Fashion is a multifaceted industry that encompasses clothing, footwear, accessories, and cosmetics. The design and production of these items are determined by trends that dictate what is aesthetically acceptable at any given time. While many trends are initiated by the public, others are promoted by the fashion industry in order to increase profits and attract customers. In this way, the fashion business has the power to absorb and reinterpret cultural change, but can also be detrimental by exploiting consumers’ need for self-expression.
The earliest examples of fashion as an art form can be seen in the works of Albrecht Durer and other artists who depicted fashionable clothing worn by wealthy citizens of their time. Fashion has long been a form of personal expression for both men and women, and in recent times, the Internet and social media have enabled individuals to share their styles with an international audience.
The fashion system consists of several interrelated parts, including conceptualization and design, fabric and textile production, manufacturing, and marketing and retailing. Conceptualization and design occur when fashion designers or brands develop ideas and concepts for new garments. These ideas are then turned into sketches, patterns, and prototypes. The design process is often iterative, and a single garment can exist in many different versions, including variations in colors, fabrics, or prints. These different versions are referred to as “styles” within the fashion industry, and each style has its own unique stock keeping unit (SKU). These SKUs are used by retailers to track sales and inventory. Once the designs have been approved for production, the textile and fabric materials are sourced, and the garments are manufactured and shipped to retailers’ warehouses or distribution centres. The retailing of the final fashion products occurs in brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers, and other channels.