Worldwide exploration: The impact culture has on fashion and identity

Across the world, the impact that culture has on fashion and identity is undeniable. Culture shapes trends, styles and the way in which people choose to express themselves. Celebrities and social media influencers play an integral part in popularising new fashion trends and styles

Fashion is so diverse and is constantly evolving as new influences are introduced from vibrant African prints to minimalist Scandinavian style, every country and culture has its own distinct identity and style. Individuals adapt these to suit their own tastes.

In this post, we explore why culture has an impact on fashion and take a look at some of the top destinations around the world that are considered to be hubs for fashion and culture. 

Why does culture have an impact on fashion?

Culture is embedded in fashion as it dictates what is considered to be appropriate, beautiful and stylish and standards for this vary around the world. Each country has its own rich history, way of life and traditions that contribute to the evolution of new trends. 

In recent decades, globalization has helped to merge styles and encouraged people to explore their individual style further and take inspiration from other cultures outside of their own. Cultural identity remains an important factor in what people choose to wear and often reflects society and its values. 

Here are some of the top destinations for fashion influence around the world:

New York, United States

New York is considered to be the birthplace of streetwear fashion as it is rooted in the city’s hip-hop culture and urban lifestyle. Streetwear is a blend of sportswear and high fashion items like stacked denim, with iconic fashion pieces dominating from the late 20th century and celebrities such as Kayne West and Kendrick Lamar helping to make the style popular.

In New York, fashion is all about self-expression and with such a diverse population, trends are constantly evolving.

Paris, France

The city of light is the centre of luxury fashion with the focus very much on elegance and couture. Designers such as Coco Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Christan Dior have helped to refine what high fashion and luxury is.

Fashion is deeply embedded in Parisian culture, people there place high importance on quality craftsmanship and elegance, while maintaining a style that appears to be effortless. Paris Fashion Week has long been one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the global fashion calendar. 

Milan, Italy

Italian fashion culture shares many of the same influences as French fashion, with the focus here also being on luxury and quality materials. Here, high-end designers like Gucci, Versace and Prada and the brands to go to for luxury pieces, Milan is an artist city with beauty being of high importance and this is reflected in its fashion. 

People travel from all over the world to experience the delight of shopping in Milan’s many designer retail outlets.

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea is a newer entrant on the fashion scene and the rise of South Korean fashion has coincided with the rise of k–pop music. Seoul style is a trendy aesthetic that focuses on minimalism as well as self-expression.

In South Korea, brands such as Gentle Monster and Ader Error are very popular and have gained international recognition. They specialise in comfortable streetwear that has a luxurious feel.

Mumbai, India

The Indian city of Mumbai is a great example of a city that has embraced they fusion of different cultures and combines traditional dress with modern and international influences. Key pieces from traditional Indian fashion, such as the sari or kurta remain fashion staples, however western styles are also popular. 

The Bollywood industry and growing popularity of international media in Mumbai has helped to popularize more western styles and created a blend of traditional and contemporary fashion.