Unit 1a - Definition of Fashion

Introduction

Unit 1 a - Definition of Fashion will focus on an overview of fashion theory, including the definition of fashion.

To get us thinking about fashion and theoretical perspectives related to fashion, it is important that we have a general understanding of the varous ways in which fashion is defined. Although the term "fashion" is often associated with dress and adornment, "fashion" can be related to any object or phenomenon that changes over time based upon individuals' collective preferences. Thus we can see fashions in our homes, cars, religions, and even theories themselves. Throughout the term you might want to pay particular attention to the various aspects of our lives that are affected by the fashion process (e.g., everything from packaging of cold cereal to television commercials).

The readings for this week will provide you with a variety of definitions of the term "fashion". Fashion is usually studied from two perspectives: (1) as an object or idea and (2) as a process of change. We can talk about fashion objects -- the specific products or ideas that change over time because of individual's collective preferences. We can also talk about the fashion process -- the stages that a fashion object goes through as it introduced and collectively accepted/adopted by individuals. We will focus on both perspectives throughout the course.