The fashion industry is a huge, multi-billion dollar global powerhouse that employs millions. From designers sketching new lines to retail workers helping customers find that perfect outfit, it’s a diverse and exciting sector of the economy. Fashion also plays a significant role in the cultural landscape, reflecting social changes and depicting historical periods. From the flapper dresses of the 1920’s signifying women’s liberation to the psychedelic prints of the 1960’s embodying counterculture movements, fashion can be a powerful visual expression of societal shifts.
From the moment you walk into a room, your clothes make an impression on others. They can tell a story about you, from the way you hold yourself to how you perceive life. In the world of film and television, fashion is often used as a tool to convey character traits or even status. For example, Audrey Hepburn’s iconic little black dress in the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” instantly identifies her as Holly Golightly, a woman of impeccable style and grace.
Typically, trends start when someone with high status wears something different or stylish and other people notice it. They then start to copy the look and soon enough a trend is born. This process is similar to how music and other types of art form a genre. Once a fashion trend is established it may be hard to break free from it, but by setting some parameters for yourself, you can explore other styles while still staying true to your own aesthetic.