Across the globe, there is a vast difference in fashion. It is not just a matter of style, it is also a matter of how the world’s cultures perceive and appreciate clothing.
Fashion can be a social phenomenon throughout the whole world, with people seeking to imitate the latest trends. In addition to a variety of clothing, there is also a wide range of jewellery, footwear, and hairstyles. These items are also often derived from social groups and subcultures.
There is no one definition of fashion, but academics and philosophers have viewed it as a form of language. The fashion industry is very globalized, with clothing designs often produced in Italy or another country and shipped to retail outlets around the world.
There are four major fashion capitals: Paris, New York, Milan, and London. They are the focal points for designers, who exhibit their newest collections during fashion weeks. There is also a strong presence in advertising, which is a key media platform in the industry.
The global fashion industry has been hit hard by a pandemic that has caused a deterioration in demand and supply. In fact, a McKinsey analysis found that workers in the industry face financial hardship and joblessness. This exacerbates a highly integrated supply chain, putting fashion companies under strain. The global economy is also slowing down, and competition is fierce.
As a result, the performance gap between companies continues to widen. In 2016, the top 20 percent of the global fashion industry contributed 100 percent of the industry’s profits. The performance gap between the top 20 and the rest of the industry has continued to increase in 2020.
The BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion Survey revealed that consumers are still largely unaware of the fashion industry’s contribution to the global economy. However, it is evident that consumers are trading away from midmarket price points and opting for a more premium experience. As the global economy slows down, there is a greater need for fashion companies to rethink their strategy.
The industry is also impacted by political decisions. In the United States, for example, during the 2016 presidential election, fashion designers capitalized on the political climate to promote their products.
This has led to debates about the role of democratic values in the fashion industry. A prominent French philosopher and semitician, Roland Barthes, promoted a perspective on fashion that considered the role of fashion as a means of communication and expression.
The fashion industry has also been influenced by technological advancements. In the past decade, for instance, 3D printing technology has been a factor in the design and production of clothing. This has influenced designers such as Iris van Herpen. In the future, we may see a more pronounced role for wearable technologies in the fashion industry.
As the global economy continues to improve, we should expect to see a resurgence in growth. The value segment is also expected to pick up speed, but apparel and footwear will continue to be the industry’s strongest performers. Handbags and jewellery are also expected to return to historic highs.
