Influences of the Fashion Runway on Society
While many fashion styles in history emerged out of the admiration of popular social figures like Elvis Presley or King Louis XIV of France, runway fashion has also been instrumental in swaying how a society dresses. Runway fashion can inspire trends, revive earlier clothing styles, and address people's needs and values with new approaches to clothing.
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Makes the Old New
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While fashion cycles may cause old styles to be reborn every few decades, each time that a style is reinvented on a runway it alters the style in a way that reminds people of the past, yet includes the present. For example, in the early 1960s, women wore elegant tailored suits with matching hats and purses. Yet, when the 60s look reemerged in the last decade the lines of the clothing were focused upon, rather than the overall complete look. This is evident in the Jackie Kennedy style suits that were reproduced, with the fitted jackets and large buttons made out of leather. However, the clothing was also made with modern twists, reflecting what fashion designer Michael Kors has indicated is a need to, "Escape the past, yet embrace it." Therefore, when clothing that reflects another era is presented on the runway it causes consumers to rethink their ideas about previous clothing styles and what it means to be contemporary.
Establishes Trends
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When clothing on the runway attracts attention those in attendance at the show dash to own a complete outfit, or perhaps just a part of it. The popularity of the clothing prompts media attention for the look, which in turn makes people throughout society aware of the trend. If the popularity is maintained throughout all social classes in society, a trend emerges. Fashion trends that have caught on and caused long-term fashion change include the mini-skirt, modeled by Twiggy in the 1960s, the hip-hugger pants of the 1970s and the calf-length flowing skirt that has had many reincarnations over the past several decades.
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Addresses Needs
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Runway fashion impacts society when it addresses the clothing needs of the population. Fashion model and designer Heidi Klum understood this philosophy when designing her new collection of active wear, called, Heidi Klum for New Balance. The materials used include knits and cottons that are washable and easy to wear and address the active lifestyles of women throughout society. Rather than simply regurgitating the sweat clothes that have normally been considered "active wear," Klum created designs that were shown on runways and incorporated chic style into the easy-to-wear clothing. Active-wear jackets that are form fitting, leggings that hug the hips and shirts that have lines designed for easy movement all address clothing needs of women, yet influence how women will now think of active wear.
Changes Industry and Lifestyle
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When new designers emerge on the runway and their new looks become popular, those designers change ideas within the fashion industry, as well as throughout society. The introduction by some designers of clothing made from environmentally friendly fabrics, for example, has caused materials such as organic cottons, corn fiber and bamboo to be incorporated into mainstream fashion design. When these types of products are more widely in demand, jobs must be created to support the production of these materials.
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