Fashion is a multifaceted industry that encompasses clothing, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, and other textiles. It also describes the styles, trends, and aesthetics that shape these garments. People use fashion to express their personality, social status, and group affiliations.
Some argue that there is a distinction between the fashion industry (which makes designer clothes) and the apparel industry (which makes regular, mass-produced clothes). Others, however, believe that this distinction no longer exists. Fashion is a global language, and the way that we dress can reflect our current mood and culture. It can be a subtle whisper, a powerful scream, or an all-knowing wink and smile.
Clothes have always been used to convey ideas and emotions. They can help us distinguish between friends and strangers. They can tell us about a person’s background, hobbies, and interests. They can even mark a period of time. Think about how the bell-bottom jeans of the 1970s evolved into the baggy jeans of the 1990s.
A great place to start learning about fashion is to look at magazines or blogs. Find an outfit that you love and try to recreate it as closely as possible. Make mental or actual notes of what works and what doesn’t. This process can be overwhelming, but it’s a fantastic way to learn about the world of fashion!
The Fashion Institute of Technology offers a broad bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design. The curriculum is centered on the theory of design, and students have access to high-tech equipment like a 3-D body scanner and industrial digital printer. They can also take advantage of internship opportunities with companies like Calvin Klein and Nike.