Fashion In Todays World

Over the past decade the Fashion World has come under attack from many directions. Some of it could be put down to petty jealousy some to genuine concerns. These concerns range from the health of models to the exploitation of workers in the Far East. However it is clear that the fashion industry is so important to the British Economy. Last year the fashion industry was worth £21 billion (British Fashion Council 2010).

Fashion Designers, media  and photographers have a huge influence and impact on a young and impressionable audience. Many a young girl ( and now boys) have an unrealistic idea of what the perfect body and look is. This can lead to huge anxieties, stress and bullying by a fashion hungry audience.

Will the people in charge change ? I doubt it. Fashion designers  and publications are in the business of making money - and we have already seen what the fashion industry is worth. In fact they are actively compounding this issue, always portraying young women and men in a way that is unattainable. Images of young, photogenic, thin, athletic, perfect skin and perfect hair human specimens, in exotic settings with perfect lighting.

However, is it all the fault of the designers and media? Maybe not. Would consumers buy the very latest fashion magazines if unattractive large unfit models were on the front covers!!!

So the circle continues!!

Steven Meisel caused a bit of a stir with is 'Make Love Not War' set of fashion photographs for Italian Vogue, for his portrayal of women as sex objects in a male barracks.

What is Fashion Photography

How does fashion photography differ from other forms of photography?.

The differences are subtle but make a huge difference on the final image. Arguably Fashion Photography out of all other forms of photography allows you to be the most creative, actually it's a prerequisite that you are creative. Yes, this does depend on what the client requirements are but still even with these restrictions you do have a level of freedom to organise and shoot the bizaar.

So what is the fashion photographer trying to achieve or portray. As raised earlier there are subtle differences between advertising and fashion imagery. With the advertising image the photographer is capturing an item or product in detail but also creating desire. The fashion photographer is creating desire first and foremost. With some fashion imagery it's some times hard to even fathom what product is actually being sold.

                        12 Days of Christmas by Steven Meisel - Image for Vogue December 1998

The desire the fashion photographer creates is multi layered. When analysing the image above you can see the skill of the photographer. First the image immediately captures the intention of the reader.  The image is strange but intriguing.  The setting looks magical (unreal) with artificial light and frosting - apt for the time of year the magazine went out. Featuring four models in couture dresses that would not be seen on any high street, with over the top make up. What young fashion oriented girl would not want to change places with one of those models.

             Job done!!

What is Fashion?

It's very hard to say what actually constitutes fashion today. Fashion in  society has become a little confusing. With the explosion in multi media and society fragmenting into various cultural, ethnic and class grouping, each has its own unique fashion trend.

You could argue that the glossy magazines featuring  exclusive and expensive fashion houses lead the way, but try telling this to a young teenager into heavy metal who has their own unique way of dressing, or Asian women who follow the traditions of their culture.

But, isn't this what fashion actually is? A form of non verbal communication. A way of indicating a set of characteristics dependent on yours and like minded individuals with the same beliefs or social standard!