Fashion trends are never lost in the darkness of oblivion. An old style only gets replaced by a new trend. With time, the style that was once replaced comes back to the forefront and rules the charts again. With the advent of technology and increased globalization, several cultures and practices have fused to create something new. This amalgamation is also visible in the world of fashion.
Styling and clothes are no longer ways to showcase your personality, status, and taste. It has taken the shape of an industry that generates millions of dollars as profit each year. It would not have been possible without the collaboration of designers from all cultures and backgrounds. Sticking to a similar pattern will not offer creative satisfaction or monetary profit.
Global nature of modern fashion
Earlier, geographical distance, lack of communication and exchange of ideas, made it impossible for people from different backgrounds and cultures to mingle with each other. It restricted the progress of society and humanity. But changing times changed the entire scenario.
With easy access to mass communication tools and globalization, Indians can purchase Fendi and Armani dresses. On the other hand, traditional Bandhni work of Rajasthan has rocked the ramps in New York. Olivier Rousteing said that until designers are ready to embrace the international trends, the growth of fashion’s success will be stunted. Similar notions have urged designers to borrow ideas from several cultures. It not only keeps monotony away but also succeeds in opening a new dimension for fashion.
Women in developed and progressive nations, coming out of their homes in short dresses, or basking in the sun in swimwear are other examples of this change in attitude. It would not have been possible without the evolution of trends, and broadening of individual’s way of perceiving fashion. Exposure to education, fashion and holistic development has liberalized the orthodox mindset of individuals.
Another advantage of modern fashion trends is that one can add or eliminate elements as he/she pleases. It is not about following trends blindly; it is about setting your own style statement. That is why you see dresses, which have been inspired by sarees or traditional saree or lehenga embroideries.
Cultural and lifestyle differences
The climate, geography, socio-economic status and overall development of the society play a significant role in shaping the minds of people. It, in turn, has an effect on the lifestyle and culture of the individuals. As these aspects are never similar, we can witness such diversity in cultural matters. The dressing is an essential part of every culture.
The type of fabric, colors, weaving patterns, embellishments, buttons, cuts and draping vary from one culture to another. You will hardly find any similarity between the fashion choices of Chinese and African natives. While people in Europe like pastel shades, Indians go for bright and festive colors.
Earlier, people were not so open about incorporating elements of other cultures in their traditional dressing patterns. But globalization has made this possible. That is why; you will see African natives dressing in suits during their traditional occasions, and supermodels walking on the ramps, dresses in attires, which are indigenous to India or Middle Eastern nations.
Cultural transactions through fashion
Each culture has its own hues and specialties. Reading books and collecting souvenirs is not enough to incorporate it into your life. But fashion will allow you to bring in a dash of freshness in your wardrobe and life, by borrowing from another culture. Love, art, music, and fashion transcend all man-made boundaries.
One can become a part of another’s culture, tradition, and heritage, by integrating one or many fashion elements. In this way, we can bring about a union of many cultures, with fashion as the much-needed strong foundation. Designers of eastern nations borrow motifs and shades from the west, while western designers cannot get enough of intricate embroidery, and needlework, prevalent in the east.
Thus, on the ramps of high-fashion, eastern and western cultures mix to give birth to something too tempting for fashion enthusiasts to ignore.
Creating a positive and peaceful environment
Contrary to popular beliefs, fashion is not all about the glitz and glamour. It serves far higher purposes as well. Fashion generates millions of job opportunities. It is fashion that brings western fashion labels and eastern embroidery artists together. Both worlds get equal benefits out of this arrangement.
Western labels succeed in bringing something new in the market, while the artists of the east get money and exposure. This not only gives birth to mutual respect for each other but also paves the path for the positive and peaceful environment.
The political relation between America and Afghanistan may not be cordial, but Afghani ornaments and threadwork have cemented its place on the fashion ramps of Paris, Milan, and New York. There is no struggle between the artists from these two nations in the sector of fashion.
Fashion fusion creates more opportunities for people from different nations, cultures, religions, and backgrounds to work together. The common aim produces not only beautiful clothes but also breeds communal harmony. Mutual respect allows individuals to become tolerant.
Parting Shot
No matter how different people are, similar goals bring them together. This, in turn, breeds positivity and eliminates conflicts. Fashion is one sector that can bridge the gap between several cultures, and assist humanity to progress holistically.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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