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The biggest trick that the devil pulled was to convince civilization that he did not exist. Media’s influence on fashion is so pervasive and so effective that very few people even recognize its presence. Most people are think that fashion is influenced by popular demand. The fashion industry produces what the masses like, right?
Well, the media began as a bridge between fashion industry and the masses. Today, it is no longer an impartial and unbiased observer. The fact that media highlights certain fashion trends and ignores other trends. This may well have contributed to its success. Rachel, of Friends fame, and her haircut became synonymous with style and coolness. Why? How? There are many other hairstyles that can be classified as stylish and cool.
Yet, combination of Jennifer Aniston’s charisma and the media hype that surrounded her hairstyle contributed to the widespread publicity. The issue has become so complicated that it is impossible to separate media from fashion. What people see on the television is what they believe to be the dominant fashion trend. To say that people still decide what becomes popular is like saying that the citizens of a banana republic have a say in electing the government. They may be doing so in theoretical terms but their effect and influence, in practical terms, is zero.
This means that the fashion industry can enter into a cozy arrangement with the media industry to spread certain practices, styles and designs as the next big thing. Not to sound like a conspiracy monger but such an arrangement clearly ignores the role of choice and personal freedom of person in choosing his or her style.
