Final answer:
Materialism in the fashion industry has led to frequent purchasing driven by fashion trends but has also prompted a shift towards sustainability and ethical consumption, due to its environmental and social impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Materialism has had a significant impact on the fashion industry, shaping consumer behavior and production practices. The industry, once only accessible to the wealthy, evolved to offer a plethora of textiles and clothing items to a broader customer base, leading people to acquire and replace items frequently in keeping up with fashion trends, rather than out of necessity.
Sustainability in fashion is an emerging trend in response to the negative environmental and social impacts of materialism. Companies like Inditex are transitioning to sustainable or recycled materials, and initiatives like the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action at the COP24 Climate Conference aim to reduce carbon emissions within the industry.
On the flip side, the culture of consumption is being increasingly questioned. Environmental costs, such as high water consumption and carbon emissions, are coming to the forefront, and new movements are promoting more ethical consumption patterns, reflected in the growing popularity of thrifting and responsible buying habits.