Fashion Week is Back in Fashion
“Fashion” means many things to many people. To some it means clean cut and simple lines. To others it means experimenting with complex and exotic designs, bright colors and shapes. To still others it means wearing clothes without being conscious of how much they cost or what people think of them.
Fashion is actually a broad category of personal autonomy and self-expression in a given cultural context and at a given time and location. The word, itself, has a great deal of baggage attached to it. Early fashion designers were often accused of “stealing” fashion. Those were the “puppy mill” designers, those whose work did not conform to any pre-existing fashion guidelines. They were criticized for taking styles that were popular on the street and using them for lower prices or making fashions that were fashionable but not graceful or refined.
Some fashion designers, most notably Louis Vuitton, have taken to defending their designs. They point out that the fashion world is so large and so varied, there is no reason why certain designers can’t compete. And they point out that, for every Vuitton, there are dozens of Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Versace, Dior, or Dolce and Gabana designs. These designer companies continue to innovate and make contributions to fashion. They may not be able to control the direction of all trends, but they certainly can set the tone.
The fashion business is global in its reach. There is little difference between the fashion of Japan or China and that of Paris or New York City. Even within Europe there are many different styles and fashions. For example, in England and France there are two distinct fashion movements, the “goth” look and the “cool” look, which give each country a distinctive identity.
The Gothic style looks romantic and ethereal, with lace and brocade and very high necklines. It is often worn with baggy pants or an oversized shirt. The cool fashion trend combines the heavy fabrics of the Gothic with the lightweight fabrics of the cool fashion. Both looks are appropriate for women of all sizes.
Today’s fashion industry produces clothing for men, women, and children of all ages and body types. Teenagers enjoy hip and funky styles, while adults love suits and casuals. Fashion designers, meanwhile, create clothing for teenagers as well as women and older people. Whatever the style, fashion is big business and is a popular and ever-changing industry.