Fashion is a cultural phenomenon that encompasses clothing, accessories, and trends. Clothing is used to express a sense of personal style and individuality, as well as to convey a social status or group affiliation. The fashion industry includes design, production, distribution, retailing, and promotion of apparel. The term fashion can be applied to both high-end designer goods and mass market items. Fashion trends are often communicated through the media and have a strong influence on consumer purchasing decisions.
Fashion has existed since early human civilisations, with clothing serving both practical and symbolic purposes. In ancient Egypt, clothing was a mark of wealth and social standing, while in the medieval period European nobility favoured embroidered fabrics and finely made garments. The emergence of the industrial revolution brought about the development of textile mills, which led to the growth and evolution of the modern fashion industry.
The fashion industry is often viewed as being closely related to art, and has been described as an industry of creativity and ideas. This is evident in the work of designers such as Kenzo Takada, Yohji Yamamoto, and Issey Miyake, who create collections that are influenced by Japanese culture and aesthetics yet have a global appeal.
The most influential fashion designers are known for their ability to forecast trends, and for creating new styles that reflect existing and changing social and cultural values. In the 21st century, technology is increasingly becoming a driving force in the fashion industry, with designers utilising 3D printing and body-scanning technologies to create personalised garments.