Fashion tends to carry with it the images of dazzling runways, towering stilettos, and distant fairy-tale world that is filled with magic and excitement. On the other hand, it may embody supercilious smiles, prodigal values, and deviation from the norm. Regardless of its ambiguous concoction of accounts throughout human history, fashion established and situated itself as one of few prominent languages without global barriers. It is a language that human beings have been uttering ever since animal skin first draped human body. Clothing is not a mere necessity for protection but an indelible communication tool which signifies identity, religion, social and psychological status.
Dress, historically, was not documented until the start of the nineteenth century. Clothing was seen as a form of romanticism that should be kept private and personal. Traditionally, fashion was based on geographical locations and the aristocratic people leading in politics or society. "Clothing became status symbols. Colors identified royalty and elaborate patterns and fabrics differentiated the wealthy from the common people. The garment is always perceived as the signifier of country, social class, and era."[1]
There is a unequivocal difference between putting on a hat for revelation of identity and solely for the purpose of beautification. In ancient times, as well as present times in this matter, women wore flowers in their hair. Depending on the country of residence, the flower can either disclose certain social class (e.g., gypsy) or emphasize one's preference in accessories.[2] Moreover, in many Arabic counties, women cover themselves from head to toe to symbolize their faith in Islam while the origin of veil is to provide protection to both men and women from the harsh conditions of the surrounding desserts.[3] There are quite of large number of articles of clothing that became the symbol of cultural identity as previous two examples. Those items are not just what the Hollywood celebrities choose to put on to show off aesthetics, but they communicate to us their existence and allegiance to the rest of the world.
The Ancient Greek also used shoes as important aspect of language. Human beings have innate desire to distinguish honor, success, and social standing. It was the same in ancient times and one of the instrument was utilizing high heels which is timeless fashion classic. "The higher the status of the character portrayed, the higher the shoe, so that from its inception, towering footwear was synonymous with lofty position."[4] The ultimate high heel, the stiletto, was invented in the early 1950's when an Italian manufacturer developed a heel with a metal core. It was an innovation that allowed for the skinniest heels ever conceived in the history of shoes. Soon after the birth of stilettos, doctors sharply criticized them for causing back problems and some commercial buildings banned them because of floor damage they left behind. However, the public demand was ever-stronger and the popularity was ever-soaring. The studies have shown that such recognition didn't lie on the exclusive beautify of the stiletto- it presented its clients active association with certain social class:
Traditionally, the only people who get away with doing nothing are those who enjoy a privileged social position, that is, the wealthy. To wear a high heel is to suggest that you are above even moderately demanding tasks. In effect, the high heel is the modern equivalent of the corset: blatantly frivolous, designed to accentuate the female form, and an indicator of exalted status.[5]
This was also true when it came to sneakers. One may assume that there is no significant meanings behind innocent sneakers but it isn't so. As the world began to open its eyes to healthier and more active lifestyle, sneakers emerged and gained its fashionably high place along with pearls and cashmere sweaters.[6] Basically the high-flaunting image of runway began to change to the idea of a well-groomed mind and body as organizations such as the YMCA began to promote such idea in the twentieth century. Through the media's extensive sports coverage, athletes started to stand next to celebrities boldly proclaiming their seats with them. Naturally popular sports such as tennis and basketball were reinvented as a sport for hip young crowd. Sneakers rightfully acquired its property in fashion vocabulary. Sneakers communicated comfort-chic, high-fashion, and celebrity-endorsed respect in society.[7]
Clothing not only identifies people and their social class, but also indicates a person's religious view. Buddhist monks wear a one-shoulder robe that shows how close they are to nature compared to how far away they choose to remain from technologies of the world. As stated earlier, Muslim women cover their hair, arms, and legs to make themselves appear less attractive so they are able to steer clear from becoming an object of sexual temptation of men. Mormon women do not wear make-up and short dresses to also express their faith and value systems.[8] Of course, there is no way to avoid the fact that conservative and liberal coexist in all religious groups. Consequently, not everyone is going to adhere to the traditional religious attire.