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Power dressing in Pakistan: how fashion became a battleground


 In the luxurious surroundings of a top hotel, a parade of glamorous, impossibly slim women walk with gazelle-like grace down the catwalk. Bare midriffs and legs are proudly displayed in intricately embroidered golden fabrics, and there isn’t a veil in sight. The designer harem's clothes were designed by the best that Pakistan has to offer, and they're sold at high price points for the people who can afford them.

As a result, many Pakistani girls, including those from rural areas, have come up against their wealthier counterparts. They can often shop independently and be more conscious about what they're wearing. To give some examples - you may find this article interesting and informative, or maybe not so much. Either way, we hope it will help shed light on this topic, as we're still learning how fashion became such an intense battleground this century.

Fashion is nothing more than clothing, but when it comes to dressing styles and trends, it also encompasses so much more than just having nice clothes and accessories. It's about culture, socialization, the value of individuality, and expectations. Many women face issues regarding self-expression, especially when they're trying to keep up with society's high standards. As a result, fashion is one of the hardest things to define because it changes constantly without us even realizing it. Let's discuss different fashion trends and style concepts to see how it all started.

The Rise of Punk

In the second half of the twentieth century, punk style evolved into something entirely new and disruptive. Instead of being associated with rock bands and subculture, punk was something that transcended borders, cultures, and gender norms. It developed into something completely different and made history. Punk represents a rebellion against mainstream society; it challenged outdated notions about what a woman who wore makeup and dressed provocatively looked like. Punk fashion also represents a shift in the relationship between men and women. This is why, even though punk fashion is associated with rebellion and uncertainty, it remains popular with millions of people worldwide.

The 1970s and 1980s were significant years in fashion history, because they marked the beginning of a phase where designers began experimenting with bolder silhouettes, longer skirts, and dramatic pieces that reflected the radical spirit of punk. These designs gave rise to New York City's avant-garde style, which includes everything from oversized sweatshirts to tight jeans. However, these days, punk's influence extends far beyond its origins. For example, today's young girls are increasingly influenced by punk fashion, and they continue to incorporate elements of punk into their everyday wardrobes.

The 80s and 90s saw immense growth in both fashion and beauty products. With increasing demand from consumers, brands tried to capture the attention of their target audiences by offering unique and experimental trends. For instance, Gucci introduced a series of eyewear called “Gucci Eyewear”, which had several distinct shapes and designs around the eyes. In addition, Chanel introduced iconic shades like Chanel Rouge, La Mer Blue Curtain, and Belle Epoque. While other companies like Hermes continued to experiment with prints and colors, such as Burberry, Prada, Giorgio Armani, and Versace, Louis Vuitton continued to focus on jewelry and accessories to create statement pieces for luxury customers.

The 1990s brought new wave of change to fashion, as designers began incorporating elements of traditionalism, elegance, and sophistication in the latest looks. For instance, Marc Jacobs launched his own label called 'The House,' which featured well-known names like Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen. Other notable brands include Donna Karan, Christian Lacroix, Ralph Lauren Corporation, and Vivienne Westwood, whose collections feature intricate patterns, rich textures, and opulent glamour.

In the early 2000s, designers like Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Céline Dion, Thierry Mugler, and Karl Lagerfeld revolutionized feminine fashion by introducing playful, sensual styles. These outfits were known for using beautiful materials and patterns that highlighted the figures' natural beauty and femininity. In fact, they were more suited for a princess than a streetwalker. From 2001 to 2008, however, the trend of edgy, boho, grunge, hip hop, and pop music began dominating fashion. During these times, "dressing" became synonymous with "coolness." However, this perception changed during the pandemic because people began to take pride in themselves and express their personal style through their clothing.

The 2010s saw major shifts in the world of fashion. First of all, while the majority of designers in the industry focused on designing comfortable and stylish garments, others started focusing on developing trendy and modern pieces. For instance, Vera Wang's collection features a wide range of prints, styles, and themes that appeal to a wider audience. Another great example would be Chanel, which started featuring items like hair ribbons, earrings, gloves, and shoes in its spring/summer 2022 collection. Additionally, Dries Van Noten's Spring/Summer 2020 collection focuses heavily on color and pattern, which adds depth and interest to the look and adds to the overall experience. Lastly, Miu Miu has been working hard to improve its brand's image, and its spring/summer 2021 collection offered a refreshing approach to traditionalist and contemporary fashions. All of this together created an environment where fashion no longer seemed out of reach, and instead, it became an essential part of our lives.

The Pandemic Continues to Shape Current Trends

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the entire fashion industry in various ways. For example, since the time of quarantine, consumer sales have fallen significantly, which has led to reduced revenues for clothing manufacturers and retailers. Therefore, the industry has struggled to maintain a steady flow of revenue. This impacted everyone across multiple industries, including fashion, beauty, apparel, and footwear, and many other businesses. Because of the drop in revenues, many designers are now reconsidering their existing lineups, and some are going back to simpler styles. However, brands like Bvlc and Elie Saab remain consistent in their vision and strategy, and they continue to make waves in the market with unique offerings and creative collaborations.

Another thing that was noticed in the past year is the rise of ethical fashion, which aims to promote ethical practices in the fashion industry. Furthermore, according to the UN, ethical fashion should aim to support vulnerable communities and address the current climate crisis. Thus, brands like Puma and Adidas show their commitment to creating sustainable fashion by providing financial assistance to farmers, paying fair wages to workers, and promoting ethical and sustainable business practices.

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