad anti-apartheid activists appeared in public wearing white T-shirts with the word “Free Mandela” printed on them. Similarly, fashion has been used to promote positive messages through the use of environmentally friendly fabrics and donating proceeds from sales to charity.