Fashion is a way to express oneself through clothing, and is closely related to personal identity. It has been influenced by many cultures throughout history, and is constantly changing. Some people find this change to be positive, and enjoy the variety that Fashion provides. Other people see fashion as a negative, as it often promotes fads and materialism. In addition, Fashion is a huge business that employs millions of people worldwide, from designers to retail workers.
In some cultures, clothes are worn to signify social status. For example, senators in ancient Rome wore purple garments dyed with Tyrian purple, and Hawaiian chiefs wore palaoa cloth and carved whale teeth. In modern times, status symbols are usually displayed through jewelry and other accessories. Fashion also reflects the societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Women may wear skirts and dresses, but men typically prefer trousers or shirts with ties.
Clothes are usually laundered before they are worn, and hung or folded to preserve creases and appearance. Some are made for a specific person, such as haute couture or bespoke tailoring. Others are made to be sold to the public, as in ready-to-wear or fast fashion. Many people are interested in fashion, and keep abreast of the latest trends by reading magazines and websites. Fashion is an important part of popular culture, and celebrities are frequently photographed in their clothing choices. Some styles are imitated by lower-class people, a practice known as high fashion.
The fashion industry uses a variety of terms to describe different shapes and fits. For example, a dress may be described as empire line, babydoll, or sheath. It is important to use the appropriate terminology when writing about clothing, as this will add credibility to your article. There are source books that list these terms, and they can be helpful in making sure that you use the right ones.
Writing about Fashion requires a good understanding of the subject, and the ability to communicate that knowledge clearly. This is particularly true for fashion journalism, which is often read by a wide audience. It is important to avoid using specialized terms that are not familiar to most readers, and to make sure that the grammar is impeccable.
There are a number of different genres of Fashion writing, including fashion criticism and fashion branding. In fashion criticism, the writer evaluates garments and brands for their quality and design elements. Fashion branding is used to promote particular lines of clothing, and aims to influence consumer decisions. It is also possible to write about individual fashion icons, or to focus on the effects of changes in Fashion. In this type of writing, the writer is trying to explain why something has become fashionable or unfashionable, and is attempting to persuade the reader to take a particular position on the issue. This is a highly subjective topic, and opinions will vary widely. However, a knowledgeable author should be able to present convincing arguments for either side of the argument.