The Mass Trend Machine: How Fashion Shapes Us

The contemporary fashion industry is one of the most exploitative sectors in today’s economy. This exploitation is evident when we look at labor conditions and the industry’s environmental impact: however, it also has an adverse effect on the personal costs of those who pursue the latest fashion trends. While many view fashion as a medium of self-expression, it also serves as a tool of social control. It exacerbates class disparities and compels individuals to constantly adapt to ever-changing trends. The fashion sector, with its cyclical nature and focus on fleeting styles, adeptly shapes consumer perceptions, fostering excessive consumerism. A viable alternative is the ‘slow fashion’ approach, advocating for deliberate and thoughtful buying decisions.