Fashion is a multifaceted cultural phenomenon that encompasses styles, trends and culture. It captivates the interests of fashion enthusiasts, designers, retailers, and consumers who embrace trends and self-expression.
What is considered fashionable varies by region, social class, time, and culture. Some of the most popular forms of fashion include clothing, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics. It is widely believed that fashion trends are caused by societal change, and that the clothes people wear reflect their personalities and attitudes. The popularity of a particular style can influence consumer spending, and the success of a fashion line can depend on how well it is promoted. The term fashionista is used to describe someone who slavishly follows the latest trends.
While it may seem that only high-fashion, designer outfits are considered to be true fashion, there is actually a great deal of crossover between fashion and mainstream clothing. Designer brands such as Chanel and Dior have created a look that is highly desirable, but that they often sell at a fraction of the original cost through mass-market retailers. Similarly, the popularity of a certain type of clothing can influence the sales of related items such as underwear and socks.
Fashion can also be influenced by music, art and movies. In addition, there are trends that can be influenced by the social climate such as political and economic events. For example, the AIDS scare in the 1980s led to a widespread increase in the wearing of long, loose-fitting dresses and the emergence of disco as a social movement.