Fashion is a general term referring to changes in clothing styles. These changes may be subtle or dramatic, and can involve a whole range of apparel, including dresses, footwear, accessories, jewelry, makeup and hairstyles. Some people are considered to be fashion icons because of the way they dress or how they conduct themselves. Fashions can also be influenced by current events, and some fashion trends can even come back into style after having been worn out or forgotten for a time.
The modern fashion industry is huge and highly profitable. It involves designing, manufacturing and marketing a variety of clothing for men, women, children and teenagers. The United States is home to the most prominent and multi-faceted fashion industry, with many designer and luxury brands based in New York City. Some high-fashion companies have separate lines for different market segments, such as haute couture and ready-to-wear, while others specialize in certain types of apparel or accessories such as handbags or shoes.
The words fashion, style, mode and vogue mean the same thing: a popular way of dressing or behaving. The terms fashionista and fashion victim refer to someone who slavishly follows fashion trends. The beginnings of constant and rapid change in Western clothing styles can be traced to the late medieval period. In the early 20th century, changes in clothing styles were accelerated by the introduction of new technologies such as the sewing machine and mass production. In addition, new styles were inspired by social and significant historical events such as World War I and II, and the hippie movement of the 1960s.