The next big thing is coming up – what will fashion’s next big moment be? We’ve been living in a time when clothes define the moment and give it visual shape. But will that moment be sweatpants, an all-black patchwork of antifa, or a Hawaiian shirt co-opted by far-right anarchists? The fashion industry is still grappling with this existential question. In the meantime, let’s examine what is likely to come next.
While there are many different definitions for fashion, its meaning is often vague and the application of the word can be confusing. Fashion can mean one thing or the other – it can be a sign of differences in appearance or sameness – or it can simply refer to previous eras and trends. In other words, the word is a general term that can apply to both the latest styles and eras. And, if you’re an avid follower of the latest trends, you may even wear the same clothes that celebrities are wearing.
During the 2016 presidential election, fashion designers took advantage of the political climate to reach the people who buy their clothes. However, these fashion designers’ use of influence and platforms for political speech led to some controversy and questioning of the democratic values of a free society. Ultimately, fashion doesn’t always reflect democratic values, and it is a one-way broadcast of a message. Fashion can be a political statement and a source of creativity, but it can also be seen as an expression of materialism.
