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What is Fashion? Exploring Fashion History, Culture & Sustainable Style. Dive into the world of fashion—its cultural roots, historical evolution, and the future of sustainable fashion. Learn how fashion shapes identity and the planet.
What is Fashion? Exploring Fashion History, Culture & Sustainable Style
What is Fashion? Exploring Fashion History, Culture & Sustainable Style
Culture | 3rd August 2025
Fashion is a dynamic and multifaceted concept that goes far beyond clothing. It’s a reflection of cultural identity, a historical narrative, and a powerful economic force.
As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental and social impact, the rise of sustainable fashion marks a pivotal shift in how we design, produce, and consume apparel.
Understanding fashion’s history, cultural significance, and future is essential for anyone navigating today’s style landscape.
What is Fashion?
What is Fashion?
Defining Fashion
Defining Fashion
Fashion encompasses the styles and trends in clothing, accessories, and aesthetics that are popular at a given time. It is influenced by cultural norms, artistic movements, technological advancements, and social change.
Fashion is both personal and collective—used to express individuality and to align with or challenge societal expectations.
Fashion as Cultural Identity
Fashion as Cultural Identity
Fashion serves as a visual language that communicates identity, status, and values. From traditional garments to avant-garde streetwear, fashion reflects the diversity of global cultures.
It also plays a role in social movements, such as gender-neutral fashion and body positivity, making it a tool for activism and inclusion.
A brief History of Fashion
A brief History of Fashion
Ancient to Early Modern Fashion
Ancient to Early Modern Fashion
Fashion history spans millennia. Ancient civilisations like Egypt and Rome used clothing to signify status and function. In medieval Europe, garments were regulated by sumptuary laws, reinforcing class distinctions.
Industrial Revolution and Mass Production
Industrial Revolution and Mass Production
The 19th century revolutionised fashion through industrialisation. Mass production made clothing more accessible, while department stores and fashion magazines began shaping consumer behaviour.
20th Century to Present
20th Century to Present
The 20th century saw rapid shifts in fashion—from the flapper dresses of the 1920s to the minimalism of the 1990s. The rise of fast fashion in the 2000s brought affordability and variety but also led to overconsumption and environmental degradation. 1
Fashion Culture: Influence and Impact
Fashion Culture: Influence and Impact
Fashion and Media
Fashion and Media
Fashion is amplified by media and technology. Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok have democratised fashion, allowing influencers and consumers to shape trends. Fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York remain key cultural events.
Fashion and Identity
Fashion and Identity
Clothing choices reflect personal and group identities. Subcultures like punk, goth, and hip-hop use fashion to express values and aesthetics. Fashion also intersects with race, gender, and politics, making it a powerful medium for storytelling and resistance.
Sustainable Fashion: A New Paradigm
Sustainable Fashion: A New Paradigm
What is Sustainable Fashion?
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is designed, manufactured, and consumed in ways that minimise environmental impact and promote ethical labour practices. It challenges the fast fashion model by advocating for circularity, transparency, and responsible sourcing. 2
Environmental and Social Challenges
Environmental and Social Challenges
The fashion industry contributes up to 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a major driver of water pollution and textile waste. 2
According to McKinsey, circular business models—such as resale, rental, and repair—are essential to reducing fashion’s footprint. 3
The Shift Toward Sustainability
The Shift Toward Sustainability
McKinsey’s “The Next Normal” report highlights how younger generations are demanding sustainability from fashion brands. Key strategies include:
- Circular business models: resale, rental, refurbishment
- Eco-friendly materials: organic cotton, recycled polyester
- Digital wardrobe integration: AI-powered style advisers and resale platforms
- Decarbonisation: reducing Scope 3 emissions and improving supply chain efficiency 4
Brands that embrace sustainability are not only reducing harm but also building stronger emotional connections with consumers 3
What next?
What next?
Fashion is a powerful cultural and economic force that reflects who we are and where we’re headed.
As the industry evolves, sustainable fashion offers a path toward a more ethical and environmentally conscious future. By understanding fashion’s history and cultural significance, we can make informed choices that align with our values and protect the planet.
Support sustainable brands, explore second-hand fashion, and educate yourself on the impact of your wardrobe. Fashion isn’t just about style—it’s about responsibility.
References
References
Kelleher, D. et al. (2025) Fast fashion. Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/fast-fashion (Accessed: 4 August 2025).
McKinsey & Company. (n.d.) The Next Normal – The future of fashion. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/the-next-normal/fashion (Accessed: 3 August 2025).
McKinsey & Company. (2020) The future of sustainable fashion. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-future-of-sustainable-fashion (Accessed: 4 August 2025).
McKinsey & Company. (2023) Sustainable style: How fashion can afford and accelerate decarbonization. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/sustainable-style-how-fashion-can-afford-and-accelerate-decarbonization (Accessed: 4 August 2025).
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