The realm of fashion.
From ancient times to the present, fashion has continually shaped human existence. Even in prehistoric eras, when early humans adorned themselves with fur coats, fashion played a vital role in our daily lives, impacting not only our clothing choices but also our state of mind. Although often overlooked, fashion holds immense importance within society and is deeply embedded in our culture. Numerous stores cater to this ever-evolving trend and serve as a basis for assessing individuals. In modern times, the fashion industry has witnessed remarkable expansion.
Global brands like Versace, Polo, Levi’s, and Armani have grown into massive billion-dollar companies and are sold worldwide, from Costa Rica to Japan. The clothing, footwear, and fashion sector in the UK is a major export industry that produced �5 worth of exports in 2005.
The UK’s fashion exports were valued at 8 billion, while imports amounted to 10.5 billion, according to UK Fashion Exports. These figures demonstrate the transformation of the fashion industry from a form of self-expression and leisure into one of the most profitable industries worldwide.
Fashion also addresses numerous contemporary societal matters. In our society, critical thinking is becoming less prevalent. The idea that fashion encourages rebellion and going against the mainstream is misleading, as it merely transforms individuals into conformists, like everyone else in our society. Regardless of people’s desires, acceptance is a fundamental human need, as indicated in Mazlow’s Heirarchy of Needs.
Wearing the latest fashion makes people feel accepted, but it also traps them in a cycle of unoriginality and the loss of individuality. One concerning aspect of fashion is its impact on health. Catwalks showcase exaggerated fashion trends, but when these outfits are worn in real life, they not only appear absurd but can also pose serious harm.
A model strutting down the runway in eight inch heels is not comparable to an average individual donning them in public. The hazards of fashion extend beyond attire and encompass tattoos as well. Despite the potential harm involved, individuals are enticed by well-known personalities like the alluring Angelina Jolie and comedic Drew Barrymore, often succumbing to the allure of getting inked themselves. Among the most perilous health dangers linked to fashion are anorexia and bulimia.
In society, being thin and a size 2 is seen as desirable and attractive. This perception, known as “accepted,” has negative effects as it leads to surgery, starvation, and obsessive behaviors concerning body image. According to research from the University of Heidelberg, 10% of reported eating disorder cases still struggle after 20 years, with an additional 16% resulting in death. Furthermore, this ideal of thinness affects not only personal well-being but also the economy and societal norms.
Despite its seemingly frivolous nature, fashion is a massive global industry that holds immense financial significance. It has become an integral and serious part of our society, influencing individuals worldwide and driving them to conform to the rules and trends of current fashion, sometimes even to extremes. Although fashion may not have originally aimed for greatness, it has undoubtedly grown into a monumental subject.
According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, the greatest accomplishment is being true to oneself in a world that constantly tries to mold individuals into something different.
