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Fashion Editor, Sharon Mclellan said, "There's a misconception in the industry that TV, magazines and blogs dictate to the consumer, what to wear. But most trends aren't released to the public before consulting the target demographic. So what you see in the media is a result of research of popular ideas among the people. Essentially, fashion is a group of people bouncing ideas off of one another, like any other form of art."
Media, social, political, and cultural influences have a significant effect on how fashion is viewed. In the United States in 2009, there was considerable interest and discussion in the media on the clothing choices of Michelle Obama, First Lady.
The majority of articles praised her sense of fashion, irrespective of how her clothing selections fit within the larger realm of current trends in contemporary fashion. The political and cultural popularity of an individual can play a role equal or greater than artistic factors in how their sense of fashion is viewed by the media.
Another genre of media that has become a vital influential fashion source has been the use of social media. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have proven to be beneficial to fashion houses in garnering momentum for their high-end fashion lines. Social networking has been particularly significant during the infamous Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (formerly known as New York Fashion Week).
As A-list celebrities and fashion designers post the latest updates to their followers from under the tents in the historical Bryant Park. Fashion brands are further enlisting assistance in the world of immediacy and networking by launching social sites specifically geared to promoting their products. Burberry will launch its social media savvy site, artofthetrench.com in October 2009.
Fashion accessories are decorative items that supplement one's garment, such as jewelry, gloves, handbags, hats, belts, scarves, watches,sunglasses, pins, stockings, bow tie, leg warmer, leggings, necktie, suspenders, and tights.
Accessories add color, style and class to an outfit, and create a certain look, but they may also have practical functions. Handbags are for carrying, hatsprotect the face from weather elements, and gloves keep the hands warm.