Final answer:
The fashion industry has been influenced by economic, technological, and societal changes. Significant events like World War I impacted economies, shaping shopping habits and beauty standards. The rise of consumerism and leisure industries in the urban 1920s particularly molded fashion trends and department store culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Role of Fashion in History
The fashion industry and the styling preferences of individuals have been significantly influenced by various factors throughout history. During World War I, the French economy was closely tied to the health of its fashion industry. The transformation from an agrarian producer culture to a more transient urban one shifted the dynamics of shopping from a communal, masculine activity to an individual, feminized experience typically performed by married women. The textile industry was the first to feel this shift, with manufacturing and semi-skilled labor drastically reducing textile prices, leading to department stores offering affordable selections of clothing and housewares.
Beauty standards also played a large role in societal perceptions, where aristocrats adhered to specific beauty rituals that signified noble status. The fashion trends of the 1920s, fueled by technological advancements and the rise of consumerism, embraced simpler and more practical attire such as the iconic flapper style characterized by straight lines and shorter hair.
The burgeoning leisure industry in urban settings increased the demand for consumer goods, and large department stores became trendsetters in fashion, offering employment opportunities for many, including young women. The role of costume design evolved significantly with increased interest in historical accuracy and character psychology, shaping the modern Costume Designer's approach.