Where It All Began... My Love For Fashion That Is
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According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Fashion is defined as the prevailing style during a particular time. As a verb, it means a mode of action or operation, to make or form something. Those are all definitions of the term fashion, but it’s more than that isn’t it. Fashion is an idea, a form of self-expression. Where did the idea of fashion begin? Well, it can go back to the beginning of civilization as we know it, clothing is of course a necessity. That being said, there is no definite time or person who started the idea of fashion today as we know it. During prehistoric times, fashion was based more on utility and necessity. For example, cavemen had to think critically of which animal skin would be best for the weather and hunting.
Though at one point, what you wore wasn’t just about what would keep you warm and safe, it was about who you were wearing and how you wore it. “The Romans and Egyptians were the first nations where people demonstrated great interest in how they dressed,” (Spencer K. 2020). Mainly those of higher status were the dictators of what was acceptable to wear and what wasn’t. During the Roman era people dressed in particular ways to indicate their social status. From there on clothing became more elaborate with added jewels, specific types of fabric, even the color was a dictation of one’s social standing. Just think about Marie Antoinette who was the style icon of her day, whatever she wore everybody else wanted. By the early 1800s though, there was a shift; the sewing machine was invented. Things that were once accessible only to those with a lot of money and time, became accessible to many with mass production. Now in the 20th century, fashion isn’t just for kings and queens but for anybody and everybody.
Anyways that’s the history of fashion, but when did my love for fashion begin? Well, that line is a little blurry too. If you ask my mom, I’ve been dressing myself ever since I was in grade school (except for that one year I refused to go in my closet because of the boogie man). I’ve always been quiet and shy, so clothing and fashion have always been my way of expressing how I feel without really having to say anything. That’s the beauty of fashion, it’s a universal language. As fashion designer Katherine Hamnett puts it, “Clothes create a wordless means of communication that we all understand”. Without having to speak a word what you wear says it all.
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