Trends come and go, but rarely does anyone stop and think about their cultural impact – and it goes far beyond the aesthetic appeal. Take a look at how trends can change lives, spark societal dialogue, and push boundaries in ways you didn’t think possible. From fashion to technology, let’s explore the cultural influence of trends and their lasting impact.
1. Discovering the Roots of Trending Styles
Exploring the Past
Fashion is all about evolution. Trends in clothing come and go, but they all have origins deep in the history of fashion. Understanding the roots of trending styles can help contemporary designers create fresh looks, as well as sparking creativity and inspiration.
Researching Across Time
Exploring the origins of fashion trends means delving further back than what is currently “in style”. Taking a step back in time to investigate the sources for current chic lets us better understand our popular culture. The retrospective can show sometimes surprising similarities between old and new.
Experimenting Across Genres
When exploring the roots of fashion, don’t be afraid to mix and match genres, eras and cultures. Drawing on elements of different ages can result in something unique and stunning. Going beyond the boundaries of a single trend can open up a world of possibilities.
Unearthing Current Trends
Appreciating the origins of a current trend can also help you identify which new ones are likely to take hold in the near future. Pay attention to the references you see in fashion magazines and on runways spanning the decades. That should give you an idea of where the fashion world is heading.
Keeping an Open Mind
When digging into fashion trends of the past, remember to keep an open mind and an experimental spirit. It’s important to view fashion trends with respect; admire what has happened historically and how it is being evolved in the present. It pays to be creative when it comes to !
2. Understanding Cultural Influence Through Fashion Trends
Fashion is one of the most powerful and effective ways to visualise an entire culture and its deep-rooted traditions. Engaging with fashion trends can give us an insight into the prevailing values, social norms, customs and practices.
Early fashion designers of the twentieth century used elements of the traditional dress found in various cultures around the world as part of their designs. Today, no culture can be called isolated and many fashion trends cut across cultures globally. It is now easier than ever to explore how and why fashion trends are borrowed, blended and evolved.
Cultural influences on fashion go both ways. Certain trends are inspired by the style of a specific country, while communities abroad often adopt the indigenous design of their home nation to express their identity. Here are the five top areas that define cultural influence through fashion:
- Religion: During religious ceremonies, many followers express their spirituality through the clothes they wear. In Hindu and Sikh rituals, for example, followers often drape iconic pieces of clothing over their shoulders during wedding celebrations.
- Politics: Fashion trends are sometimes used to reflect the mood of a nation. During the American Revolution, for example, certain items of clothing such as tricorne hats, became symbols of freedom for the American people.
- Tradition: The importance of traditional clothing is still seen in certain cultures. For instance, a Vietnamese bride is expected to walk down the aisle in an áo dài, an elegant gown that is an essential part of the traditional dress of the country.
- Celebrities: Influential figures in the media often use fashion to set trends for the masses. Whether it’s music icons wearing unique stage outfits, or actors opting for a daring look at a red carpet event, these celebrities have a great influence over the beliefs of their fans.
- Popular Culture: Social media influencers, bloggers and cultural commentators are all heavily involved in shaping the way that millions of people express themselves through fashion. What’s more, with the emergence of the sharing economy, certain trends can spread rapidly and can be adopted by a global audience.
Fashion trends are constantly evolving, and it is essential to keep track of these changes in order to understand the ever-shifting cultural fabric that makes up our world.
3. Reframing Top Styles Through a Cultural Lens
Recontextualizing Fashion
Fashion has always been a way to represent our own understanding of our culture and place in the world. As our worldviews change, so does the way we approach fashion. Now it is more important than ever to take a step back and examine how outdated or current fashion trends represent our beliefs and customs.
One of the top styles of the moment is reframing classic styles through a cultural lens. By investing in clothes that focus less on trends and instead look to understand how fashion has been represented in different cultures, we open up an opportunity to reach a deeper understanding of our world. Here are some ways to embrace this concept.
- Look towards different countries and eras for inspiration. This can be as simple as researching vintage silhouettes and color palettes from different regions or exploring your own heritage.
- Rely on smaller, more sustainable brands as well as vintage shops for finding unique garments. By supporting smaller businesses and buying second-hand, we can limit the environmental impact of fast fashion.
- Purchase clothing made using traditional methods. Not only does this support craftsmanship, but it is also a great way to keep traditional techniques alive.
By taking the time to consider the history of fashion from different cultures, we become more aware of the broader picture of our own identity. Reframing classic styles through a cultural lens invites us to explore fashion in a deeper, more meaningful way.
4. Exploring the Impact of the Latest Fashion
Fashion today has become a part of our everyday lives and as much as it is a personal way of expressing one’s identity and style, it is also a reflection of cultural and societal changes. These changes in fashion influence our social behaviors, attitudes, and relationships as well.
From the catwalk, to the streets and everywhere inbetween we can see the impact of the latest fashion trends. These trends don’t just change our fashion choices, but also influence our buying habits, beauty standards, and even our outlooks on life.
With the rise of fast fashion, the popularity of certain styles can skyrocket and quickly become the talk of the town. Although this often increases confidence among those who wear it, it can also make others feel inadequate if they can’t keep up with the trend.
Style and fashion have become a way for people to make a statement and stand out from the crowd. Whether it is wearing the must-have outfit or expressing oneself through their own unique style, the possibilities are almost endless. This personal expression of creativity has become an important part of culture and society today.
Although fashion is ever-changing, it is clear to see that it has a significant impact on us all. Whether it is through setting the latest trends or influencing our thoughts and behaviors, the newest fashion has the power to shape both culture and society.
At the end of the day, fashion is an ever changing art form and its cultural impact is vast. Without it, public discourse on art, culture, and expression would be much duller and plainer. As the fitness industry and its accompanying trends continue to evolve, it’s important to remember that beyond the aesthetics, there’s so much more to be seen.
