Fashion has been a significant part of every human civilization. Today, the world has changed but fashion has increased its influence on people and vice versa. It is an interdependence of people and fashion where trends lead people to demand more fashion and more elaborate styles while the amount of fashion gives people a better choice. Middle class has a great influence on fashion since it is the most common class. The economy and market have stabilized and organized a balance that is most favorable for the middle class and so, it is the most common classification of population. Because of the significant numbers of the middle class, people are able to mold and shape the business and industry of fashion.
The market is largely influenced by the demand and the amount of sales for certain products. As the middle class has the largest numbers, it structurizes the market. If a certain fashion is not popular and only several people buy it or if it is too expensive and few wealthy individuals can afford it, there is no point in producing more of such product. It is either taken off production or it is priced down and changed. If the majority of the population prefers a certain style then the demand is high and production of such clothing line increases. Middle class is considered to be the working class and so, people need practical and not very expensive clothing. This determines the fashion trends, as they must be original but at the same time affordable.
The industrial revolution and the change in people’s morals and freedoms were the beginning of a major fashion change. People were able to somewhat shift their attention from the needs, like food, shelter and health, to a more soul-based living. The government’s support, as well as a number of possibilities that created opportunities for people who work and make money, gave rise to a fashion revolution. People’s attention changed from “survival” to living and they were able to use their imagination and attach it to everyday life.
Another factor of human development that influences fashion is technology. It increases the number of possible looks and styles, not to mention function. Plants and factories that have large production lines make the output enormous. The “conveyor lines” made it possible to make higher quantities of product and thus, satisfy a more demanding and ever-increasing population. The mass produced clothing lines are made cheaper and more available for the consumers. Since there is not much human involvement necessary, the costs to make clothing have lowered. Some technological changes include the invention of sewing machines, a zipper, synthetic and other materials. Internet and information technology has had a major effect on the clothing industry, pricing and availability. The prices are lower because the advertisement became more available through the internet and other media. At the same time, availability might somewhat suffer because more people are able to see and find their needed fashion of clothing through the internet and as such, if a clothing line has a limited number of items more people will have a demand and the availability will decrease.
The French Revolution was a turning point in the fashion industry. Before, people were not able to afford clothing and it was not much representative of their individuality or views. The working class was predominant and had to wear clothing that was rough and durable. After the revolution, people gained freedom and clothing became more available. France was considered the center of fashion and bourgeoisie and its influence was widespread. Europe was thought of as a center of civilization and the Western world that followed after, would have European fashion as a standard. The reputation that French fashion has gained in the world was dominant and the major changes that happened to the industry started at that time.
Overall, society and communities have an undeniable role in the fashion world. Since factories and companies that produce clothing will not be buying them themselves, they have to rely on the society and its demands. The numbers of people arrange the quantity of clothing through demand and the style and cost is determined by the qualitative characteristics of people’s self expression. The style and types of clothing are very much dependent on the times and the culture of the society. A more conserved community will reflect that in the clothing worn by the majority. Those who differentiate from others are looked at as deviant and not normal. Throughout history, clothing was more conserved and aligned with the work or profession people were involved in. Today, the Western world has created a freedom of choice in the way people dress, making judgment less critical and fashion more free of prejudice and stereotypes. Reflection of a person’s dark emotions can be seen in dark and gothic clothing, someone involved in sports can largely prefer sports clothing, and a business man would wear a suit and dress shoes. Organizations of people—teams, gangs, all have their own style, representative of their beliefs and morals.