Generally, fashion is defined as the art of dressing well. It includes a variety of aspects, such as style, fashion, and trend. It is influenced by both societal and technological factors. In addition to being influenced by a person’s personality, their style is also shaped by their history and the scale of their surroundings.
History
Throughout history, fashion has reflected important changes in social norms, politics, and technology. This can be seen through artwork, advertisements, and costumes. People have always admired the way others dress, and clothing has become a form of expression for many cultures.
In ancient Egypt, light cotton clothes were worn. Later, different styles were worn by Greeks and eastern neighbors. As civilizations advanced, people began to wear longer dresses, with more material to keep them warm.
In the 15th century, men started wearing clothes with different features. Among the most prominent fashion styles of that time were the straight silhouettes, well-fitting clothing, and tailcoats. They also enjoyed wearing corsets.
After the French Revolution in 1789, fashion changed dramatically. Marie Antoinette had an impact on the fashion scene during her reign. The rulers, who were often queens or notable political figures, would influence the style of commoners.
After World War II, many fashion houses closed. The aristocrats lost their interest in handmade clothes and began to buy factory-made items.
Women joined the workforce in greater numbers. The hippie movement in the late 1960s emphasized free love and freedom of expression. This gave rise to bell-bottom pants, tie-dye, and peace signs.
The booming consumer society of the 1900s influenced the fashion industry. The popular ready-to-wear dresses were considered elegant. During this time, nylon and polyester were introduced, replacing silk.
The introduction of the sewing machine allowed for mass-production of clothes. During the 1980s, leggings were ubiquitous. They were worn with off-the-shoulder sweatshirts.
The 1980s also saw the rise of sportswear. Many companies specialized in athletic clothes.
The 1990s also saw the popularity of denim, flannel shirts, and jeans. Some of the most prominent designer brands were Coco Chanel, Michael Jackson, and Princess Diana.
Scale
Using a fancy little calculator and a dash of gumption, a team of researchers devised a two-week study that investigated the most impressive of all things – the scale of fashion remanufacturing. The result was an innovative new product that would save customers from the embarrassment of having to return their clothing for repair or replacement. Besides the novelty of having a fully functioning garment to wear and a means to repair and replace it, remanufacturing also reduces production costs by up to 50%. The best part is, the process is easy to learn and easy to master.
The study is a collaborative effort between researchers from three institutions, including the National University of Singapore, the National University of Malaysia and the Australian Institute of Sport. While they all have their own strengths and weaknesses, a shared lexicon of industry jargon and acronyms abounds. The results are being compiled into a single, searchable database. During the vetting phase, a team of three scholars from each of the three institutions conducted a series of focus group sessions that delved into the most compelling and intriguing topics. The resulting product is set to debut in the next few weeks. The findings should prove to be a boon to industry players seeking to capitalize on the scale of fashion remanufacturing.
Technological influences
Throughout the years, technological influences on fashion have revolutionized the apparel industry. From laser stamping to 3D printing, the impact of technology has been sweeping through the industry. Using new technology, designers can create beautiful designs with deep detailing.
As the fashion industry continues to grow, technology will continue to play an important role. In fact, McKinsey predicts that investments in fashion tech will increase to double by 2030. This includes robotics that will make manufacturing lines more efficient, as well as artificial intelligence for data analysis.
In recent years, several technologies have been applied to the production of bioengineered materials. One example is Oceanium, which uses biorefinery technology to create biopackaging from sustainable materials. Another is Lululemon, which has decided to use mycelium as an alternative to leather.
The fashion industry is also starting to take part in the Internet of Things (IoT). This is a network of devices, which include sensors that are embedded in a product. Popular examples include smart lightbulbs and doorbells.
In addition, the fashion industry is looking at ways to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Some brands are investing in closed-loop recycling systems. This will eliminate the waste of raw materials, while others are working to reduce the use of chemicals.
Technology is also making it easier for consumers to shop. For instance, customers can receive promo codes on their smartphone. These will help them to receive discounts on clothing lines. They can also receive recommendations based on their style preferences.
Personalized recommendations are a staple of many retail sites. Some retailers are even beginning to implement AI stylists. They analyze massive amounts of data to provide shoppers with suggestions.
Political stances
Using fashion as a platform to make a statement about one’s sartorial agenda is not a new concept. However, using fashion as a marketing tool to tout one’s wares has become a more mainstream endeavor. In the past few years, brands have stepped up their fashion game by embracing the latest fashion trends. For instance, the fashion industry is increasingly aware that consumers have a penchant for socially conscious attire. In addition, consumers are interested in how and where their clothes are produced. Hence, the fashion industry has embraced the latest in sustainable fashion design with aplomb. This is exemplified by the hottest runways in town, and the fashion fads that are set to make a comeback in the months to come. Moreover, the fashion industry is an industry that is constantly reinventing itself.
