When we think of fashion, many will instantly think of the clothes and styles that are being worn. We all know that fashion is a form of art and one way in which we are able to express ourselves. Through the clothes and designs that we choose and wear, we are able to express our personalities and characters freely and in a way in which we feel comfortable.
Of course, fashion is a fast-paced industry and one that continues to change. You only have to take a look at the NA-KD website and see that it is continually evolving with new designs and trends emerging. Each season is different, and what might have been in 12 months ago may not be something people want to see again or for a number of years.
However, it is important to look at the fashion industry beyond just the clothes. Let’s not forget there is a lot more than the garments that can be seen that make up the burgeoning sector. Indeed, its people are among one of its key aspects. There have been numerous changes in recent years, with people and inclusivity at its core. Things such as diversity, empowerment, and expression are being advocated more and more, and this can be seen in modern fashion and how the industry has evolved to what it is today.
Diversity has been fundamental
Fashion has long championed diversity as one of its primary values, evidenced in numerous ways such as runway shows, glossy magazine pages and advertising campaigns. Fashion has provided the platform to showcase it all – be it size diversity, culture or any other dimension imaginable. Further, beauty standards have changed; gone are the days of one-size-fits-all beauty standards that were only accepted and celebrated; today inclusivity is celebrated and valued. No matter their age or social standing, everyone can wear fashion that crosses into transcendental style and be accepted. Hollywood celebrities have long worn clothing representative of their cultural backgrounds when walking the red carpet; doing so shows admirable pride in celebrating diversity in clothing styles across nations, while it has also provided exposure of cultures that may not have had a light shone upon before.
Empowerment has been crucial
Empowerment is another core value of fashion. Today, fashion taps into one’s freedom of choice to allow individuals to express themselves more freely through clothing choices they wear – something women may have felt constrained from doing previously with society’s “dress code appropriate” attire; with today’s trends, women can now wear accessories and clothing that suit their style instead of feeling restricted and forced into adhering to set colors or styles; instead taking control over choosing apparel that reflects who they are!
Don’t forget the importance of expression
Expression has always been an integral component of fashion; however, due to fast fashion it has taken on increased significance. Garments designed as disposable pieces are often dull and lack originality; therefore more people are opting for personalized clothing which expresses their individuality or individualism as part of fashion trends. Donning something unique helps create harmony among others who start wearing something fascinating while showing others off who you truly are as an individual.
How else is the fashion industry being revolutionized?
While these three aspects outlined are among the key ways in which the fashion industry has been revolutionized in recent decades, it is impossible to deny that the industry has been looking to make changes across the board.
Sustainability and ethical fashion practices have become integral parts of the fashion industry. The revolution to have been experienced has led companies and brands to promote environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics and ethical labor practices, which reduce waste while also encouraging ethical production practices by fashion brands. Many brands are now adopting more eco-friendly practices in product production by changing how their products are manufactured, used and disposed off; adopting environmentally friendly production processes such as organic cotton yarn or using recycled fabrics has made eco fashion more accessible for everyday consumers.
New technologies have also played a role in helping to revolutionize the fashion industry. Designers have been able to come up with new ways to create their garments, as they can use virtual and augmented reality technologies, while they are also able to use 3D printers to manufacture them. Elsewhere, consumers are able to use technology to access the items that they want, while also being able to stay ahead of all the latest trends that the fashion industry has to offer, thus making it the burgeoning sector it is.
The Bottom Line
With the fashion industry beginning to embrace and advocate things such as diversity, empowerment, and expression, it is making it more inclusive to everyone. This makes the industry more accessible, which can have a positive effect on its future. The progress that has been made has been necessary in order to take the next step, but it is something that needs to continue to regularly if true progress is to be made continuously.
