fashion

Examples of 18th-century fashion prior to the French Revolution. Described as the age of elegance, fabrics were rich and decorative reflecting a growing prosperity among the upper classes.

A plate from an art deco fashion magazine of October 1921, showing a two-piece outfit with a stylish V-banded front (the ‘Banjo’) and a large floppy hat (by Antinéa) with crepe around and flowing from it. The furnishings and the articles on the tray in the foreground are intended to emphasize both the modernity and the tastefulness of the design.

Style currently in vogue, primarily applied to clothing. Throughout history, in addition to its mainly functional purpose, clothing has been a social status symbol, conveying information about the class, rank, and wealth of the wearer. Fashions were set by the court and ruling classes until the emergence of the individualistic fashion designer, creating clothes exclusively for wealthy clients, in the 19th century. Mass production and diffusion ranges in the 20th century have made the latest designs accessible to a much wider public and fashion has played a much greater role in everyday life.

In recent times fashion has also become a vehicle for political and social statements, usually rebellious, and a means of reflecting the mood of the times. Styles have become much more diverse, and it is no longer the case that any one style of fashion predominates.