For decades, fashion has served as a source of creative expression. What began as a series of trends in the 1930s has evolved into an integral part of everyday life – both on a global and individual level. Growing out of niche subcultures in cities such as New York and London, cultural fashion has adapted, changed, and ultimately climbed its way to the top of mainstream culture.
1. Discovering the Subcultures of Fashion
Fashion is an ever-changing phenomenon – it’s constantly shifting and evolving, often stemming from trends and movements from across the world. Inside the fashion industry, there are a variety of different subcultures that shape our understanding of how fashion works today.
Firstly, there’s streetwear. It was pioneered by skateboarders, surfers, hip-hop artists and other urban-dwellers who wanted to express themselves artistically, and it quickly soared in popularity. Streetwear features contemporary trends, vivid art and statement pieces, making it a must-try for every fashion enthusiast.
Vintage style is another notable subculture. Characterised by a certain appreciation of styles from past decades, this alternative fashion choice is for those that love the nostalgia of the past. The trend itself has picked up in popularity as of late, with vintage boutiques springing up in many cities as well as online.
High-end fashion is another subculture that has made news headlines. This area of fashion focuses on creating pieces of clothing made from high quality materials, often infused with a highly creative and luxurious style. Not for those with a modest budget, high-end fashion on the catwalks is becoming increasingly bold in order to stay ahead of the competition.
There’s also a variety of other subcultures within fashion, including:
- Traditional ethnic fashion
- Steampunk
- Gothic
- Grunge
These magical worlds of fashion subcultures offer something entirely different from the mainstream – and are the perfect gateway to discover something unique.
2. How Clothes Became Mainstream
The word “clothing” had its roots in the language of Old English from centuries ago. Clothing has always been an important part of our society. But how did it become so mainstream?
- Access to Textiles: Clothes as we know them today began to become popular in the last couple of centuries. As more fabrics and textiles became available, people were able to create more fashionable clothing. This led to a strong demand for fashionable clothing, and for a while, only the wealthy could afford to keep up with the latest trends.
- Changing Ideologies: As society changed, and different ideologies spread, clothing also began to change. With the development of feminism, more functional clothing became popular for women. With the emergence of socialist ideologies, more practical designs and simple stylings were adopted. These changes helped to make clothing more mainstream.
- Cheap Production: As production methods became more efficient, and technology developed, clothes were able to be produced much more cheaply. Many companies could now afford to mass-produce clothing at a much lower cost. This made it much easier for people to purchase clothing, and for the fashion industry to expand.
- Escalating Popularity: As clothing became more accessible and affordable, more people began to buy clothing, which in turn led to an even higher demand. The fashion industry began to grow and evolve quickly, and today it is a multi-billion dollar industry.
The mainstreaming of clothing has been a process that has happened gradually over time. It is a testament to the power of fashion and how it can influence and shape our culture in powerful ways. It has also changed the way that we view our appearance, and how we interact with the world around us.
3. The Benefits of Cultural Fashion
Wearing Clothes that Represent Stories
Fashion and culture go hand-in-hand. What we wear tells stories, from our own personal histories to the stories of the world around us. In a fast-paced world filled with pressure to conform, cultural fashion allows us to express our individuality while expressing our connection to our heritage, culture, and values.
Making a Personal and Political Statement
Hoodies, buffalo plaid, and Kente cloth are more than a way to express our fashion sense – they’re an avenue for expressing ourselves, politically. Wearing clothes that represent stories – and advocating for those stories – helps to bridge gaps between communities, increase understanding, and acknowledge injustices.
Displaying Unique Artistry
Cultural fashion is an art form – it’s more than just clothing. Wearing garments that have been passed down from our ancestors is a tangible way to honor them. Through the integration of bold colors, intricate fabrics, and dynamic designs, we’re able to use fashion to demonstrate our originality and make our movements more visible.
Valuing Diversity
The cultures that fashion draws from are varied and vibrant, but often remain underrepresented or overlooked. Valuing diversity in fashion means embracing originality and championing the stories of people from all different backgrounds. It’s a way to recognize the beauty in various cultures and keep the art of cultural fashion alive.
Building Connections
Cultural fashion can help foster relationships between communities and bring people together. It’s a catalyst for dialogues on important social issues. By wearing the stories of others, we’re showing our appreciate for their culture. Wearing clothes that embody the diversity of the world is a powerful way to show that they are valued, accepted, and celebrated.
4. A Final Word on the Evolving Face of Fashion
Fashion has truly come a long way over the years, and there is still so much more to come. As the world of technology continually evolves, so do the possibilities of fashion. And while trends come and go, the impact of these advancements can be seen in both the runway shows and the everyday wardrobe.
Customization has been one of the most impactful changes that the technology industry has had in fashion. Consumers can now personalize everything from jeans and t-shirts to jewelry and eyewear. These highly personal items can be one-of-a-kind, hand-made, and made to order.
In addition, 3D printing has helped to revolutionize the fashion industry. With 3D printing, new designs can be prototyped and tested before going into production. This allows designers to explore a variety of design possibilities before committing to a final design. It also gives consumers access to unique and individualized pieces.
Advances in fabric technology have also had a significant effect on fashion. Technology has allowed fabrics to be lighter, more breathable, and more durable. This has enabled designers to experiment with different shapes, textures, and colors, resulting in some truly spectacular designs.
Finally, the advance of smart technology has had an undeniable impact on the fashion industry. Smart fabrics, such as those with embedded sensors, can provide a variety of advantages, including enhanced performance and comfort. Smart watches and fitness trackers are also popular trends in fashion, as they provide the wearer with data about their health and activity.
- Customization
- 3D printing
- Fabric technology
- Smart technology
As technology continues to evolve, so does the world of fashion. The advances in technology have allowed designers to create more innovative and personalized designs, as well as improved fabrics and smart clothing. These trends have no doubt had a profound effect on the ever-evolving face of fashion.
Fashion is a way to express a sense of identity and has been evolving throughout history. From its beginnings as part of a subculture to its current role in our mainstream society, cultural fashion has continuously developed to become an essential part of our culture and an outlet for our creativity. As fashion continues on its journey through various changes, we look forward to seeing how it shapes our future.
