Fashion is an expression of personal taste and self-expression in a period and place. It involves clothing, footwear, makeup, hairstyles, accessories and body posture.
The fashion industry is the global business of designing, manufacturing and marketing fashionable clothes. It employs millions of people, and the industry has grown to include many different types of companies ranging from major manufacturers to small boutiques.
Traditionally, most clothing was handcrafted for individuals and made to order from dressmakers and tailors. In the modern age, however, most fashion is produced by machines.
It is an international industry dominated by global companies with production often taking place in one country and sold in another. For example, American fashion firms source fabric in China and have it manufactured in Vietnam, finished in Italy, and shipped to a warehouse in the United States for distribution globally.
Today’s fashion is heavily influenced by social and economic trends. For example, the popularity of sportswear has grown in recent years, with people buying track suits and jerseys for everyday wear or sporting activities like cycling, running, or playing outdoor games.
Fashion also expresses ideas about gender, as some types of clothes are made specifically for women or men and clothing that crosses the line into either category is called “cross-dressing.”
The fashion industry is facing significant challenges in the global economy. A number of factors are weighing on its growth prospects, including disruption to supply chains, patchy demand, and persistent pressure on the bottom line. This has put the sector on high alert and forced executives to rethink their business plans.
