The fashion industry has been revolutionized by globalization, with the emergence of fast fashion and designer fashion houses. This has enabled people from all over the world to access a much wider range of clothing, while also creating a competitive environment for foreign brands. However, this economy is dependent on cheap labor in the poorest countries, and consumer groups have called for reforms to ensure fair labor standards. The concept of a fashion house was first introduced by Charles Frederick Worth in Paris in the early 19th century. This marked the beginning of modern globalization and its influence on fast fashion.
Fast fashion is a more affordable alternative to haute couture, which is why it has opened up the fashion industry to meet the rapid demand and buying culture of customers. Globalization has also led to an increase in waste production in textile factories, both in dyes and in caustic solutions. In most Western countries, this product of globalization has transformed shopping into an almost pleasant experience, as customers are drawn to attractive and fashionable garments at low prices. In third world countries, globalization has caused the destabilization and dismantling of official economies, mass unemployment and the rise of informal or clandestine economies. Overall, globalization has had a major impact on the fashion industry, allowing people around the world to access a wider range of clothing while also creating a competitive environment for foreign brands. However, this economy is dependent on cheap labor in the poorest countries, and consumer groups have campaigned for reforms to ensure fair labor standards.
