Why Modern Fashion is Bad
Modern fashion is a force that saturates culture. It can influence trends in music, food, and design. However, despite its omnipresence in our lives, there are some things about the fashion industry that are problematic. This article will explore why modern fashion is bad and what we can do to change it.
Fashion is a multibillion dollar industry that influences people across the globe. But despite its global reach, the fashion industry has a negative impact on the environment. This is due to the fast-fashion trend and the use of chemicals in the production of garments. Additionally, the fashion industry is also one of the largest polluters of water globally. Moreover, the fashion industry is responsible for the release of microfibres into the ocean.
When we think of fashion, we typically associate it with clothing, costume, or anything that decorates a person’s body. This concept has shaped our views on what is considered “good” and “bad” when it comes to the style of clothes we wear.
Each era has its own staple styles that define it. Whether it’s the bobby socks and ponytails of the 50s, the floral prints and flower power of the 70s, or the grunge style that represented nonconformity in the 90s, there are certain looks that instantly transport us to a particular time period.
While there are some timeless best-sellers, such as turtlenecks or white crew neck tees, the world of fashion is notoriously fickle. The fashion industry was traditionally a closed shop, with designers showing in New York, Paris, and Milan and a small group of insider critics, mostly older women, evaluating the collection and scribbling notes. These opinions would then be translated into stories and photos that would appear six months later in glossy magazines.
The rise of the internet has transformed the industry, making it even more faddish. Now, many fashion houses have their own websites and social media accounts where they share their latest designs with consumers. In addition, e-commerce sites like Amazon make it easy to browse and purchase designer clothing without having to travel to a physical store.
As a result of these changes, the industry is constantly deluged with products. Rather than sticking to traditional seasons, some brands produce as many collections as they can each year. In 2016, for example, Zara put out 24 collections while H&M offered between 12 and 16.
In addition to the increase in availability, fashion is more influenced by celebrity culture than ever before. This has led to a focus on image rather than function. The fashion industry has become a form of self-expression, allowing people to communicate their values and interests through the clothes they wear.
While there are some definite positives to the digital revolution, it has also created a lot of pressure on the planet. The fast-fashion trend encourages designers to cut corners when it comes to the environment, resulting in the use of toxic textile dyes and a massive environmental footprint. It takes 7,000 gallons of water to produce just one cotton shirt, and it’s estimated that up to 85% of the world’s textile waste ends up in landfills or oceans as microfibres.
