Fashion and Culture

“Fashion is part of our culture, and it’s more than just a pretty dress”

(Source: theculturetrip.com)

Clothing has always been an important part of our society, culture influences or plays a major role in its fashion trends and fashion influences our lifestyle. According to the culture and the region, the designers produce clothing and accessories. The dressing style of Americans is different from that of the Indians, there is nothing wrong with any of the trends, it's just that both the countries follow or are brought up in different communities.

Fashion is always about wearing the clothes and accessories you love, it shouldn't be forced on anyone. If you're happy with what you're wearing you'll be confident, confidence, self-satisfaction and comfort are all you need. Fashion has no language, it nonverbally communicates or symbolises your identity, social status, profession and culture. It is one of the best and powerful tools of communication and so is important in a person’s life.

The fashion industry is becoming expensive day by day. It is all about stylish, unique trends and changes every season. It is one of the fastest and growing industries now.

Culture in simple terms is the social behaviour of a community or society. Culture shows what you are and is a reflection of your community. It plays a major role in society and the way you talk, your posture, language, clothing, everything speaks of your culture. Although you're brought up in a community where your family and friends follow the same culture, you are also expected to behave and act the same as them but it shouldn't restrict or stop you from putting your ideologies and beliefs in whatever you do.

You may get influenced or others may get influenced by your culture and it is totally fine to embrace everyone’s culture. No culture is superior to another, you should never mock anyone’s beliefs or customs. Even if a community shares the same culture, everyone doesn't need to see things the same as others, every individual is different and has a different perspective on life.

To deal with the fashion environment, it is important to know the influence of culture in the fashion industry. Fashion is not just about clothing it also shows how we live, it influences our lifestyle. Modernization, technological innovation, art, everything influences fashion. There are three sources in terms of culture for the development of new fashion; pop culture, high culture and low culture.

1. Pop culture - this is a widely accepted and appreciated culture that is highly influenced by celebrities and movies. It influences our life so much that we often change our clothing style too.

2. High culture - these include the activities like photography, visual arts, auditory arts, these bring new concepts or ideas to the minds of designers.

3. Low culture - it includes activities like hip hop and graffiti. This subculture or low culture is highly influenced or is becoming a part of the global fashion market.

Fashion & Culture: Western influence on India

Due to the British colonization in India, western culture has affected Indian culture to a great extent and the impact of it is very evident in the customs, traditions and social behaviour of Indians. Western food, language, fashion is spreading across the Indians. Everybody wants freedom, independent lives and does not want to follow the Indian customs and traditions. Indian culture has taught the value of family and relationships but are we now moving towards an independent life?

Nowadays Indian traditional dresses like saree, dhoti are becoming rare. Western clothing, skirts, trousers, suits and such have been widely adopted by us. However, during special occasions, festivals, Indian dressing continues to live.

Western culture is altogether not bad. It has made our life easy and comfortable with the enhancement of technology. The influence of the West had been beneficial to the Indians, it helped in removing social evils like untouchability, child marriage, polygamy etc.

Evolution of fashion in India

Indian fashion is elegant and aesthetic. It is not only comfortable but brings out the beauty and also has evolved. The fashion statement in India today sure has changed from ethnic to western. The fashion industry in India covers a wide range from ethnic wear to casual wear. Indian fashion has paved its way internationally.

The impact of the British Raj led to British industrial clothing in India. In the 1920s, there was a change in the fashion world as women decided to wear comfortable clothes such as skirts and trousers. This decade was known as the ‘Charleston Era’ in fashion terms.

In the 21st century, as women became more independent, they started wearing bold costumes and the Indian fashion is inspired or influenced by the film industry. There has been a demand for branded clothes as well.

Celebrities and fashion

Are you using that ‘brand’ because your favourite singer or actor is associated with it? That's how important the influence of celebrities in the fashion industry is. Most people invest their time in celebrity news, this means that they are influential or people adore them a lot and the brands want this publicity.

Not everything that happens in the fashion industry is fair. The rich or elite have easy access to the world of fashion than other budding fashion designers or fashion students.

What is the future of fashion?

To understand the future of fashion, we should know what people want, whether it is influenced by pop culture or their own culture. Though in many places, local culture plays a huge role. So it is important to understand different cultures for the global fashion market. The fashion industry is one of the moving and important consumer industries. Brands should create clothes according to the consumer’s choice.

Fashion and culture go together. If there's fashion, it is influenced by the culture and lifestyle. The fashion industry is a highly emerging and competitive world. We, ourselves are highly influenced by the trends and fashion statements around us. Fashion is important to society as it brings diverse cultures and people together.

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Author - Fiza Fathima

Content Writer at Escribo