Social Implications of Fashion - By Yash Sahu

"Fashion is an armor to survive the reality of everyday life."

Since time immemorial, 'fashion' & 'clothing' have been pigeonholed as entities associated with what garments you wear and accessories you carry. However, in the modern era, fashion has taken many connotations to itself.

Today, fashion is a way of life, it reflects who you are, and says volumes about your character and personality. People of today, be it the boomers or the GenZ uphold the fact that one need not change to fit the prevalent fashion, however one should change the fashion, mould it in a favourable way, and make it fit oneself.

Without any ambiguity, fashion is not merely a creation of designers, rather a link between the society and the individual.

As the fashion industry strives to make a significant mark in the market, it has tones of social implications linked with it, of which three most important ones are discussed herein.

The LGBTQIA FACET

Fashion has been a major contributor and in fact, a savior for a plethora of individuals from the LGBTQIA community. Fashion, by itself, has given way to the coexistence of all genders, especially the Queer Community. We often find that the queer are subjected to humongous stereotypes owing to which they lose their dignity and status in society. However, through the modern approach that the fashion of today renders, the LGBTQIA Community is being able to alleviate their standing, both at the societal and personal level. With the help of fashion as a medium, more and more individuals are coming out in the open, choosing their right to live life on their terms. Also, gender fluidity has gained strength from the fashion industry since the modern perspective of fashion erases the bar for men’s and women’s clothing.

BODY POSITIVITY

Fashion has inculcated the sense of body positivity in individuals. It is today that a lot of people don't hesitate to wear skinny jeans or baggy pants! It doesn't matter if your size is an S or an XXL, it is your own right to feel beautiful, stylish and fashionable, all at the same time! Factors like stretch marks and cellulitis are no more considered obnoxious, rather embraced and welcomed. The brands of today and the entire fashion industry endeavors to deliver such pieces that make fashion liberal and more comfortable.

ETHNIC AND RACIAL INCLUSIVENESS

For the longest time, clothing and fashion revolved around the Whites and the Fair Skin Tones. However, with the advent of a modern perspective that fashion offers today, and also because of the Black Lives Matter Movement, the society is gradually contemplating and working meticulously towards acceptance and acknowledgement of beauty in different colours. This not only creates racial inclusivity but also promotes diversity.

Conclusively, Fashion is a path which can lead to a destination which can give you the ability to transform yourself into a internally beautiful personality and make you transcend in a world of opportunities, inclusivity and love.