Fashion Intro

Fashion is a term used interchangeably to describe the creation of clothing, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, and jewellery of different cultural aesthetics and their mix and match into outfits that depict distinctive ways of dressing (styles and trends) as signifiers of social status, self-expression, and group belonging. As a multifaceted term, fashion describes an industry, designs, aesthetics, and trends.

The term 'fashion' originates from the Latin word 'Facere,' which means 'to make,' and describes the manufacturing, mixing, and wearing of outfits adorned with specific cultural aesthetics, patterns, motifs, shapes, and cuts, allowing people to showcase their group belongings, values, meanings, beliefs, and ways of life. Given the rise in mass production of commodities and clothing at lower prices and global reach, reducing fashion's environmental impact and improving sustainability has become an urgent issue among politicians, brands, and consumers.

Educational technology

Educational technology (commonly abbreviated as edutech, or edtech) is the combined use of computer hardware, software, and educational theory and practice to facilitate learning and teaching. When referred to with its abbreviation, "EdTech", it often refers to the industry of companies that create educational technology.In EdTech Inc.: Selling, Automating and Globalizing Higher Education in the Digital Age, Tanner Mirrlees and Shahid Alvi (2019) argue "EdTech is no exception to industry ownership and market rules" and "define the EdTech industries as all the privately owned companies currently involved in the financing, production and distribution of commercial hardware, software, cultural goods, services and platforms for the educational market with the goal of turning a profit. Many of these companies are US-based and rapidly expanding into educational markets across North America, and increasingly growing all over the world."

In addition to the practical educational experience, educational technology is based on theoretical knowledge from various disciplines such as communication, education, psychology, sociology, artificial intelligence, and computer science. It encompasses several domains including learning theory, computer-based training, online learning, and m-learning where mobile technologies are used.

The Evolution of Styling History: Unraveling Fashion Trends Throughout Time

 

The world of fashion is constantly evolving, with trends coming and going faster than we can keep up with. But have you ever wondered how these trends are born and how they have evolved throughout history? Styling history is a fascinating subject that allows us to delve into the past and understand the influences that have shaped the fashion industry as we know it today. From the opulent styles of the Renaissance to the rebellious spirit of the punk movement, let’s take a journey through the ages and explore the rich tapestry of styling history.

Renaissance Fashion

One of the earliest examples of distinctive styling can be traced back to the Renaissance period in Europe. During this time, fashion was seen as a form of self-expression for the wealthy elite. Lavish fabrics, intricate embroidery, and ornate accessories were all used to display wealth and social status. The clothing of this era was highly structured, with corsets and farthingales creating exaggerated silhouettes. The Renaissance saw the birth of fashion as an art form, with designers and tailors gaining recognition for their craftsmanship.

Rococo Fashion and The 18th Century

Moving forward in time, the 18th century brought about a significant shift in fashion. The Rococo period saw a departure from the rigid styles of the Renaissance, with a focus on more flowing and delicate designs. Women’s fashion featured voluminous skirts and intricate details, such as lace and ribbons. Men’s fashion also underwent a transformation, with the introduction of the three-piece suit and powdered wigs. This era was characterized by elegance and refinement, with fashion becoming a way to showcase one’s taste and sophistication.

Industrial Revolution and Victorian-Era Fashion

The 19th century witnessed the rise of industrialization, which had a profound impact on fashion. With the advent of mass production, clothing became more accessible to a wider range of people. The Victorian era, in particular, saw a stark divide between the upper and lower classes in terms of fashion. The upper class continued to embrace elaborate styles, while the working class had to make do with simpler and more practical garments. The Industrial Revolution also led to the emergence of department stores, which revolutionized the way people shopped for clothing.

Changes in 20th Century Fashion

As we entered the 20th century, fashion became increasingly influenced by cultural and societal changes. The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, saw a dramatic shift in women’s fashion. The flapper style emerged, characterized by dropped waistlines, short hemlines, and a more relaxed silhouette. This era was a reflection of the changing roles of women in society, as they gained more independence and freedom.

Mid-20th Century Iconic Designs

The mid-20th century brought about another fashion revolution with the birth of haute couture and the rise of iconic designers such as Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. The post-World War II era saw a return to opulence and femininity, with Dior’s New Look introducing voluminous skirts and nipped-in waists. Chanel, on the other hand, revolutionized women’s fashion with her simple and elegant designs, popularizing the little black dress and the iconic Chanel suit.

Rise of Subcultures in Fashion

In the latter half of the 20th century, fashion became more democratic and influenced by subcultures and street style. The 1960s saw the emergence of the mod movement, with Mary Quant’s mini skirt becoming a symbol of youth rebellion. The punk movement of the 1970s brought about a radical departure from traditional fashion, with ripped clothing, safety pins, and unconventional hairstyles becoming the norm. These subcultures challenged the status quo and redefined fashion in their own unique way.

