Fashion - The Evolution

Fashion in its true definition is used to describe a style or a trend. It's this simple notion, fashion, which has created a massive multimillion pound industry in the UK and worldwide. We now have fashion models, fashion designers, fashion editors, universities offering fashion degrees and celebrities who've found their fame through fashion, the list is endless.

Today's fashion has no real rules, it's so diverse it can be loved and loathed all at the same time. Fashion has become a channel to express yourself through, an image or an attitude, rather than just the wearing of designer clothes. You no longer need to be rich and aristocratic to make a statement in the fashion world, quite often the biggest fashion trends come from the "streets" up.

Arguably the past century has seen fashion take the largest, most diverse and exciting twists and turns in history. Two world wars, the emergence of youth cultures, women's rights and a sexual revolution all had a huge impact on the fashion we know today. Fashion has also been influenced by the need to be recognised as part of a group whether it be politically, religiously or musically. Economic changes and consequently changes in lifestyle have all shaped and influenced the evolution of fashion.

Leisure time and the need to "un-wind" from today's driven, work obsessed lifestyle has motivated people to try new things. International travel is at an all time high, with an average person travelling to 12 different countries during their lifetime. Consequently fashion influences are now taken from every aspect of life, the workplace, sports and leisure time.

The fashion industry dominates of all of the major media platforms to promote and influence its audience. An abundance of information, due to television, written media and the Internet, has surged the fashion industry into forming an important part of Britain's economy. Fashion is more important than ever before in everyday life and centuries of changes have contributed to a fashion revolution. Fashion is the backbone of what is now one of the most lucrative industries in the world.