Fashion Beyond Style

People commonly misunderstand what a fashion degree entails. People generally associate fashion with attractive clothing and glamorous and enjoyable aspects. Some view fashion as simple and superficial or believe it lacks academic substance. But that's far from the truth. Through fashion, humans express art, culture, and identity in one of the most influential ways possible. Through fashion, people develop self-perception while determining their outward presentation to others.

The education of fashion students extends beyond basic sewing and sketching skills. Students delve into historical development, social structures, and cultural aspects. Students examine how clothing functions to share narratives while disrupting conventional practices and creating social transformations. Students receive design education alongside materials, technology, political science, psychology, and communication methods. Each article of clothing participates in a broader dialogue about human identity and belief systems.

Fashion exists beyond clothing because it represents moving architecture and psychological messages through fabric and social expressions through style. A building maintains its static position, but clothing transforms with the wearer to affect their emotional state and visual impact. People can develop self-assurance through clothing while communicating messages that can initiate social movements. Throughout history, powerful images have included protest uniforms, black award show dresses, and revolutionary symbolic colors. Fashion communicates through channels that words sometimes fail to reach.

From the dazzling catwalks of Paris to the hectic fashion weeks of Kathmandu, there is a flow of fashion across the globe. Nepal, too, has its own bold, daring, and unique designers who are making a mark on the global stage. Designers like "Ekadesma" use natural fabrics and traditional crafts in modern clothes. "Dochaa" makes handmade shoes that mix culture and comfort. Sanyukta Shrestha focuses on sustainable fashion with local artisans. Mheecha and other young designers show Nepali style and culture through social media.

Earning a fashion degree is not an "easy option" or "backup plan." The path demands creativity, discipline, problem-solving, and innovation. Students must learn to manage projects, work under pressure, and constantly find fresh ideas. They must keep up with fast-changing trends, but also understand timeless style. They need technical skills, artistic vision, and the courage to take risks.

Fashion connects deeply to the world's economy, environment, and culture. Students learn about sustainability, ethical production, and inclusivity, designing for all body types, skin tones, genders, and cultures. This is not light work — it shapes the future. Fashion tells stories through stitches, reflects history in fabric, and influences identity through style.

Grade: XII, St.Mary’s Secondary School