I have often used the words “fashion” and “style” interchangeably but, I’m not sure they mean the same thing….or do they? The Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion says fashion is, “a sociocultural phenomenon in which a preference is shared by a large number of people of a particular style that last for a relatively short period time, and then is replaced by another style…“. Fairchild defines style as, “in fashion, an individual and distinctive type of dress, coat, blouse, or other item of apparel or accessory…to have a certain flair that is specific and individual.“
There are a few items that warrant consideration in this discussion/open forum and they include (1) time – as in ‘today’ versus ‘in the days of ole’; (2) location – as in do you live in Paris, France, South Bend, Indiana, Seoul, Korea, or elsewhere?; and (3) exposure – as in are you Gabrielle Chanel, a self-proclaimed Fashionista or Fashionelle, a WWD editor, an unknowing fashion victim, etc? I’m positive there are many other elements to consider or maybe some of the ones mentioned don’t count.
I want to hear what you have to say….speak up!.
