Fashion

Fashion

Fashions fade, style is eternal – Yves Saint Laurent

Fashion, style and glamor need no introduction. After all, looking one’s best may even help in making friends, securing successful outcomes at interviews and gaining credibility, according to social psychologists.

The fashion world is one of glamour and beauty. However, fashion trends can also be quite dangerous. To illustrate, how do supermodels stay so thin? For example, the thin ideal perpetuated by female supermodels has often been blamed for the rise of eating disorders among teenage girls, women and homosexual men in Western societies. What is more, several professional models have succumbed to complications of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, such as an imbalance of electrolytes.

Additionally, dangerous and hazardous behaviours, such as consuming tissue or cotton (!) because it swells up the stomach, have been described as commonplace among certain parts of the fashion industry. Alternatively, many fashion models, such as world’s famous and highest paid Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, affirm that they have never had any problems with eating or had disordered eating habits to stay fit and thin. Indeed, the gorgeous top model mentioned genetics, a healthy diet and exercise regimen as responsible for keeping her perfect figure. Also, many models smoke cigarettes, and while tobacco smoking is destructive to health, it does have the effect to make one thinner, in some cases. Also, what is certain is that quitting smoking, which takes an average of eight times for a successful attempt, is said to make most people gain 10 to 15 pounds.

Fashion style. Photo by Elena.

On the other hand, the fashion world brings happiness into the hearts of many people, especially of those who can afford it. For instance, a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes has filled many a young woman’s heart with joy. The famously red bottom coloured footwear is easily recognized and instantly glamourizes any outfit. Other famous designers also convey a sense of prestige and status to the wearer, in part because retail prices for these luxury goods are so high. Indeed, marketing theory would predict that designers and brands such as Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Christian Dior, Burberry and others command the prices they do not only because of superior quality of make and materials, but also because of the prestige, status and glamour premium.

Fashion icons vary with time. In 2011, perhaps the most extravagant fashion statements were made by pop and rap stars, respectively, Lady Gaga and Nicky Minaj. Nonetheless, singers Katy Perry and Rihanna, rumored best friends, have likewise harbored interesting outfits and an array of changing hair colors.

Historically, Audrey Hepburn is associated with class and elegance, a contemporary title bestowed on Australian born Nicole Kidman, whereas Coco Chanel left behind a cosmetics and fashion retail empire. Some say that while it is understandable why someone would prefer to wear designer jeans or business suits, choosing brand make-up is less so. Nonetheless, both quality and name seem important.

The importance of fashion or la mode (fashion in French) are often portrayed in the media, as in the series and following films Sex and the City starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall and others. Along these lines, prestigious brands encompass Prada, Cartier, Pierre Cardin, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Emporio Armani, to name a few. Clearly, apparel retail is a huge industry, a demanding and fast changing world, with, as again depicted in films, magazines and TV shows, at times drastic consequences.

Black haired Cher. Photo by Elena.

Magic, Hair Styles and Fashion

Common knowledge dictates that fashion changes overtime. Most designers produce separate collections for every season. Interestingly enough, make-up and hair styles also follow la mode (French).

For example, characteristic anime and manga hair is easily recognizable in drawings and other illustrations, while hair color has become bolder with pink, purple grey, yellow and multicolored hairdos sported by celebrities (popular singer Katy Perry, trendy vocalist and Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter Kelly Osbourne, pop star Lady Gaga and rap scene sensation Nicki Minaj, respectively). Of course haircuts also set trends, such as the effect Justin Bieber’s look appears to have had on teen culture.

The images below were selected based on their showcasing of unusual, magical or fantasy hair styles. More pictures grouped according to themes can be found on the artwork index page.

Folklore narrates that Pagan festivities were often linked to magic. As most likely associated with Carmen from Propser Merimee’s so named novel, real and artificial flowers are often used as decoration in hair, such as likewise demonstrated by the Hawaiian traditional Hula costume.

The argument that romantic love was an invention of the West rests in part on the courtly love concept developed in the Renaissance, which differed from, and ran parallel to, one’s likely arranged marriage.

Anime, manga style character with very long hair.

Fashion design is a whole avenue by itself, but the endeavor can be quite complicated as demonstrated bu such shows as Runway Project hosted by international supermodel and actress Heidi Klum, and The Fashion Show. A print similar to those used on clothes. As can be seen from the picture. Illustration, Megan Jorgensen (Elena).