What is Fashion Culture?

Published on 10 Oct 2024

7:30 min estimated read time

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by Andrea Liu

Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing

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A deep dive into the fusion of fashion, society, and identity

Fashion culture is more than just a passing trend or an expression of personal style. It is a rich, multi-layered concept that encompasses art, identity, and societal values, reflecting the very essence of human interaction with the world. For those looking to delve into this exciting and dynamic field, studying fashion at the University of East London (UEL) offers an invaluable opportunity to explore the deeper meaning of fashion culture and carve out a successful career in the fashion industry.

In this blog, we will explore what fashion culture is, its relevance in society, and why studying fashion courses at UEL can unlock your potential to become a leader in this field.

What is Fashion Culture?

At its core, fashion culture is the interplay between fashion, society, and identity. It’s the ways in which clothing and style are influenced by, and in turn influence, cultural values, traditions, and social norms. This broad concept encompasses everything from the haute couture collections of Paris Fashion Week to the everyday street style seen in the corners of East London.

Fashion culture is not merely about the clothes we wear but also about what these clothes say about us. It reflects the historical, political, and social contexts in which they are worn, making fashion a powerful tool for self-expression, communication, and even protest.

In essence, fashion culture is the study of how fashion shapes, and is shaped by, the people who wear it and the societies in which they live. It’s about understanding the role of fashion in creating identities, fostering cultural pride, and even influencing global political movements.

Fashion as a form of identity

One of the key aspects of fashion culture is its deep connection to identity. Fashion gives us the power to express who we are, who we want to be, and where we belong in the world. Whether consciously or unconsciously, every choice we make in what we wear reflects aspects of our personal identity.

For instance, subcultures such as punk, goth, and hip-hop have long used fashion as a means of expressing rebellion, community, and values. The bold, unconventional clothing associated with punk culture in the 1970s was not just an aesthetic choice but a political statement against mainstream norms. Similarly, hip-hop fashion, with its oversized silhouettes and vibrant colours, became an emblem of pride, resistance, and creativity for marginalised communities.

Fashion, in this sense, is a form of non-verbal communication that allows us to project our values, beliefs, and affiliations. As fashion culture evolves, so do the ways in which people use clothing to form identities, aligning themselves with specific movements, trends, or subcultures.

This understanding of fashion as a language of identity makes it an exciting and intellectually stimulating field of study. At UEL, fashion students explore this intersection between style and identity, gaining the tools to both analyse and create fashion in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

Fashion culture and society

Fashion culture does not exist in isolation; it is deeply embedded in the social, political, and economic fabric of our lives. It reflects and responds to the cultural zeitgeist, often acting as a mirror to societal values and shifts.

Take, for example, the feminist movement and its impact on fashion. During the early 20th century, women began rejecting restrictive clothing such as corsets, embracing more practical and comfortable attire like trousers. This shift was not just about aesthetics but about empowering women to challenge gender norms and assert their independence.

In recent years, movements such as #MeToo have also influenced fashion, with designers creating collections that reflect empowerment and autonomy. Power dressing, characterised by structured silhouettes, bold lines, and authoritative tailoring, became a symbolic way for women to assert their strength and confidence in both personal and professional spaces.

Similarly, fashion has always played a role in broader social movements. From the adoption of the rainbow flag by the LGBTQ+ community to the rise of sustainable fashion in response to environmental concerns, fashion often acts as a visual language for social change.

At UEL, students are encouraged to explore these intersections between fashion and society. The curriculum not only teaches the technical skills needed to succeed in the industry but also fosters critical thinking around the role fashion plays in shaping societal values and driving cultural change.

Globalisation and fashion culture

The modern world of fashion culture is a global one, where trends, designs, and ideas travel across borders at lightning speed. Globalisation has created a melting pot of fashion cultures, where Western styles meet Eastern traditions, and street fashion mingles with luxury brands.

Japanese street fashion, for instance, has had a major impact on global fashion culture. The eclectic, avant-garde styles seen in Harajuku have inspired designers and fashion lovers around the world, influencing everything from high-end couture to everyday streetwear.

Similarly, traditional garments like the Indian sari, the African dashiki, and the Chinese cheongsam have transcended their local contexts, being reinterpreted and incorporated into global fashion collections. This blending of fashion cultures enriches the industry, bringing in new perspectives and fostering greater creativity.

However, the globalisation of fashion culture also raises questions about cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation. Borrowing from different cultures can be seen as a form of respect and admiration, but it can also result in the commodification or misrepresentation of cultural symbols.

Students at UEL are equipped with the critical skills to navigate these complex global dynamics. The University’s fashion courses are designed to help students understand the cultural significance of fashion on a global scale, ensuring that they approach design and fashion with respect, innovation, and inclusivity.

The influence of technology and social media on fashion culture

Technology and social media have revolutionised how we engage with fashion culture. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have turned fashion into a participatory experience, where individuals from all over the world can share their styles, create trends, and influence global fashion movements.

In today’s digital age, fashion trends are born online and spread instantaneously. Influencers and content creators play a huge role in shaping fashion culture, often bypassing traditional fashion gatekeepers like designers and editors.

The rise of fast fashion is one result of this digital acceleration, making trends more accessible to the masses. However, the fast fashion industry has also brought attention to issues such as environmental sustainability and ethical labour practices. In response, a growing movement towards slow fashion has emerged, advocating for mindful consumption, sustainable materials, and ethical production processes.

At UEL, fashion students are taught to navigate this rapidly changing landscape. Courses focus on innovation, sustainability, and the digitalisation of fashion, preparing students for a future in which technology and ethics are increasingly important.

Why study fashion at UEL?

For anyone interested in understanding and shaping the future of fashion culture, the University of East London offers a unique opportunity. UEL’s fashion courses are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking needed to thrive in the competitive fashion industry.

Here are some key reasons to study fashion at UEL:

Comprehensive curriculum: UEL offers a well-rounded curriculum that blends creative design with practical skills, such as garment construction, fashion marketing, and business management. Students also engage with fashion theory, allowing them to explore the cultural, social, and historical aspects of fashion.
Industry connections: UEL’s location in London, one of the fashion capitals of the world, provides students with unparalleled access to the fashion industry. With strong industry connections, students can gain internships, attend fashion shows, and network with professionals.

Focus on sustainability: UEL places a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion, preparing students to tackle the environmental challenges facing the industry today. This includes exploring ethical production practices, sustainable materials, and innovative design techniques.
Diverse and inclusive environment: UEL celebrates diversity and encourages students to bring their unique cultural perspectives into their work. This inclusivity fosters a creative environment where students can experiment with new ideas and challenge traditional norms.
Digital innovation: UEL’s fashion courses reflect the digitalisation of the fashion industry, teaching students how to use the latest technology in design, marketing, and production. This prepares graduates to enter a future where technology will continue to drive fashion culture forward.

Conclusion: Fashion culture and your future

Fashion culture is a dynamic, ever-evolving field that touches every aspect of our lives. From personal identity to global trends, fashion reflects and shapes the world around us. For those passionate about exploring this intersection of fashion, society, and culture, there’s no better place to study than the University of East London.

UEL offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of fashion, learn from industry experts, and develop the skills needed to make an impact. Whether you’re interested in design, fashion marketing, or sustainable fashion, UEL provides a pathway to success in this exciting field. So, if you’re ready to take the next step in your fashion journey, UEL’s fashion courses are the perfect place to start.