“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street;
fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Coco Channel, 1883-1971
What is a fashion trend?
Fashion trends are the driving force behind the fashion industry, as they influence the cycle of creation and consumption. Typically, when a new trend emerges, fashion designers produce their own adaptations, and consumers purchase these products. However, trends are not limited to clothing and footwear; they encompass a broad range of categories, such as accessories, makeup, body art, and even home decor. For instance, trends may manifest in the form of body piercings, tattoos, plastic surgeries, or interior design and furniture.
Plate no-1 [1] Fashion Show
Factors that Affect Fashion
The trends in fashion are constantly changing, and this is a result of a multitude of factors. While fashion encompasses a wide range of areas, including clothing, accessories, and more, it is often associated with what people wear. Some of the key factors that influence fashion trends include social norms, fashion education, mass media, peer groups, social criticism, environment, customs, religion, work, leisure activities, wealth or changes in income,
inspiration from friends, changing trends, and values, and influence from family members.
The Positive impact of fashion trend
Fashion and the apparel industry have a multitude of positive impacts. They give rise to new ideas, designs, and trendy looks, providing a chance for designers to showcase their talent. The apparel sector offers endless opportunities, making it an attractive industry for many. Fashion has the power to transform an ordinary look into a branded, modern style, helping people attract attention from those they admire. Additionally, fashion serves as a universal language that connects people from different cultures and regions of the world. It allows individuals to express themselves and make a lasting first impression. Moreover, fashion and apparel are among the most popular topics in various media outlets, enabling them to influence and inspire many people.
The Negative impact of fashion trend
The younger generation is increasingly gravitating towards Western culture, often disregarding Indian customs and traditions. Hollywood fashion and trends are now more appealing to them than anything that is native to their own country. Traditional attire is being replaced by Western outfits, which are considered more fashionable. Many individuals not only keep up with the latest styles and trends but also try to imitate the images of stick-thin models projected by the fashion industry. This has led to dangerous eating disorders, mental health issues, body mutilation, anorexia, and even suicides among young girls. Teens are constantly bombarded by ads promoting the latest trends, and the use of extremely thin and unhealthy models further adds to the problem. Moreover, today’s teenagers and young adults are dressing in styles that are even more scandalous and revealing than those popular in the 1960s, which was their parents decade. The global economic landscape has also had a significant impact on Indian fashion, further altering its character. This highlights the importance of apparel and its demand in securing the future. Although designers are working hard to innovate traditional costumes, what today’s society wants is a modern, Western look. To ensure a successful future, we must take significant and frequent steps to meet this demand.
Future scope
Despite the fact that Indian fashion has gained global recognition, the majority of Indians are unaware of the treasure they possess. Over the years, Indian fashion has evolved to incorporate both traditional and cosmopolitan looks. Western influence has been so strong that it has brought about a shift in style. However, the future of fashion is likely to be very different from the past due to globalization, the accessibility of different cultures, and the interconnectedness of people via the internet and mass media. These factors are likely to lead to a convergence of fashion trends in architecture, music, online presence, and clothing.
In India, fashion has become a serious business, but it is important to keep our Indian culture in mind while creating trends. Blindly following the trends that come from abroad is not the answer. Instead, we should focus on using "made in India" apparel and increasing employment opportunities by promoting Indian embroidery work, which has gained popularity worldwide. We can also bring beautiful and unique trends to our traditional clothing, which could be widely accepted by the younger generation. It is important to wear traditional costumes during festivals and rituals so that they can be preserved and passed down to future generations. By doing so, we can ensure that our traditions and culture remain alive and well.
What are Style and Function in Fashion?
In the realm of fashion, style denotes an individual's unique way of expressing themselves, whether it is through clothing, writing, or a particular architectural style. More specifically, personal style is the means by which an individual expresses themselves through their clothing, accessories, hairstyle, and the way they assemble an outfit. On the other hand, the functions of fashion encompass the ability to construct, predict, distribute, and implement certain values and patterns of behavior, which shape a person's tastes and enable them to be
managed.
Conclusion
Fashion trends are constantly evolving, driven by a combination of factors such as changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and cultural influences. The fashion industry has a significant impact on the economy and society as a whole. As technology continues to advance, it has become a crucial element in the fashion industry, transforming the way we create, market, and consume fashion. The rise of social media platforms has also played a significant role in shaping fashion trends and influencing consumer behavior. With the ongoing changes and developments, the fashion industry will continue to be a dynamic and exciting sector, offering new opportunities and challenges for retailers, designers, and consumers alike.
References
1.FASHION TRENDS AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY: A CASE STUDY ON APPAREL TRENDS OF INDIAN SOCIETY,Barkha Ravi Shende, Gandhigram College, Wardha (MH) [1], Sept-2017: page no 58-63.
2. Jessica Naziri,(2011).Fashion with a Function,https://www.cnbc.com/2011/06/27/Fashion-with-a-Function.html.
3. Fashion Trends and Its Impact on Society,https://www.cnbc.com/2011/06/27/Fashion-with-a-Function.html, feb-25 2.30PM.
