Trends versus Paradigms in Fashion Cycles Equal to Niche Markets: A Genderless Clothing Approach

Abstract

It is inevitable to mention the fact that fashion is changeable. Just as fashion codes are changeable, gender has been continuously recreated and evolving. All products have a life cycle, and fashion products are no different in this respect. When it comes to fashion and its creation, looking back (in terms of what has already been done) is always part of it. Usually, everything we wear nowadays was once a trend in another decade of the past. The fashion life cycle is the length of time that a particular style or look is widespread, and this can vary, as we will confirm later. Fashion changes because the zeitgeist changes, meaning the spirit of the time changes. Fashion exists where the social system is fluid. In this way, genderless clothing is undoubtedly a reflection of our time because we are going through a time when, socially and politically, the fight for equality between the sexes is remarkable, influencing fashion designers to develop genderless clothing. As far as niche markets are concerned, these can also be part of fashion cycles. This is because, although they do not reach the masses, they have some impact as a niche market, which is notable through designers and brands that are successful in this market.

Presenters

Benilde Reis
Professor, Department of Cinema and Media Arts, Lusofona University, Portugal

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Design in Society

KEYWORDS

FASHION CYCLES, TRENDS, PARADIGMS, NICHE MARKETS, GENDERLESS CLOTHING