SofiaUnplugged

Globalization allows diverse communities to connect through popular culture. Countries with cultural proximity are more likely to consume and relate to similar media sources. Although, diverse cultures allow other westernized cultures to appreciate globalization. “The globalization of communication is characterized by…interconnectedness, independence and a trend towards corporate mergers.” (O’Shaughnessy 2012)  

Personally, the phrase ‘popular culture’ I closely relate to fashion week, as many cities across many different countries engage with fashion. Fashion week has been recently more globalized due to the rise of social media as well as the increasing internationalization of the fashion industry. Fashion weeks around the globe welcome international celebrities of all cultures such as K-pop stars like ‘Stray Kids’ to Cuban-Spanish actor Ana de Armas. Additionally, by incorporating internationally based designers to show off their unique designs within the fashion shows, audiences have the opportunity to become more involved by seeing their culture in the action. Globalization has had a significant impact on fashion week, since its creation in 1973 through technological advancements to improve people’s awareness and involvement in the shows through social media and the internet.  

Popular culture has also been a big playing factor within fashion weeks growing popularity amongst general audiences around the world. People who may aspire to one day be in the industry or just have an overall interest in fashion. In general, I believe people become quite fascinated by the latest fashion trends, which are often sparked by major events like fashion week, where individuals from all walks of life embrace contemporary styles. By being shared on global social media platforms such as TikTok, countries can immediately grasp these trends. I’ve been fascinated by fashion since I was a kid, even watching my mum buy new clothes and put together outfits is always something I have loved being around. Paris has also always been a place I have loved so experiencing fashion week in 2022 when I went to Paris really gave me a whole new look on the fashion industry.  

Many more cities worldwide have also begun curating and experimenting with their own fashion weeks around the globe.“New rise fashion weeks” (W.Ling 2012) have recently taken the world by storm as a result of pop culture trends dominating the fashion industry. Big industry names such as Vogue Magazine have given domestically based fashion houses the chance to branch out and grow an even bigger international identity. For decades people have been buying Vogue Magazine, now with its online social media platforms and magazine pdf’s, it is becoming more easily accessible worldwide.  

Image taken from – ‘The Beijinger’ 

To conclude, fashion week has been enormously impacted by globalization through technological advancements including essential tools such as social media which implements fashion to the world. Additionally, popular culture has played an essential role in that it has enhanced audiences around the world and has given people the opportunity to connect over events such as fashion week.       

 Reference list 

Ling, W. (2012). ‘Fashionalisation’: Why So Many Cities Host Fashion Weeks. [online] brill.com. Available at: https://brill.com/display/book/edcoll/9781848881433/BP000006.xml [Accessed 23 Aug. 2024]. 

Moodle (2012). Globalisation. [online] Moodle. Available at: https://moodle.uowplatform.edu.au/pluginfile.php/5727193/mod_resource/content/1/W2%20BCM111%20oshaughnessy-2012-458-471.pdf [Accessed 18 Aug. 2024].