Fashion is a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses clothing, footwear, accessories and cosmetics. It also refers to the prevailing styles and trends of different cultures as expressions of social status, self-expression, and group affiliation.
The history of fashion as an art form can be traced to the ancient times, when clothing served as a means for expressing social status and wealth. In more modern times, the sartorial choices made by individuals or groups can send powerful and often subliminal messages about gender identity, culture, class, and even political beliefs – for example, the miniskirt of the 1960s was a symbol of sexual freedom, while cassocks worn by nuns signified an adherence to the tenets of their religion.
A key feature of fashion is its ephemerality, meaning that it changes continuously. This change is usually influenced by popular culture, such as films, music, books and television shows. But it can also be triggered by a political or economic event, or by a shift in the general climate, such as the end of wartime austerity in Europe in the late 1980s.
In order for something to be considered fashionable, it must be shared and followed by a discernable portion of a cultural or social group. This dissemination can occur through a variety of channels, such as sartorial trendsetters, fashion magazines and celebrity endorsements, but it can also take the form of viral memes or social media campaigns. It can be top-down, like the haute couture fashion shows held in Paris and Milan, or bottom-up, through the spread of new fads from subcultures.