Modern Day Fashion Trends

Fast forward to the present day, and fashion continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With the advent of social media and digital platforms, trends can spread like wildfire, reaching a global audience in an instant. Street style and celebrity culture now play a significant role in shaping fashion, with influencers and bloggers setting the trends. Sustainability and ethical fashion have also become important considerations, as consumers become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices.

Learning from Styling History

Styling history is a captivating subject that allows us to understand the cultural, social, and artistic influences that have shaped fashion throughout the ages. By studying the past, we can gain valuable insights into the present and future of the industry. Whether you’re a fashion student, a professional stylist, or simply someone with a passion for fashion, exploring styling history can deepen your understanding and appreciation of this ever-changing art form. So, let’s continue to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of fashion’s past as we forge ahead into the future.

Conclusion

To further your knowledge and pursue a career in fashion styling, consider enrolling in reputable educational programs such as those offered by New York University (NYU), NYU Tisch, Parsons School of Design, Parsons, The New School, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), or Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Additionally, online courses like those offered by Yellowbrick can provide valuable insights and skills to kickstart your journey in the world of fashion styling.

Key Takeaways:

• Styling history allows us to understand the influences that have shaped the fashion industry throughout time.
• From the opulent styles of the Renaissance to the rebellious spirit of the punk movement, fashion has evolved and reflected societal changes.
• The 20th century brought about fashion revolutions with iconic designers like Dior and Chanel, while the present day is influenced by social media and sustainability.
• Studying styling history can deepen your understanding and appreciation of fashion as an art form.

By delving into the rich tapestry of styling history, we can gain valuable insights into the cultural, social, and artistic influences that have shaped the fashion industry. Whether you’re a fashion student, a professional stylist, or simply someone with a passion for fashion, understanding the evolution of fashion trends throughout history can enhance your skills and knowledge in this ever-changing field.

Future of Fashion

 The future of fashion will be shaped by sustainability, technology, and consumer demand for personalization and inclusivity, with a focus on circularity, eco-friendly materials, and digital experiences. 

Here's a deeper look at the key trends:

Sustainability and Circularity:

• Eco-friendly materials:

Demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials like recycled fabrics, lab-grown fabrics, and plant-based alternatives to leather and fur will increase. 

• Circular fashion systems:

Focus on extending the lifespan of garments through repair, resale, and rental models will become more prevalent. 

• Zero-waste production:

Innovations in production methods and materials to minimize waste and carbon emissions will be crucial. 

Technology and Innovation:

• Digital fashion:

Virtual avatars and digital models will gain traction, offering limitless creative possibilities and new avenues for expression. 

• Personalization and customization:

Technology will enable brands to deliver tailored experiences, from personalized recommendations to virtual try-ons. 

• AI-powered curation:

AI will redefine product discovery and search, leading to hyper-personalized shopping experiences. 

• 3D printing and body scanning:

These technologies can enable made-to-measure garments and reduce waste in production. 

Consumer Trends:

• Inclusivity and diversity:

Brands will embrace diverse representation, cater to various body types, and promote inclusivity in their marketing and design strategies. 

• Value-driven consumer behavior:

Consumers will seek value and quality, leading to growth in segments like resale and off-price retailers. 

• Social shopping:

Social media platforms will continue to play a significant role in fashion discovery and purchase decisions. 

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Navigating economic uncertainty:

The fashion industry faces challenges from inflation, climate change, and global trade shifts. 

• Addressing sustainability gaps:

Brands need to accelerate their sustainability efforts and collaborate with sustainable-material innovators. 

• Adapting to changing consumer behaviors:

Understanding and embracing evolving consumer preferences and demands will be crucial for success. 

 

When Did Fashion Begin and What is the Future of Fashion?

 

The world consumes around 80 billion items of clothing a year. Fashion and clothing have become intrinsic in our culture and society. It can be a way of expressing yourself, a method of identification or even a status-symbol.

The Past

Around 170,000 years ago, the modern humans started wearing clothes. The clothes they wore will have been produced for practical reasons rather than style, likely made from the only resources that could be gathered.

An upgrade to needles made out of stones and bones dating to around 40,000 years ago were discovered. These needles were likely used to produce clothing that was more form-fitting, a step-up from the animal skins humans would use to wrap around the body

There is plenty of evidence of clothing and garments being used in ancient cultures and civilisations as a status symbol or a way of flaunting wealth. In Ancient Egypt, for example, wealthier households would style themselves in bright and vibrant clothing designed and made for them. Whereas the poorer households would wear dull clothing that they would have to make themselves.

Fast forward a few thousand years to the birth of Charles Frederick Worth in 1825, who was likely the world’s first fashion designer. Charles Frederick Worth was a British gentleman who was the first individual to use live models to display his clothing, by proxy creating the first fashion shows.

Charles Frederick Worth was one of the founding fathers of modern fashion design, paving the way for others who followed. His designs were not only incredibly beautiful, but also relatively wearable, a combination that was unheard of in the 1800s.

