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Part 1 / Basic Fashion and Business Concepts
would contribute to the outfi ts being worn by the
people in 1-19. Then their apparel choices would
also refl ect their personal image outwardly to
the public, since all others can see how they are
dressed.
The textile/apparel industry also keeps
new fashions secretive and private as they are
being designed. However, as soon as they are
produced, they become very public. Fashion
is constantly in the public spotlight through the
press and other media. Promotion to the public
creates rapidly rising expectations among
consumers. Consumers excitedly anticipate
seeing, hearing about, and wearing the new
fashions.
Fashion is also public because shifts in the
economy and the makeup of the population affect
fashion. The art and science, and private and
public aspects of fashion always blend together,
although few people realize the impact of these
relationships.
Economic, Political, and
Other Infl uences on
Fashion
Fashion refl ects economic conditions,
political issues, current events, and popular
entertainment. It is “a mirror of our times,” showing
our lifestyles and social structures. It indicates the
way we think and live at a given point in time.
Historic clothing has revealed many details
about the lifestyles of people from various past
cultures. Current fashions will reveal much about
our lifestyles to future generations, 1-20. Some
experts say that if a fashion magazine or catalog
were left from today for people to read centuries
from now, it would tell more than volumes of books
written by philosophers, novelists, or scholars!
Historic clothing shows that economic and
political factors have always had a great infl uence
on fashion. Centuries ago, people dressed
DuPont Supplex® Nylon
1-18 This snowboarding suit, made of
lightweight, breathable fabric, is soft,
durable, and wind- and water-resistant.
Technology also enables it to be washable
and to resist fading.
ostill / Shutterstock.com
1-19 Although people privately choose what
fashions they want to buy or wear, and how
they want to combine articles of clothing,
their choices become very public when the
outfi ts are worn.