Consumerism and Consumption in the Fashion Industry

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Many people think fashion is just all about design or the clothing that you wear. In fact, the definition is “a popular way of dressing during a particular time or among a particular group of people” (Fashion). Well personally, I think that have got it wrong, and there are many more things about fashion that people do not realize. Consumerism and consumption play a huge role on what fashion is today and what goes into it, and not just about design or designers, but also socially and environmentally. Consumerism and consumption impact the social and environmental aspect of the fashion industry because of what people buy, why they buy things, what type of things they look for in terms of quality or brand, and also where they go to shop.
One way consumerism can affect the fashion industry is because of the type of things that people buy. They buy things for special occasions, holidays, or even just because. Most of the time they do not just stop there, and it is not even just clothes. They usually buy jewelry, shoes, and even bags or purses to match. Sometimes it can get a little out of control. Most designers, if not all, release a new line of clothing every year or season. Bringing out a new line of clothing every year or season encourages fashion enthusiasts to buy new clothes that they don't really need. While some people see this as harmless or helpful to the economy, others believe that it encourages mindless consumerism.
People buy things not necessarily because they need things, but because they want things. One reason why people may buy things they do not need is because of advertisements. Advertising seduces people into buying things that they don't need because they always make the product seem way better than it actua...

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Health & Wellness Magazine 324 (2009): 98-101. CINAHL Plus with Full Text.
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Shaw, Deirdre, et al. "Fashion Victim: The Impact Of Fair Trade Concerns On Clothing
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"Stealing Fashion.." Communications Of The ACM 40.1 (1997): 10. Academic Search
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