Fashion and Identity

The established importance of the individual or collective image based on how we dress also influences our personal identity in looking and feeling good. This goes hand in hand with beauty, and there is no doubt that each trend has marked out a different era.

Fashion is a reflection of the social context in each era. It is evidence of the historical moment and time in which we are living.

Depending on how they are used, clothes can be combined and worn to reveal a part of our identity. It is fair to say that clothing and fashion are forms of communication that are exclusive to human beings. Through them, we convey our tastes and lifestyles, and acquire a sense of belonging to a group.

A disfigured or scarred face can provoke rejection and concern. What’s more, the face is where the ageing process is most evident, which also prompts rejection in a society obsessed with youth and beauty.

For as long as we can remember, men and women have tried to improve their personal appearance by making use of everything that nature has to offer.

Cosmetics, perfumed oils, dyes, face masks, hairpieces, and wigs have been commonplace throughout the ages.

Today, we also have the option of more sophisticated treatments, such as Botox or risky plastic surgery.

A facial expression gives us an impression of the individual, and we can judge someone’s personality based on their facial signals.

Today, more often than not, we beautify ourselves in order to adhere to a dynamic between what we are and what we want to be, in an attempt to follow an aesthetic norm in fashion.

We use a number of different methods and processes to do that, from cosmetic products and makeup to cosmetic surgery, wardrobe items, accessories, fashion trends, etc.

Our desire and consumerism have spawned a product for every part of the body; for every crease; for day or night; and for those flaws that are a constant reminder of our imperfection and cause us to live in discontent.

Today, we aspire to look like the people we see in magazines, in movies, or on the television.

Scrutiny of the body relates not only to our health, but to feeling good: our happiness and personal fulfillment are increasingly linked to the degree to which our bodies meet contemporary standards of health and beauty.

The challenge we now face is to rethink this ideal, and assess how the standard has changed and been influenced by a consumer market that offers everything from the perfect lip color to the cream of eternal youth.