Fashion trends are influenced by several factors including political, economical, social and technological. Examining these factors is called a PEST analysis. Fashion forecasters can use this information to help determine growth or decline of a particular trend.
Political culture plays a critical role in fashion industry. Political change is reflection of today’s fashion. Most of the political events and laws are affecting fashion in a way of creating fashion trend. Considering the relationship between fashion and politics, we can see how fashion is not only a matter of aesthetic but it involves politics as well. Within political references, we can see how fashion can change.
Fashion is a reflection of current or historical events therefore it associates with today and past ‘s politics. For example, the terrorist attacks happened in the United States on September 11, 2001; it was the most tragic political events of the society. This catastrophic event caused horrific consequences which related to political. In a way, fashion trends were also revolutionised.
It is hard to say that 9/11 attacks made a direct influence on fashion industry, it should not be considered as inspiration for fashion designer to forecast the trend. However, after 9/11, fashion designers decided to embrace this challenge and tried to convey the significant lost and depression into a form of fashion trend. In a way, they believe that nation would remember this event more often and cherish every single moment we have. Post 9/11 led comfort dressing to remember and grieve the attacks on 9/11. By doing so, this trend became a form of communication.
Not only did political events make a huge impact on fashion trends but also the political figure played a critical role in forecasting the fashion trend. For example, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was a fashionable icon of the early 1960s who led formal dressing trend. By wearing a Chanel suit, a structural Givenchy shift dress or a soft color Cassini coat with huge buttons, it created her elegant look and led a delicate trend.
Furthermore, political revolution also made impact on fashion trend. For example, during the 1960s the economy had become wealthier, divorce rate was increasing and government approved the birth control pill. This revolution inspired younger generation to rebellion. In 1964, the leg-baring miniskirt has become a major fashion trend of the 1960s. Given that fashion designers began to experiment with the shapes of garment, loose sleeveless, micro-minis, flared skirts, and trumpet sleeves. In this case, mini-skirt trend became an icon of the 1960s.
Moreover, political movement built an impressive relationship with fashion trend. For instance, during Vietnam war, the youth of America made a movement that affected the whole country. In the 1960s, the fashion trend was full of fluorescent colors, prints patterns, bell-bottom jeans, fringed vests, and skirt became a protest outfit of the 1960s. This trend was called Hippie and it is still affecting current fashion trend.