Are You a Slave to Fashion? - The Changing Face of Fashion

Conclusion of A Brief History

Social and technological changes played an even greater role in clothing the masses.  In Western Europe and North America, people had more money to spend.  In the late 1850's , women's magazines appeared, and soon thereafter department stores began to offer read-to-wear cloths in standard sizes. Also in the 19th century, Charles Frederick Worth  introduced fashion shows, using live models to spark the interest of prospective clients.  

In the 20th century, new synthetic fibers, such as rayon, nylon, and polyester, offered manufacturers  a wider array of fabrics.  Computerized designs made it easy to produce new styles, and because of globalization, new fashion trends could appear almost simultaneously  on the streets of Tokyo, New York, Paris, and Sao Paulo.  Meanwhile, designers and manufacturers have found new ways to promote their products.

Today young people have taken the place of the wealthy as the most ardent fashion enthusiasts.  Every  month, millions of them buy new clothes, and the trade produces hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of clothing a year. But are there hidden snares?

Next time: Are You a Slave to Fashion? - The Dark Side of Glamour

From the Awake! magazine