What does fashion even mean?. Literally by definition it means a “popular/current style of clothing, hair or personal adornment”. But to others, could it differ? Personally, I do believe so. But deep down, I think it does not bring any meaning, where even at times I would question its purpose in our lives. Why is it so relevant? How could it be with each century passing, fashion too evolves? Is it particularly as simple as people choosing to copy another’s style just because they’re bored? Or is it much more deeper than that where it’s even essential in the evolution of mankind?
I think fashion embodies polysemy - The Coexistence of many meanings within one form. It can be interpreted in many different ways, but there is no fixed idea on it. Different people have different interpretation on fashion, some ideas can have many people agreeeing on it, while other ideas can be regarded as ridiculous. Personally, Fashion has no meaning to me, but I’m unbothered by it because I always knew it had a purpose. I think looking back in decades or even centuries, fashion’s purpose has evolved- or rather people have used fashion with differing purpose.
In this current era we are in, fashion serves as a form of expression. Whether it being identity or personality, mood & emotion, social identity & belonging, subtle choices help reflect it. Bold prints help reveal one’s creativity, bright colours show energy and optimism and subcultures such as goth, punk, etc, help signal shared values within a community.
However, if we looked back in the 1940s for example, fashion had a very different purpose for a certain group of people- the nazis. It is without doubt the SS uniform is one of the most unique military uniform we have ever seen. But it is so unique and eye-catching that the fact that each detail on it s completely created for a purpose. They did not use dark colours for any reason. It was to mainly evoke authority, mystery and death. Kinda like the grim reaper appearing before you when your time has come. Aside from the colour, the regime understood that appearance shapes perception. A uniform transforms an individual into a symbol of collective. The clean millitaristic design gave the illusion of discipline, purity and perfection, which were all central to Nazi ideology. In this sense, fashion was used as a tool for psychology warfare,influencing how the regime saw itself and how others saw them.
Lastly, the uniform erased individuality. A powerful metaphor on how totalitariarism suppresses personal identity in favour of ideology. It turned people into embodiments of the state, removing self and replacing it with the symbol. In conclusion, while aesthetics can be mostly used for good, it also has balance, where back then it was used for bad. Aesthetics can be weaponised and even manipulate. Fashion it self does not have meaning, but rather people give meaning to it, altering its purpose to each individual.