Fashion is an art form, expressive and evocative of a particular time and place. Fashions have always reflected significant historical and social changes, as well as individual lifestyle choices. They have also reflected and encouraged new ideas, such as feminism in the 1960s and the miniskirt or cassocks of nuns.
For something to be considered a fashion, it must be both widely worn and copied. There are several ways that Fashion can spread, from top-down or “trickle-down” (influenced by a celebrity or high-fashion designer) to bottom-up or “bubble-up” through viral memes and media.
In modern western societies, Fashion is often influenced by celebrities and other high-profile people, who may create their own styles or follow a particular trend. This could include music stars (such as wearing hoodies) or movie and television actors (such as wearing a tuxedo to a red carpet event). It is important for Fashion to be fun and exciting, but it should also be considered ethical and respectful of others’ personal space. Generally, Fashion is seen as a way to express oneself and a sign of status, but it can also be used to create community. Clothes have a powerful symbolic meaning and can communicate an individual’s personality, gender, social class, age, occupation and location. They can also make a statement about the environment, for example, when someone wears an environmental slogan T-shirt or recycles their old clothes into a fashionable skirt. The style of clothes worn can be a reflection of the current popular trends, but it is important to remember that fashions change rapidly.