Fashion is a way of wearing clothes that reflects the culture of a particular time and place. This includes clothing, footwear, accessories and makeup. Fashion is also a way of expressing oneself in public. It is important to note that this form of expression can be both positive and negative. The negative side of the fashion industry is that it can lead to people becoming obsessed with their appearance, which can distract them from their studies and careers.
In the past, before industrialization and globalization of the world, virtually all clothing was handmade for individual customers. However, the beginning of the 20th century saw a drastic shift in the apparel industry. With the advent of new technologies such as the sewing machine, the rise of global trade and development of factory systems of production, clothing became increasingly mass-produced in standard sizes and sold at fixed prices. As a result, the line between fashion and anti-fashion blurred as elements that once constituted anti-fashion became swept along with changes in trends.
The term fashion is also used to describe the industry as a whole, the various styles and trends that come and go, and the designers behind them. The fashion industry is multifaceted, encompassing the design of garments and other textile accessories, the production of these items, their marketing and retailing. It is a multibillion-dollar industry that has grown over the years due to the ever-changing demands of consumers. The industry is often associated with glamour and prestige.