Influences on Fashion
Fashions have a variety of origins. Some start in the lowest rungs of society, while others come from the top. These fashions are termed “bottom up” or “percolate up” changes, respectively. The resulting styles have many different influences, from environmental concerns to subcultures. Here are some examples.
Influence of subcultures
The influence of subcultures on fashion can’t be underestimated. Many designers take inspiration from the unique style of different communities. As a whole, the fashion industry tries to connect people across cultures. In addition to the obvious subcultures such as hip-hop and punk, there are many other influences that shape fashion.
Subcultures are communities of people that share similar tastes and aesthetics. These groups define themselves by their clothing and music. While some subcultures are influenced by global trends, most of them have their own distinctive style. Subcultures have become increasingly influential in today’s society, thanks to social media. Many brands sponsor fashion bloggers, and fashion vlogs are increasingly popular on YouTube.
Influence of mass-production
Mass-production has had an impact on clothing production and design. Production systems were developed to produce standard-sized garments at low costs. These processes helped to improve efficiency and reduce costs for retailers, but they also took away the personal touch consumers used to enjoy when selecting a garment. Consumers were no longer able to make customizations due to the high-volume manufacturing process.
Mass-production also made clothing easier to afford. The cost per unit of fabric was less, and garments were made to last longer. Many seams were wider, making them easy to repair at home. As a result, the mid-20th century saw the growth of the middle class and an increase in overall wages in the US. This allowed people to purchase more items and support the garment industry. By 1965, nearly ninety percent of all clothing made in the United States was mass-produced.
Influence of environmental concerns
The fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment. The amount of waste produced by the industry is estimated to double by 2030. Its production and design processes are often not up to scratch and the money spent on discarded items does not necessarily benefit the environment. The fashion industry needs to change its ways and adopt more sustainable methods to reduce its carbon footprint.
Many manufacturers are trying to minimize their negative environmental impact, such as focusing on recycling and designing denim that decomposes easily in compost. But the majority of clothing still contains polymers, which can pollute our environment. About 65% of clothing worldwide is made from synthetic polymers, making their disposal a serious environmental concern.
Sources of materials
Currently, clothing is made from a wide variety of materials. While traditional clothing is made from materials sourced from plants and animals, the majority of materials used in modern clothing come from fossil fuels, especially synthetic fibers. As a result, the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the world. Today, around 62% of all clothing fibres are derived from fossil fuels. However, there are a few ways that designers can make their clothes and accessories more sustainable and eco-friendly.
First of all, it’s vital to know where to source your materials. A bill of materials is a comprehensive list of items needed to manufacture a certain item. A bill of materials makes it easier for companies to calculate the actual cost of making a product. It also helps them reduce waste by making sure that they don’t miss anything.
Meaning of fashion
The word “fashion” has several different meanings, but at its core, it refers to the most current and popular styles and trends in clothing, dance, and music. It can also refer to what is socially acceptable, such as dress, manners, and etiquette. People who wear fashionable clothes often feel comfortable and well-groomed.
The word “fashion” is an ancient word that has roots in the Latin word “factio,” which comes from the verb “facio.” The word was originally used as a verb, but was later used as a noun. Later, it spread to Old French, where it had three variants with distinct meanings. One of these variants, “fechoun,” translated as “way,” spread to Anglo-Norman.