Fashion is a general term for clothing styles and accessories. It also refers to the prevailing social norms and expectations regarding appearances, such as speaking style, walking style or grooming. Fashions vary by generation, social class, region and occupation. Fashions also change quickly, and a new style may become popular at one time then fall out of favor the next. Those who follow fashion trends are called “fashionistas” or “fashion victims.”
The changing of clothes has always been an important part of human culture. The latest fashions can reflect political movements, emulation of celebrities or just simple taste. For example, the miniskirt of the 1960’s symbolized female emancipation and freedom while cassocks or nun’s garments represented renunciation of vanity. Clothes can also be used as a form of identification or as a symbol of belonging to a group, such as when judges wear robes or the Hawaiian king wears a tiara.
In modern society, fashion is largely driven by the media. People watch TV shows and read magazines to see what other people are wearing and to decide what to wear themselves. They also look at musicians, artists and political leaders to see what their style is.
There are many types of designers who work in the fashion industry, from haute couture to fast-fashion retailers. The ability to be creative is an essential skill for fashion designers. Fashion design is a very competitive field, and the success of a designer is usually determined by their ability to identify popular trends and create designs that appeal to consumers.