Is Fashion Trivial?

Is Fashion Trivial? Malcolm Barnyard’s book ‘Fashion as Communication’ (Bernard, 1996) addresses the argument that fashion is trivial and is used to communicate and challenge issues. One of the topics which is discussed in this book is the topic of whether fashion is trivial’ this was questioned by Elizabeth Wilson who said that “the idea that fashion and clothing are trivial pursuits is Just one popular prejudice” (Wilson, 1992). In her book she quoted a letter that was in the Guardian newspaper, which stated, “fashion s trivial and ridiculous and serious minds need not be detained by it” (Wilson, 1992).
In Sharon Stellar article she says, “As civilized human beings, clothing is a requirement in order to be decent and presentable to the public. ” (Sharon Stellar, August 2007) She argues that clothing does more to our body than Just covers us. “It has to ability to accentuate your figure, minimize your flaws, give you the image of either professionalism or slovenliness, convey your individuality, and make you feel your best. Sharon Stellar, August 2007) What Stellar is saying is that clothes or fashion isn’t only there to Just conceal us but it is there to express ourselves, show outsiders our personality and to most importantly to feel good. However Anneal Frostier argues that without a doubt fashion is trivial, she states her own opinion that “Fashion seems to me the most ludicrous and, frankly, disgraceful thing – the whole “out with the old” thing and the waste appeals me. ” (Daily Mail 2008) In a sense she is right, why should we throw away clothes after t goes out of season?
Surely we buy clothes because we love the way the look or feel on us. However I do not agree with her that fashion is “ludicrous” and “disgraceful” Everything that we wear, whether it is a E top from Primary or a El 50 dress from Marc Jacobs, was designed for a reason. Many women, especially those in professional positions, see themselves as having no interaction with the fashion industry as they do not follow the latest trends. Nonetheless every item of clothing that they pick up and buy links them to the fashion industry.

Somebody has designed the fabric, color and style specifically for that person, and that isn’t something that should be ignored. If these people state that they don’t follow fashion and think what they wear has nothing to do with the fashion industry, then they should be walking around naked. Personally I do not feel that fashion is trivial. Yes sometimes it can be annoying when we spend EYE on the latest cashmere cardiac, then two weeks later its already out of trend. But fashion like Elizabeth Wilson states is a way of communicating with the est. of the world; it shows others our personality and individuality.