Fashion History: A Reflection of Society, Culture and Ego
The history of fashion is not just a series of outfits over time. It is a story of power, gender, freedom, aesthetics and rebellion of people at every turn of the world.
Fashion Starts From Need – But Evolves Into Culture
1. From Body Covering to Ego Expression
The origin of fashion is instinct – to protect from the sun and rain, to keep warm. But when people learned to sew, to coordinate, to beautify – fashion transformed from function to culture. From primitive animal skins, the ancient Egyptians knew how to use white linen, the Greeks wore chitons, the Chinese wore Hanfu, and medieval Europe was the peak of corsets and waist belts.
2. Each Stage – A Stream of Thought Is “Weared on the Body”
Renaissance fashion is associated with luxury and power. The 19th century was a time of gender normativity – dresses for women, suits for men. Moving into the 20th century, with war, urbanization and the rise of the feminist movement, clothing began to change dramatically: shorter, lighter, more unisex.
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The Turning Points When Fashion Became a Way to “Say the Unspeakable”
1. Coco Chanel and the Revolution of Freedom
In the early 20th century, women still wore corsets – waists that were so tight they were suffocating. Coco Chanel came along and introduced trousers, loose silk blouses, and vests into women’s wardrobes. “I don’t make fashion,” she said. “I am fashion.” And from then on, freedom became the new aesthetic.
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2. Punk, Grunge, Hip-hop – Resistance Is Also A Style
In the 70s–90s, fashion was a social statement. Punk rebelled with studs, rips, and fake blood. Grunge was synonymous with Kurt Cobain, plaid shirts, and distressed jeans. Hip-hop brought tracksuits, sneakers, and streetwear. Each wave proved: fashion is more than just beauty—it’s a voice.
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3. Digital Fashion – What We Wear Is Also Virtualized By Technology
Today, fashion is no longer limited to the physical. NFTs, virtual clothing, metaverse catwalks – all show that taste is merging with technology, reflecting the fragmentation and liberalization of the modern world.
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Fashion History Is A Mirror For Gen Z To Look At Themselves
1. From “Following the Trend” to “Choosing Values”
Young people today don’t dress to be fashionable. They dress to reflect their values: the environment, equality, indigenous culture, gender inclusivity. They dig into the history of fashion to understand that true beauty is not about “dressing correctly,” but “dressing correctly for yourself.”
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2. Today's Brands Are the Crystallization of Centuries
From Chanel to Comme des Garçons, from Balenciaga to local brands like Root Rotation , all are inheriting the flow of history. Each design carries its own philosophy, built on a foundation of culture, art, and society. No brand can last long without roots.
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