The text I looked at was ‘Fashion as communication, Barnard. M’. The text mentions how we base peoples social class by what they wear, “we make decisions about the social status and role of the people we meet based on what they are wearing” (Barnard, Malcolm, 2002). Furthermore this chapter goes into fashion and anti fashion, the idea of fashion being fixated in high social roles, keeping it traditional to that social class which differs to the other classes. As this fashion is traditional its fixed which makes it anti fashion, its used as a representation of that class.

The text explores how fashion can be seen as trivia, being irrelevant to some people. This explores other peoples views and opinions on fashion. They see it not to be of high importance, however others would argue fashion is majorly important. People wear it daily and its a major factor in the economy, many are hypocritical and even wear it after commonly deeming it irrelevant.

Following on from the first text i found two others which support the first text. The second text I read was ‘The Restless Image A sociology Of Fashion, R. Konig’. I started off by reading the chapter ‘For and Against Fashion’, R. Konig used contrasting views of fashion, how some see it being a bad thing, whilst others see it creating individuality and diversity. The first text says how some people see fashion being trivial, the second text supports this by giving peoples views on fashion not being important. Furthermore, the second text gives arguments of these views, by stating how fashion is a powerful stimulus to the economy.

A point from both texts is asking what would happen if you took fashion away, stating that there would be no identification for people. To continue, its asking what would happen to the economy as fashion affects the majority of people meaning the economy could be affected heavily. The third text I found that also supported the first text is ‘The Culture Of Fashion, Breward. C’. This text supports the first by agreeing to how higher groups of society have strong identities for survival. Jennifer Craik mentions how these social groups offer role models that have a desirable image and behaviour.

After reading all three texts, and seeing how the ideas all support each other, I agree with many of the ideas explored. Firstly I agree with how people make judgments on how others dress, we look at peoples clothing before even engaging in conversation. I also agree with how fashion is a huge part of economy as everyone wears it and we cant escape. I disagree with peoples views on fashion being irrelevant, this is because it affects the many and without our individuality with identities nobody would be different. With the help of the other two texts, my thoughts have become clearer as I got more in depth knowledge.

References:

Barnard, M (2002). Fashion as communication. 2nd ed.

Konig, R (1973). The Restless image : a sociology of fashion. London: Allen & Unwin.

Breward, C (1995). The culture of fashion. Manchester: Manchester University Press.