Fashion is the style or appearance of clothing and accessories worn at any given time by groups of people. This includes both the high-fashion garments modeled on runways and in magazines, as well as the mass-produced clothes that are available to shoppers at stores. The term can also be applied to trends in hairstyles, makeup, and jewelry.
In a society, fashion is a significant part of socialization and may influence a person’s sense of identity and personal choice. It may be dictated by a person’s cultural status, age, location, occupation, and even their personality or interests. Fashions vary considerably within a culture, and can be influenced by other cultures.
The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise that covers design, production, and marketing of clothing. Its products include both haute couture and ready-to-wear clothes, and also include the shoes and other accessories that are often paired with these items. The creation of new fashion trends is considered to be an important element of the business. Designers of fashion have the challenging task of balancing creative and commercial factors in designing their collections.
Fashion is a global industry with interconnected supply chains and global customers. A lack of demand or a slowdown in the economy can significantly affect sales and revenue, as well as impact employment levels. The industry is also vulnerable to environmental risks, such as climate change. In addition, some designers argue that intellectual property rules hinder the development of new styles and trends.