Fashion is an ever-evolving global phenomenon, influenced by technological shifts, sustainability concerns, and cultural dialogues. It is a complex system that encompasses many different facets of the industry such as manufacturing, retail, communication and marketing. It is a highly creative and exciting field that is transforming constantly in response to the world around us.
It is important to have a strong sense of self-confidence in order to succeed in the fashion world. Many of the alums interviewed for this article shared their personal stories and tips about building confidence and embracing yourself in this fast-paced industry.
They also stressed the importance of getting experience in the industry, whether that means doing an internship or work-experience placement, or even starting a small business to gain hands-on business knowledge and develop their own brand. The more a person is immersed in the fashion world, the better they will be able to communicate their vision and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around them.
The alums we spoke to all agreed that one of the most important aspects of fashion is being able to express oneself through the clothes they wear. This can be as simple as wearing a t-shirt with a favourite band’s name on it, or as complex as designing clothing that supports specific causes, such as animal rights (e.g. using silk made from worms that are not boiled alive). They all emphasized that it is important to choose fashion that aligns with one’s own values and morals, rather than following the latest trend just because it’s popular.
Another major aspect of fashion is its ability to connect people and bring them together. This can be seen through the popularity of fashion shows, which allow designers to showcase their work in a more interactive and social environment. The alums all discussed how they loved the fact that they were able to meet and network with other creative people who had a similar passion for fashion.
It is often assumed that changes in fashion reflect societal change, or at least the financial interests of fashion designers and manufacturers. However, recent research suggests that there are also “internal taste mechanisms” which can drive changes in fashion even without significant societal change. For example, researchers have found that certain names become fashionable at a particular time, such as Zoe or Rebecca, and that these trends do not always reflect societal changes. Moreover, it is likely that many of the factors that influence fashion are inextricably linked to other complex systems, such as supply chain management and consumer behavior. Therefore, it is essential to understand these other dynamics in order to fully appreciate and analyze the changing nature of fashion.