By Dara Adeeyo

Fashion is my life. Okay, maybe it’s not my entire life, but it’s a big part of my life. Ever since the age of 10, I have been obsessed with fashion. It was never in the normal “I love to go shopping” way, either. I always loved looking for the new trends and observing which ones were ‘in’ or ‘out.’ This might have to do with the fact that I loved reinventing myself every summer break (don’t deny it, you did it too when you were younger).

I also enjoy how fashion allows you to express yourself. A person’s outfit tells a lot about themselves. Some may say that the fashion industry is nothing but high profile designers and models. But in fact, the fashion industry includes the textile industry, advertising agencies, fashion magazines, clothing and accessory manufacturers, retail and wholesale groups, and countless other professions.

Nevertheless, fashion is much more than its superficial aspects, it affects all of us. Yes that right, even you wearing those beat-up sneakers and stained T-shirt.

So let’s take a step back a couple thousand years ago. Our ancestors started using animal fur, leaves, etc. to protect themselves from the weather. And once they realized that they needed such items, or clothing to protect themselves, they decided to do much more with it. Eventually, everyone was creating and sewing their own clothing.

Jumping forward, it was not until 1860 that a real fashion designer sprung up. In 1860, the French designer Charles Frederick Worth decided to stop creating designs as they were described to him. He created his own designs and then showed them to Parisian ladies. Thus, clothing that was made to order and sewn for fit emerged.

It was not until the Industrial Revolution that fashion really took off. The more factories that were built meant that there would be more fabric that would be spun. Fabric became more accessible to everyone. Independent designers started making seasonal collection and it was in 1941 when Press Week was established. Press Week is what we now know as Fashion Week.

Excuse me, let me correct myself. To non-fashion insiders, Fashion Week, especially New York Fashion Week, is what you know as the time where so many celebrities seem to be nowhere else but New York City and portions of Bryant Park are closed off to the public.

In reality, Fashion Week is the most important week to all fashion designers. This is when magazine editors, advertisers and buyers come to see what designers are showcasing for the next season. I know what you’re thinking, “Okay, cool. Big deal.” Well, my friends, this is a big deal.

What is shown during Fashion Week pretty much dictates what you will be able to buy in your local clothing store. What do I mean? Buyers go to fashion shows with the intention of seeing what they can buy for their stores. Let’s say a designer was to get a great review on his or her collection, then buyers would order tons and tons of that designer’s clothing. Eventually, department stores would then pick up on the latest fashion trend, thus dictating what is available to you in a store. If Christian Dior says blue is out, then gosh darn it, blue is out and trying to find a blue anything will be close to impossible at any store, expensive or not. Ultimately, it is a trickle-down effect.

To further prove my point, let’s take a look at the latest fashion frenzy: leggings. In my opinion, leggings should never be worn with the ankles exposed. Leggings are great for boots and… yeah, boots. Anyway, leggings were revived from the fall 2005 ready-to-wear fashion collections. They appeared all over the runway and since leggings seemed to be the popular trend on the runway, buyers instantaneously bought leggings for their expensive stores and like I said before, it trickled down into department stores because, as a society, many of us like to imitate the looks on the runway in an affordable manner.

Ultimately, fashion matters. Whether you enjoy wearing sweat suits every day or couture gowns, the fashion industry is important. There are three main things that humans need to survive: food/water, shelter and most importantly, clothing.

Dara Adeeyo is a sophomore print journalism student. You may e-mail her at [email protected].