Lifestyles Influence Fashion Design

By Karen Lawson
Fashion Design School Review Columnist

You’ve seen name brand fashion designs inspired by big names in sports, music, and entertainment. If you’re a surfer, skateboarder, musician, or social activist, you might have insider access to these looks. You appreciate fashion that not only advertises your passion, but also is functional and stylish. Maybe you have the eye to design a better mousetrap, or jeans, shirts, or shoes.

From Dogtown to the World: Skateboarders Inspire Fashion Trends

In the 1970’s, a southern California surf shop owner took a band of teenage skateboarders under his wing to form a competitive skateboarding team. The team was unified through its informal uniform of logo tee shirts and tennis shoes made by a local company. Today, competitive skateboarding and its fashion enjoy worldwide popularity, and the shoe company that outfitted the original Dogtown team has also achieved international fame.

What We Do Influences Fashion Choices

The rise of hip hop music and celebration of the multicultural urban scene has inspired edgy fashion design that proclaims one’s individuality while also suggesting the wearer’s affiliation in a specific lifestyle “tribe.”

• New Original. America’s favorite fabric, denim, is constantly reinvented with new “washes” and distressed textures.
• Mix and Match. Shirts and tops featuring ethnic patterns and symbols are worn with stylish shoes—everything from flip flops to high end athletic shoes to high heels designed by rock stars.
• Sporty. If you prefer a lower key look, you might favor pants, hoodies, and active wear inspired by surfing, mountaineering, or hiking.
• Comfort. Faded cotton in muted tones, chinos, flip flops, and durable shoes with lug soles can proclaim your lifestyle while providing comfort and style.

Your fashion design education can provide the training you need to make your own fashion designs come to life. If you are creative and appreciate how clothing enhances personal style, then fashion design may be a great way for you to create great fashion for those who share your life’s passion.

About the Author

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include topics in higher education and popular culture. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on May 17, 2007 at 03:21 PM