Fashion Trends and Terminology Overview

Fashion Definition

• Fashion is a general social phenomenon that affects society as a whole
• A specific style is only declared a fashion item when a large group of individuals accept it
• Fashion encompasses various aspects such as clothing, makeup, music, architecture, languages, and hairstyles
• Fashion acts as a form of status signaling, implying a higher status with the incorporation of fashionable items into one's wardrobe

Fashion Terminology

• "Standing still" fashion = clothing items that haven't changed over time (e.g., academic regalia, pope robes)
• Antique = clothing worn before 1920
• Vintage/Retro (retrospective) = clothing from 1920 to 1960, often copied from previous eras
• Reproduction/Repro garments = copies of styles from a previous era
• Modern/Contemporary fashions = recently produced garments

Factors Influencing Fashion Trends

• Economic factors (e.g., recession, inflation, affluence, poverty) influence the amount of money available to spend on clothes, variety of price ranges, and access to credit
• Social factors (e.g., different ages, cultures, religions, multiculturalism) influence the demand for specific fashions, creating prescriptive religious rules like the Islamic Bhurka in some cultures
• Political factors (e.g., laws, international relations) influence fashion such as the dress codes in specific countries
• Technological factors (e.g., textile innovations, faster production, easier communication) accelerate the introduction and propagation of new trends

The Fashion Cycle

• Fashion follows cycles, becoming popular and then declining in popularity.
• Fashion is introduced in three ways:
  • Trickle-down theory: top designers showcase trends for others to copy
  • Trickle-across theory: celebrities introducing trends that catch on among the masses
  • Bottom-up theory: trends begin in lower income groups and spread to the broader public

Fashion Cycle Stages

• Introduction: fashion designers introduce new styles that become visible on catwalks
• Rise: growing popularity and acceptance, mass production leads to lower prices
• Peak: height of popularity, mass production and accessibility
• Decline: fashion loses interest, stores offer sales to move stock
• Obsolescence/End: the fashion cycle completes and the style no longer remains in fashion

More Fashion Terminology

• Style = unique characteristics of an item that differentiate it from similar items
• Classic styles = timeless styles that have lasted for many seasons
• Fads = quickly adopted styles that quickly fall out of fashion

Haute Couture and Fast Fashion

• Haute couture = high-fashion designs created by designers, often unique pieces
• Fast fashion = trendy clothing designs that quickly move from catwalks to stores, often produced cheaply and rapidly.

Factors to Consider When Planning a Wardrobe

• Season: clothing choices and colors are influenced by seasonal climate and temperature considerations
• Occasion: appropriateness of clothing for specific events and social functions
• Aesthetics: choosing garments to enhance one's physique and appearance.

General Points to Consider When Shopping

• Assess your needs and finances
• Thoroughly review the item to ensure suitable fit and quality.
• Pay attention to appropriate detail and embellishment.

Steps in Wardrobe Planning

• Needs analysis: Identifying essential needs and requirements in clothing
• Stock take: Inventory of existing clothing items
• Shopping list: a list of necessary items
• Creating outfits: combining items with other appropriate garments for outfits.

Clothing as Symbols

• Clothing allows for the interpretation of various meanings by way of how it is worn, where it is worn, who wears it, and how it is cared for, etc..
• Clothing symbols will depend on past experiences and personal values

Messages Conveied by Clothing

• Messages conveyed by clothing include cultural preferences, religious affiliations, marital status, occupation, emotions, and personality, economic status, and so forth.

First Impressions

• First impressions are judged based on appearance, clothing selection, personal hygiene, body language, and facial expressions.
• First impressions are vital in communicating effectively
• Clothing will affect one's initial impression as it acts is an influential form of communication.

The Uniform: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages of uniform: ease of identification, standardized appearance, reduced stress of selections
• Disadvantages of uniform: limitation in expression of personal style, potential discomfort or unsuitability, lack of flexibility for specific occasions

Dressing for an Interview

• Select appropriate clothing that displays talent and personality while aligning with the company's acceptable dress code.
• Aim for a slightly overdressed rather than underdressed look.

Ethical Clothing Practices

• Ethical clothing practices involve fair wages, good working conditions, avoidance of child labor, and respect for environmental sustainability.

Recycled Textiles

• Recycling processed materials, like wool or plastic bottles into fibers.

Reuse and Upcycling

• Upcycling: Transforming old clothing into new items, possibly through revamping style and adding some detail
• Reuse: utilizing vintage clothing or second-hand clothing items.

Environmental Issues and Clothing

• Impacts of textile production on the planet: pollution, land usage, and water consumption and pollution
• Best options for clothing materials that have less impact on the environment: organic fabrics, recycled textiles, and those produced from sustainable fabrics.
• Companies must be aware of the environmental effects of their production

Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Clothing Selection

• The amount of money a person earns will directly influence the availability of clothing items, quality, and style
• Choice of clothing frequently reflects a person's social status, creating a visible image.

Symbolic Meaning of Appearance

• Clothing and appearances have a symbolic meaning to the wearer as well as to the viewer, particularly in first impression situations, such as an interview, date, social functions, and so on
• First impressions can make or break an interview.

The Effect of Local Production vs. Clothing Imports

• Local garment production creates jobs, promotes financial growth and supports local businesses
• Importation of clothing from abroad can negatively impact local businesses, job figures, and potentially cause issues such as loss of jobs within the local marketplace and economy.

Piracy of Branded Goods/Trademarks

• Brand piracy is a crime that involves unauthorized use or reproduction of protected trademarks or brands.
• This constitutes various forms of piracy.
• Piracy can damage brand reputations and cost significant financial losses for original manufacturers.

Clothing For The World Of Work

• Clothing selection frequently reflects the wearer's attitude towards their work, status within their occupation, economic status, social and cultural, religious identity
• Clothing frequently reflects work attire (business-like) suitable for various work environments

Explore the multifaceted world of fashion, including its definition and influence on society. This quiz dives into key terminologies and factors that shape fashion trends. Understand how economic conditions and societal acceptance contribute to what is considered 'in fashion.'