The past few weeks we were all singing, ‘I’m a barbie girl, in a barbie world’, all the while cladded in pink from head to toe. The entire fashion industry was upended by the #barbiecore where it was here pink, there pink, everywhere pink pink. The ripple effect of this trend was bigger than that of an atomic bomb. Once the hype died down, we all went back to the wardrobe at home which was made up of all things us. Interestingly, while we had an ‘all for one and for all’ moment where the magnetic influence of pop culture had us waltzing around in a single colour, even then the variety of clothing differed. Some wore tank tops, others slipped into halter tops, some were in dresses, others went for bell bottoms and some others chose anything that was pink. So on and so forth, we were all similar, but wildly different at the same time. Which makes us think, is fashion really a reflection of our lifestyle, or does our lifestyle resemble our fashion. Or the third option, is it a ‘best of both worlds’ situation where fashion and lifestyle draw from each other?
Fashion is never just about clothing. It is about style. Which is why it sets itself apart from trends. In the dynamic world of fashion, trends come and go with each passing season. One element that remains steady is style. Unlike fleeting trends, style is an intrinsic quality, a direct manifestation of a person’s essence.
Therefore style in fashion is important, because it is a reflection of our identity and aspirations. It serves as a creative canvas that intertwines with our lifestyle, forming a dynamic relationship where each element influences and transforms the other. Contemporary society weaves a rapport between fashion and lifestyle where one feeds into the other to make a singular whole.
However, in an age dominated by technology, there is a twist to fashion. While fashion remains to be an individual’s personal preference, it is also about which influencer’s instagram reel was suggested to you by your algorithm. If the outfit that your favourite celebrity wore makes an impression on you, the next outfit you choose, even if it is from the clothes in your wardrobe, will at least slightly resemble what they wore. And that is just the way of the world. This has led to the never ending debate of whether technology, AI and algorithms are homogenising fashion or whether it is just sprinkling personal fashion portfolios with star dust.
Even amidst a stockpile of such questions, it is safe to say that fashion and lifestyle are intoxicated with each other.
Fashion as a form of self-expression
Every person is unique, possessing their own perspectives, preferences, styles, and interests. This diversity among individuals creates a fascinating array of potential clothing selections. This apparent contradiction adds to our individuality. Our clothing can be viewed as a way to express this distinctiveness, influenced significantly by the way we live our lives. An article written by Arushi Sakhuja about the impact of technology on fashion quotes Nivedita Saboo: Founder and Fashion Entrepreneur at Nivedita about how fashion is an individual’s statement.
Saboo says that, whether you are a millennial or a member of Gen Z, the desire to showcase one’s unique style is universal. People now view clothing and accessories as tools for expressing their true selves, regardless of whether they lean towards an extravagant or minimalist approach, opt for traditional or contemporary attire.
This shift is truly remarkable as the pressure to conform has been pushed behind the curtains. People no longer feel compelled to conform to conventions. They are well-informed about the styles and colours that complement their appearance.
Our way of living substantially shapes our fashion preferences. Consider this: an individual fond of hiking and outdoor pursuits would lean towards practical and resilient clothing, whereas someone who relishes nightlife might gravitate towards stylish and trendy getups.
Additionally, lifestyle acts as a catalyst for fashion innovation. Take for instance the emergence of streetwear fashion, a direct result of the urban way of life. Likewise, the surge in yoga and athleisure wear can be traced back to the increased focus on wellness and physical fitness. These are instances where the function decides what clothing one will choose to wear. Not long ago, we were waddling around in PJs during the COVID-19 pandemic because our lifestyle went through an entire reset, including our wardrobes.
Interestingly, lifestyle also implies gender identification. Despite having to go a long way, today’s society is much more forward thinking in comparison to the older times. Therefore, many preferences are accepted and there is a decrease in shaming people based on their clothing.
Across many countries, it has become customary for individuals to dress in ways that transcend traditional masculine or feminine norms, irrespective of the gender that they were assigned at birth. Within the LGBTQ+ community, vibrant rainbow hues have become a prevalent sight in attire. These rainbow colours act as a visible declaration to embrace the lifestyle that they prefer. Such colours are worn with a sense of pride, fostering a shared enthusiasm within the community to display this distinctive expression.
The wolf in sheep’s clothing
Fast fashion. The culprit that seems to be jeopardising the premise of fashion that reflects lifestyle. Fast fashion refers to the swift transition of clothing designs from high fashion runways to retail shelves, capitalising on current trends. These collections frequently draw inspiration from styles showcased during fashion weeks or endorsed by famous individuals. This approach enables everyday consumers to acquire the latest, trendy appearances or upcoming fashion sensations at an affordable price.
Companies that engage in fast fashion are unethical in all senses of that word. In order to mass produce they resort to extreme measures such as sweatshops and overworking their employees. To add fuel to the fire, fast fashion also acts as a catalyst in the decreasing levels of fashion that reflect personal preferences or unique attributes.
Fast fashion acts as the tool that brings to life an abundance of garments that cater to our need for affordable and prompt attire that is also in line with the fleeting trends that arise from time to time That is why we hear about contrasting styles like the bold and maximalist ‘barbiecore’ and the understated ‘quiet luxury’ – as clothing has become transient choices, detached from conveying collective cultural ideals or a deliberate self-presentation. Amidst this, the quest for everyday essentials like a quality t-shirt or impeccably crafted trousers has grown progressively challenging. Which makes us ponder, what exactly is the current trajectory of fashion and what are the common denominators.
(Sandunlekha Ekanayake)