CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON FASHION TRENDS: A CROSS-CONTINENTAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Fashion is a moving cultural statement, which captures the historical background, social values, economic fluctuations and international connectivity. In different continents, fashion is not only the way of self-expression, but the way of reflection of cultural identity, tradition, and change. Though globalization has increased the pace of item diffusion in terms of styles and aesthetics, local cultures still influence how fashion is received, modified and re-invented within various settings. This paper examines the effect of cultural systems on the fashion trends in various continents, the ways through which religion, tradition, society, colonialism, economy, media and globalization collide and converge to create unique sartorial arenas.