Consciously or unconsciously, in the subconscious, everyone is into fashion. Everyone wants to appear attractive, and clothes become the medium that can heighten our appearance. Be it in the event that we will go and apply for work, go on a date, appear at an event, or just hang out with the family. We care about what we will wear for the day. As a result, fashion will not run out during civilization because clothes are the primary needs of all mankind, everyone needs clothes, whether it is a dress code from school, the clothing that is required for work, or a dress for going to a party, or personal interest needs.
Therefore, fashion is not just a clothing industry; in my opinion, fashion is a means of communicating to other people. Through clothes, we can signal our manners, beliefs, and habits. A person’s character can be seen directly from what they wear; hence, I never feel that there is a split personality between what a person wears and that person’s character. Everyone will unconsciously wear what is comfortable for them and suits them, and that is the reflection upon us as an individual. One of the easiest examples of clothing as a form of communication is when I went to an event and was wearing a hijab. I was immediately reminded that some of the food there was not halal. Without uttering a single word, we have given a signal of our identity; that’s how much power of what we wear.
Fashion is also a symbol of mannerism and ethics, case in point when we want to meet someone we respect and consider very important, there is definitely a tendency for us to appear more professional and neat, but if, for instance, someone goes to a formal event without ironing their clothes, we can see the person’s character and small habits. From even the smallest details, we can immediately conclude what this person’s character is like.
Apart from that, fashion is also a medium to express our culture, one way for us to continue to introduce our origins, for example, if I wear ordinary clothes but with a few batik elements or jewellery, it is a sign that I am communicating that I am an Indonesian citizen. who is proud of what Indonesia has. Or on Kartini Day and in Indonesia, students wear kebaya and batik; that is when we communicate that we celebrate and honour Mrs. Kartini as a hero.
For me fashion is an expression of art that is very closely related both to me and to my body. I see it as an expression of identity combined with desire, moods and a cultural setting. — Iris van Herpen
Of all the clothes created, there must be a story behind it all, there is a reason why the item was made. That’s what forms indirect communication too. In the 10th century, high-heels were first created for men, more specifically for Persian soldiers because high-heels could help them stay safe when riding because they had a stronger footrest. Apart from the function it signifies higher social status. However, in the 19th century, Roger Vivier and Christian Dior created heels with a more modern style with various designs so that the meaning of high-heels changed to something worn by women to appear more professional, domineering, and attractive.