Almost every woman nurtures an
innate desire of looking good and feel 'accepted' in the socio-economic
circle. The word fashion instantaneously brings to mind a flash of color
with a dash of glamor. Women are taking to fashion in a big way, and are
experimenting with different looks, styles, and textures. Let's take a
look at the dynamic evolution of fashion worldwide.
Fashion plays an increasingly important role in an individual's life
because it is considered as a means of self-expression. The garments and
accessories that women wear, help them to identify with a group of
others-whether it is a lifestyle, profession, a religion, or an
attitude. Thus, the term "fashion" has become synonymous with
the overall growth of country as well.
Several factors contribute to the evolution of fashion as a whole. It
is a widely accepted fact that the rich and the famous, and the
political figures and royalty have always moved the seasonal trends of
fashion. The advertising media also contributes equally to update us
about the daily style checks.
Evolution of Fashion in India
Fashion in India, a land rich in culture and tradition, has evolved
through the centuries. This country, rich in culture represents a
kaleidoscope of changing trends and traditions. Here, clothes perform
different functions depending on the occasion. Be it festivals, parties,
profession, or just a matter of reflecting attitude...fashion is simply
'in'.
Right from women who sport a dash of vermilion in the parting of their
hair, to professionals on the go who wield the ladle and the laptop with
equal ease, fashion forms an integral part of their lives. Today,
fashion, for women, does not necessarily mean glamor, or the urge to
follow the current trends. It is more a way of life, a reflection of
inner beauty, where the intellect shines through, complete with comfort
quotient.
Fashion not only highlights the social history and the needs of women,
but also the overall cultural aesthetic of the various periods. The
evolution of fashion dates back to several hundred years and as our
attitude and culture change, fashion comes along with it.
In India, the fashion scenario was different in different political
periods. During the British rule in India, the fashion trend within high
society was strongly influenced by the British fashion style and western
clothes became a status symbol in India.
Again during 1930s, emergence of different ideologies like communism,
socialism and fascism imparted a more feminine and conservative touch to
the women's fashion. However the period also witnessed the predominance
of body hugging dresses with dark shades. The foundation of the Indian
cinema also proved to be the strongest influence on revolutionizing the
fashion scene in those days.
1940s was a decade marked by the second World War and the ensuing
independence of India. Hence the period portrayed relatively simple yet
functional women's clothing. During 1950s, the advent of art colleges
and schools led to popularity of narrow waist and balloon skirts with
bouncing patterns. Also, the adoption of khadi by Mahatma Gandhi made
khadi garments a rage among women.
In the 1960s, the sweeping changes in fashion and lifestyle resulted in
highly versatile fashion trends. In 1970s, the traditional material were
exported in bulk to other nations. Thus, excess of export materials were
sold within the country itself, which resulted in popularity of
international fashion in India.
During 1980s and 90s, the advent of television and other advertising
means gave a new edge to the Indian fashion scene. Influenced by ideas
of several foreign designers, new design & pattern were introduced
into garments. During these periods, power dressing and corporate look
were the style statement.
The revival of ethnicity was also witnessed in these decades.
Evolution of Fashion in the West
Fashion is an ever changing process and may vary considerably within a
society according to age, social class, generation, occupation and
geography as well as over time. In the West, fashion had different forms
at different times. In Europe, fashion emerged as an idea of personal
statement in the 16th century. Since then there were several ups and
downs in the fashion industry. In fact, highly prosperous societies in
the world, offer different types of fashion options to choose from the
clothes as well as accessories.
Various style statements were in vogue during the reign of Queen
Victoria (1837-1901) in the west. "Victorian fashion" usually
refers to fashion clothing popular in the Victorian era.
Fashionable garments for women started with a straight, regency
silhouette, consisting of exaggerated skirts and sleeves. This was
followed by small shoulders and slightly wider skirts supported by hoops
or crinolines. Thus, with changing time period, the fashion scene kept
on changing.
It has been further observed that fashion houses, fashion designers,
along with high-status consumers like celebrities were the determining
factors of change in fashion trends in various Western countries. In
fact, fashion clothing started spreading from the upper classes to the
middle and working classes in the West.
With advancements in the communication means, fashion shifted to
various parts of the world and the traditional clothing styles of
various continents like Asia, Africa and the US were superseded by the
European style. In addition to that, the gradual growth of national
economies led to the globalisation of international fashion styles.
