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Influence of fashion in society
Social importance of fashion
Essay about fashion and identity
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Recommended: Influence of fashion in society
Chapter 1: Fashion through identity/ identity through fashion
Since the early yesteryears, the emergence of fashion as a separate powerful system that could enforce change developed. Fashion has a prominence, pre-eminence and a democratic manifestation within visual culture that we could not have imagined years ago. (Bruzzi and Gibson, 2000) With the change in technology and the industrial revolution, the modern professional began to understand workspace clothing, clothing for different occasions, and the message that is conveyed through clothing. This gradual understanding of colors, clothes, garments, and adorning oneself to look presentable eventually became a symbol of status and identity. With further years, different styles developed
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Whereas, identification is attributing yourself by characteristics possessed by another person. (Or of a group, consciously or unconsciously). These overall attributes include behavioral, emotional, temperamental characteristics that create different personalities. It is also a social form of representation that communicates the relationship between the social world and identity. It is also generally believed that a personas way of dressing and presentation reflects the individuals identity that in rooted in their background, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. Fashion and identity are two varied subjects that are often linked together to create the personality of a person. While creating an identity, fashion plays an important and pivotal role. If not consciously, it does help to enable individuals to express their identity and construct themselves freely. However, in identity, fashion could mean different things to different individuals. Some use clothing as a tool for confidence and in their favor, while some may not connect with it on an external level. A persons fashion choices do build and become a part of their identity. For example: If you choose to wear a shirt on a particular day, you will communicate to others that your clothing is a certain image that you are trying to portray, irrespective of …show more content…
Does identity dictate on appearing rather than being? The reign of ephemeral ‘fashion’ as a development of democracy and individualism is the constant change in fashion that triumphs over conformities by social groups or authorities (Lipovetsky, G 1994). According to the author, fashion is a result of the freedom or individuality developed irrespective of societal norms and conformities. Fashion is a social form of subtle bondage. The personality of a person could be either completely defined by it or could be far from it, but with subtle traces of fashion that impact life. Clothing has developed into a medium for exploring oneself and one’s own identity. According to Lipovetsky, fashion, in the contemporary society has become an emerging topic of social reflection. In today’s modern world, fashion has created its own vast culture through material products that in turn, sculpt identities. For example: If one enjoys shopping for clothing that is cruelty free or is made through natural processes, that individual could be identified as an environmentally conscious person. On the other hand, if another person enjoys luxury clothing, which could simply, mean that the individual is devoted to certain brands and is brand conscious. These examples lay down how we visually view different styles of different people around us, and perceive or judge/view certain things about
Under the current capitalism society and material culture, people tend to form their identities through consumption, this means more than to consume products which are needed to survive, consumption can also link to self-identity formation and expression. People are imperceptibly influenced by the mass media that self-identity can be shaped and formed through consuming specific products. Therefore it can be said, fashion is an important element of identity formation. Young people are commonly feared of being seen as outdated and seek for acceptance from the peers and the society. According to Erikson’s theory of personal social and personal development adolescences and young adults see peers as a critical influence, acceptance of peers can lead to security of identity and self-esteem. This essay is going to examine how young people shape or form their identities through the consumption of fashion. Youths tend to shape their identity through different styles or ways of dressing, differentiate themselves from others and express their feeling or identity through fashion.
Fashion in the 21st century is a big business, as its production employs millions of people and generates billions of dollars in revenue. Fashion has for the past century been, and is still today, used as an indicator of social change and progress, as it changes with the social norms of the society and the political changes of the world (Finkelstein 3). Works Cited Finkelstein, Joanne. A.S.A. & Co. Fashion: An Introduction to Fashion. New York: New York University Press, 1998.
...o contextual influences and past experiences. Therefore it is almost impossible to pre-empt the ways in which others will perceive you. Over time ideas will change and therefore alter the ways in which we look back on past clothing choices. Whilst symbolism in fashion may no longer be subject to laws as it was in the 14th century or defined by strict social rules in the 17th century, the clothes we wear are still today subject to imposed social ideals. Apart from distinguishing one status group from another, a style of dress may also aid group cohesiveness, provide the individual with an identity and a feeling of belonging, and communicate the wearer’s attitudes and interests. The ways in which we interpret others and present ourselves for interpretation is the only true way that we can be individual. Symbolism in clothing may not seem as obvious or important nowadays as it was in times of extreme social bigotry, but it is still highly prevalent and has remained one of the most effective ways to project our desired image to those around us. ‘The state of a person’s clothes is synonymous with self respect and is a sign of responsibility’ (www. Pemberley.com/janeinfo/vebleis7.html)
Georg Simmel explores the impact societal differentiation played on the 20th century, in the article Fashion, published in 1957 in The American Journal of Sociology, Volume LXII, Number 6. In this text he defines his theory stating “The elite initiate a fashion and, when the mass imitates it in an effort to obliterate the external distinction of class, abandons it for a newer mode- a process that quickens with the increase of wealth” (Fashion, p.541). Fashion connects those of a higher social class and segregates them from others. Simmel believes that fashion evolves from class differentiation, as members of the elite class seek to set themselves apart from other classes, and in turn a revolving cycle begins (Blumer, p.277). Members from other lower classes copy the elite’s fashion and with this the elite must change...
