It’s all fashion, you got no passion

Ah, the post-modern world… a twirling whirlwind of built-in obsolescent ideas, products and trends, rampant consumerism and fragmentation. Rather than being judged by your father’s profession, we are now all judged by what products we are able to afford. Cries of ‘Like those trainers… Is that a new phone… You’ve got an Ipod Touch?!’ resonate throughout society.

We use our garments to communicate our personality to others, akin to a bird’s plumage, or a tropical frog’s bright colours which warn of poison. Changes in fashion occur much more quickly than other changes in culture, such as language or thought.

We never used to be slaves to the price tag. Until the 19^th century, fashion was much more local. You purchased fabric and gave it to a seamstress. Due to the length of time it would take to create clothes, fashion didn’t change as quickly as it does now, with a ‘new look’ each season.

When the Industrial Revolution lumbered into gear, the production of goods accelerated, and so did consumption. Increased availability meant increased choice, and seasonal fashion began.

It seems as though we forget that fashion is cyclical, perhaps to banish the thoughts of styles we once embraced in an endless effort to be trendy and cutting edge. And as cool as we may think we are, there is always someone who thinks you look like a twat.