The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise. It includes design, manufacturing, marketing, and advertising. These sectors are separated and interdependent, and the overall goal is to satisfy consumer demand for apparel.
Fashion is a complex industry, but it has the potential to change the way we live. For example, it is the catalyst to initiate substantial changes in our health, our environment, and our society. However, while it might seem like it has the power to make a positive impact, the industry’s dark side is also present.
As with any industry, the fashion industry is a competitive one. To be successful, it must meet consumer demands and operate at a profit. It is also important to ensure that it remains relevant. While there are many trends and fashions to choose from, fashion can also be an art form.
One of the biggest challenges facing the fashion industry is environmental and social issues. Many fabrics and garments are designed to restrict natural human movements, and the materials they use can affect the health of the wearer and the planet.
In order to be effective, fashion must incorporate principles of color, shape, line, and functionality. For example, clothing that is designed to promote heat-control may look different from mass-produced sportswear.
When it comes to implementing change, however, the fashion industry must do more. Fashion must address issues of diversity, environmental damage, and garment workers.
“Fashion can act as an agent for social and health improvement,” says Frances Corner, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Arts London and author of Why Fashion Matters: A Case for the Power of Fashion in Society. By encouraging the fashion industry to be more ecologically and societally sustainable, Frances suggests that it can help combat issues such as climate change.
Another interesting and useful aspect of fashion is its ability to spread ideas. “For example, the ability of clothing to spread ideas with a ‘cool’ factor is very useful,” she says. She points to the example of the catalytic dress. This piece of clothing was developed by Professor Helen Storey MBE and Tony Ryan. Their Catalytic Clothing project explored the use of textiles as catalytic surfaces.
For the past several years, the Laudes Foundation has been working to influence all aspects of the garment industry, collaborating with COFRA group companies on thought-partnership projects. They have also launched a series of research initiatives to determine the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Another exciting development in the fashion world is the collaboration between the fashion industry and technology. A number of designers and scientists have been working to create innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for the fashion industry.
For example, a new type of clothing is being designed that uses photocatalysis to help break down air pollution. The dress in question is called ‘Herself’ and toured the world to raise awareness of the project.
Perhaps the most important and simplest of all the things is the fact that fashion has the capability to influence social behavior. Fashion can mediate the display of an individual’s body in a social setting, and fashion can also be an artistic expression.