Thursday, August 16, 2012

Fad, Trend...or Classic Style?




As fashion evolves we often struggle with the decision to follow fashion or not. Understanding the categories of fashion is crucial to making a decision on your image.  Typical terms used are Fad, Trend, and or Classic. This blog we will discuss the "Fad" vs. Trend. 

A fad is any form of behavior that develops among a large population and is collectively followed with enthusiasm for a short period, generally as a result of the behavior's being perceived as novel in some way. A fad is said to "catch on" when the number of people adopting it begins to increase rapidly. The behavior will normally fade quickly once the perception of novelty is gone. 

Some people are considered a trendsetter because they start a fashion trend before most other people. So what is the difference between a fad and a trend. The difference is pretty simple. Fads are short-lived. Think of pet rocks and beanie babies. In fashion one fad that then became a trend that I think of is the mullet.

The mullet is a hairstyle that is short at the front and sides, and long in the back. The mullet began to appear in popular media in the 1960s and 1970s but did not become generally well-known until the early 1980s. It continued to be popular until the mid-1990s. Fads start with a personal discovery, followed by media attention and popularity, then followed by a mainstream of people. 

Trends on the other hand have staying power. They may take longer to evolve and build momentum but they have staying power. Trends can last years, and even decades. People may use the terms somewhat in the same manner, but respect that a fad is temporary, and a trend can be last for years, even decades. When people think of what's hot they label them trends, or trendy. 

Quite often what we consider a trend would really be better suited as a fad....