Fashion is a form people use as a way for self expression. For me, fashion dictates how a person sense of style is; some may be bold and loud or simple and calm in which it also gives others an outlook on how their character may be. Although fashion is a way to express ones’ sense of style it does not tells us who the person is personally. Fashion in the society of the 1900s has changed female gender roles then and now by the way their roles changed during the time.
In my own research I have come to believe that in the consumer and media societies, identity has been increasingly linked to style, to producing an image, to how one looks. To have an identity people must develop their own look, style and image.
Fashion plays an important role in the lives of billions all over the world; people, as part of a status craving society, turn to “fashion capitals” of the world for ways in which to dress and carry themselves. New York, Milan, and Paris are leaders among this fierce industry that the world lusts after. Fashion can speak volumes about ones personality, or also about the condition the world is in at the time. In France, fashion changed rapidly and feverously as the times changed.
What is fashion and what importance does it have in people’s life? Is it hard to create fashion and who are those people who manage people’s mind and declare what is fashionable and what is not? Fashion started when people began to wear clothes. It was between 100,000 to 500,000 years ago. The way how people dressed indicated social status. Because of this fact fashion trends was established by royalty. In the 20th century when movie industry started to develop quickly, people began to watch how movie’s stars and celebrities wore. Despite this fact, people was mostly inclined on world leaders’ way of dressing. For example, princess Diana was setting the style although she wasn’t a fashion designer. Moreover “her iconic style continues to
Clothing is something that defines a person, and allows society to have an outlook on an individual’s lifestyle and beliefs. Unlike criticizing other material things like a car, a home or even something as simple as a television set, criticism of clothing is very personal. This suggests that there is a high correlation between clothing and personal identity and values. (Breward, pg.1) Clothing in a sense has the ability to communicate thought. However, similarly to art interpretations, this does not mean that any two people will perceive these visual aesthetics similarly.
There have been many instances where I am stopped and commented on what I’m wearing. Depending on a single item of clothing, I am either a “certified hippie”, “lesbian”, or “law student”. This has brought me to raise an important social question: How have fashion and advertising built identity stereotypes? Stereotyping can have a strong and negative impact on a person, especially younger generations that are now at an influential stage in their mental development. By subjecting them to these stereotypes based on what they wear, they may begin to think of and see themselves as society claims, rather than who they are or aspire to be. By conducting further research on stereotyping in fashion designs through their advertisements, the aim of this research is to understand the history and social ideas behind fashion. By thoroughly understanding the problem, a solution would be easier to reach. In order to gain further insight on the matter, two practitioners have been selected: Dr. Rebecca Arnold and Dr. Roman Meinhold.
To begin with, I shall look at what fashion is; it is a currently popular style or practice involving clothing, footwear or accessories. It mostly refers to the current trends in looks and dressing style of a person (Cumming 234). In most cases, fashion is confusedly related to costumes; when a person talks of fashion they are seen to mean fashion in terms of textile. Fashion is seen to originate from the Western world and it is copied by other places. In this paper, we shall look at how fashion affects lifestyles and the group of people who are affected most. The paper further investigates how media is used to transmit fashion from one region to the other. Although it has been seen to affect people’s lives many people have different perspectives on fashion and dressing.
Over shadowing functionality, fashion is human’s next need for embellishment, followed by power or status.“Fashion is, in many ways, like a river.” -Elaine Stone. It is constantly moving forward and changing. Consequently, fueling the fashion business and allowing it to prosper.In other words if there is no change, then there will be no fashion, thus no bussiness. Over the decades millions of brands and designers have been trying to adapt to the rapid and ongoing change in fashion. Those who fail to attune with constant change tend to correlate to failure in business. However, those who do adapt to constant change in fashion have the tendency to succeed in business. Three distinct trend setting designers that have successfully adapted to change are Burberry, Vera Wang and Chanel.
Fashion is a currently valued style of appearance and behavior. It is a way to shape one’s external custom. The history of fashion dates back to hundred years ago and it has seen a remarkable progress in the 21st century. Man has endeavored a lot to bring new changes according to style and elegance that suits his needs and desires. Apparently, our culture is inclined towards fashion and change in the former brings change in the latter.When we talk about Pakistan, from the independence day of August 14, 1947 up-to-date, it has been a society in transition and being dynamic in nature, it isconsequently ever-changing and its patterns are transforming from time to time.
Identity is the condition of being oneself. One's identity is largely influenced by society. It has a far-reaching effect on identity by shaping beliefs, whether cultural, traditional or personal. It is why one's perspective on things is driven by what one’s society chooses to believe, because one is taught to think the way society tells them to.
Following fashion styles in order to be trendy and to look different and stylish in front of others by wearing different types of clothes and accessories. Fashion can be viewed in people’s style of outlook personality with clothing and hairstyle, style of living and behaving, along with the area of personal interest. Today’s youths are totally influenced by new fashion trends. Fashion brings an interesting twist in our boring life which makes us with feeling of confidence and up to date according to this changing environment. Youth generation is totally affected by this glamorous world of fashion. Their dressing style, hair style, accessories, language and personality all shows that how much they are influenced by fashion.