The history of fashion and design has rapidly evolved since its origin, becoming a widely appreciated industry that we all play a part in to this day.

The Future

One of the front runners of fashion hubs that has developed throughout the years is “Fashion Week”. Fashion Week has been the home of the upcoming fashion designs and trends since 1943. Beginning in New York and eventually branching out across the globe, Fashion Week has been a place of design, expression and culture.

Although fashion has become a way of bridging a cultural divide, it is not without its discrepancies. In a recent study, it was found that 68% of people had experienced discrimination within the fashion industry based on appearance and religious beliefs. A shocking, but sadly unsurprising, statistic.

There is the added issue of fashion becoming faster and faster, in an attempt to keep up with current trends. The global fast fashion market is predicted to grow to $99.23 billion by the end of 2022. The impacts on the environment are immense.

Fashion has evolved and changed since clothing began. We know that is has already re-shaped culture and society, so there is a hope that it will continue to evolve into a more accepting and sustainable industry. More brands are standing up against fast fashion and inequality within the industry.

From a tool of self-expression, to a way of connecting with people, fashion is and always will be at the forefront of our society. It is here on INT.EXT you will learn how to harness fashion and use it to express yourself and embrace history and culture. Follow us for more content like this and top tips.

History of clothing Classical period

 Classical period

Early classical period

Early classical period has ample evidence of dresses worn by ancient Indians in several relief sculptures which depict not only the dressing styles, but also architecture and lifestyle of the period. Buddhist reliefs from Amravathi, Gandhara, Mathura, and many other sites contain carved reliefs from Jataka tales and exhibit the fashion of the period between the 2nd century BCE to Gupta periods.

• Shunga royal family wearing traditional Indian attire, West Bengal, 1st century BCE.

 

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Scene of the life of the Buddha, wearing kāṣāya, Gandhara, 2nd–3rd-century CE (Kushan period),

 

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Relief depicting men in antriya and uttariya, 1st century CE.

 

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Andhra attire, Amaravati style

 

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Warrior wearing Achkan or long coat or chiton, and boots from Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Orissa, 2nd century BCE.

 

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Kushan emperor Kanishka, 2nd century CE, from Mat near Mathura, wearing Achkan, sash and outer coat.

Gupta period

The Gupta period lasted from 320 CE to 550 CE. Chandragupta I was the founder of this empire. Stitched garments became very popular in this period. Stitched garments became a sign of royalty.

The antariya worn by the women turned into gagri, which has many swirling effects exalted by its many folds. Hence dancers used to wear it a lot. As it is evident from many Ajanta paintings, women used to wear only the lower garment in those times, leaving the bust part bare but these depictions may be a stylistic representation of mother goddess cult since Indus Valley Civilization. Whereas women with stitched upper body garment or tunic have been shown from pre-Mauryan period as early as 400 BCE in a folk art depicted on Pazyryk rattling mirrors. Ujjain coin from 200 BCE depicts a man wearing achkan. Depictions from terracotta clay tablets from Chandraketugarh show women wearing clothes made of muslin. Various kinds of blouses (cholis) evolved. Some of them had strings attached leaving the back open while others were used to tie from the front side, exposing the midriff.

Clothing in the Gupta period was mainly cut and sewn garments. A long sleeved brocaded tunic became the main costume for privileged people like the nobles and courtiers. The main costume for the king was most often a blue closely woven silk antariya, perhaps with a block printed pattern. In order to tighten the antariya, a plain belt took the position of kayabandh. Mukatavati (necklace which has a string with pearls), kayura (armband), kundala (earring), kinkini (small anklet with bells), mekhala (pendant hung at the centre, also known as katisutra), nupura (anklet made of beads) were some of the ornaments made of gold, used in that time. There was extensive use of ivory during that period for jewellery and ornaments.

During the Gupta period, men used to have long hair along with beautiful curls and this style was popularly known as gurna kuntala style. In order to decorate their hair, they sometimes put headgear, a band of fabric around their hairs. On the other hand, women used to decorate their hair with luxuriant ringlets or a jewelled band or a chaplet of flowers. They often used to make a bun on the top of the head or sometimes low on the neck, surrounded by flowers or ratnajali (bejewelled net) or muktajala (net of pearls).

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Terracotta head, wearing possibly an early form of pagri from the Gupta period.

 

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Male warrior holding broad sword wearing dhoti and arm bracelets; Gupta era statues.

 

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Ancient form of Kurta with side slits and Churidar worn during the Gupta period.

 

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Females statues wearing drapes dipected at Dashavatara Temple.

 

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Male and female statues wearing drapes at Nachna Hindu temples.

In south

Chalukyas of vatapi

Chalukyas of vatapi have unique clothing, they wore veshti in different styles sometimes veshti goes under knees. The uniqueness of jewelleries is the presence of thigh band.