Fashion is a multifaceted industry that encompasses clothing, footwear, accessories and cosmetics. Fashion trends are closely linked to the concept of art, and are often influenced by cultural events and social movements. The term can also refer to the design process of creating clothing, and to the resulting assemblages or collections. Fashion designers create garments and accessory pieces that are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. They may use different shapes, colors and fabrics to appeal to particular audiences or occasions. Fashion designers also work within the constraints of a particular budget, and are sometimes commissioned by other companies to produce a line of clothing for them.

The start of continual and accelerating change in clothing styles can be dated to late medieval times, although historians disagree on the exact period when this began. One explanation is that the appearance of new clothes in illuminated manuscripts led to a fashion for short skirts that were worn with full sleeves and tight bodices, and that this was adopted by fashionable people of all social classes.

Changing fashions may be caused by economic or political factors, as well as by changes in taste or social values. For example, during the Cold War, Eastern European countries and the United States imposed strict rationing of luxury items like designer clothing. In addition, the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement influenced fashion. Similarly, the styles of music have a significant effect on fashion. For example, punk style was a response to the perceived suffocation of mainstream society during the early 1980s.

Many modern fashion trends are inspired by celebrities and other social figures. They can also be influenced by the weather and other environmental factors. When a celebrity wears a new type of clothing, it often becomes popular and inspires others to follow suit. This is known as the fashion cycle.

It is difficult to say how many people actually follow fashion trends, but some experts estimate that the number is in the millions. Some people consider fashion to be frivolous, while others rely on it for self-expression and identity formation.

Fashion is a cultural phenomenon that affects all parts of the world. The production of clothing and accessories is a global industry, with the United States being one of the world’s largest consumers. In the 21st century, production has moved abroad and employment is less stable. Clothing is typically produced in places where labor costs are cheaper, but the final assembly and marketing of the products takes place in the United States or other wealthy nations. Fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. In the United States, it is a significant employer and an important contributor to economic growth. Many Americans hold a positive view of the fashion industry. The public has an appetite for new and innovative clothing styles, which is reflected in the wide variety of retail stores available. In the United States, fashion includes clothing and shoes from both luxury designers like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, and mass-market retailers like Nike and Vans.