Fashion should be considered as a language. Just like how different accents, dialects, and local idioms make up the English language, fashion has its own nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

Language is how we communicate with one another as well as express how we’re feeling using words instead of actions. With fashion being such a personal way to express oneself and show who you are on the inside, it makes sense that fashion should be seen as a language. Read on to find out why this is so and why it’s beneficial to see fashion in this light!

Why is Fashion Like a Language?

Fashion is a visual language that is all around us. In order for us to communicate, we use a common language whether it’s written or spoken, and fashion is no different. You might be wearing a scarf today and not even realize that you’re using fashion as a form of communication.

Like any other language, fashion has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary that are used. The difference is that we often don’t realize what we’re saying or how we’re being perceived by others.

That’s why it’s important to recognize the significance of fashion and see it as a language. By doing so, you’ll be able to better understand how fashion works and what it’s communicating. You can then use it to your advantage in different ways whether that be for yourself or for others. And why not?

Fashion is a fun and creative way to express yourself. It’s a great way to make a statement and show others who you are and what you’re about by what you’re wearing! It can also be used to make a bold statement or statement to inspire others. Why shouldn’t we be taking advantage of this?

How Is Fashion Like a Language?

Fashion is like a language in many ways. It’s something that has been around for centuries, it’s expressive, and it’s used as a form of communication. What’s more is that fashion has an ever-evolving and changing language that is constantly evolving, has new words and meanings, and even has variations in dialects depending on where you are and who you’re speaking to.

As mentioned above, fashion is a visual language. What we wear is what we communicate. Whether it be a ballerina tutu, a business suit, or even a pair of jeans, we are sending a message to those around us through what we’re wearing. Fashion is also expressive. Ever since the start of time, humans have been creative and have used fashion to express themselves. Fashion is also used as a form of communication. Whether you’re going for a job interview, at a party, or even just hanging out with friends, what you’re wearing communicates a lot about you!

Fanning yourself on a hot summer day was once the norm. But when air conditioning came along, fans were most obsolete. However in recent years, there has been an increase in demand of hand fans as well as an increase in the popularity of fans overall. Vintage hand fans can be beautiful on top of its practical functionality and even help decorate your home with a touch of antique charm.

The origin of hand fans can be traced as far back as 4,000 years ago in Egypt. The fan was seen as a sacred instrument and used in religious ceremonies and was also seen as a symbol of power royalty even in this early form, as evidenced by the two elaborate fans found in King Tutt's tomb. (You can read more here)

Hand fans can provide a much needed cooling breeze during a heatwave. A couple of weeks ago while attending a Fashion Film Series in our local museum of art, I noticed the front row VIP guests all cooling off while seducing voyeurs with their vintage fans. Then this morning while I was sipping on my morning tea and reading Vogue India, I couldn't help but notice fan as a top accessory suggested by celebrities of the new world of fashion. These recent occasions together, got me thinking about the collection we have to share with our community.

What is our connection to hand fans?

There are a couple of reasons why I have always loved fans. First and foremost, it brings me back to childhood times playing over my grandmother’s home. All the wonderful not-surprising, basic logic behind the psychology of fashion right? Yes its always there. 

My dear grandmother had not just a nice collection of jewelry and all the basic accessories, but she also loved pretty fans. Each of them were so different on the story it would tell. I remember this bone colored plastic one with a lace texture on the cutouts design was a favorite of mine while playing dress-up.

Then there was this very delicate one, we could barely touch or open it. It had maroon red velvet ribbons waving thru its delicate structure. This one was never used for play but admiring only. I would take it out of the box, carefully open it and imagine when it was originally first used. I loved to wonder where it came from, who did it and how was it done. I imagined the wearer and the scene where it all happen.

Another one was full of tiny images advertising beautiful gardens of the world. Yes my grandmother was a nature’s lover. Her plants would fill half of the rooms in her house. She had vases on the ground and vases dangling from ceilings. Plants were everywhere and they were always shining energy beautifully smiling at my grandmother.

Second, I want to bring light to the fact that fashion goes beyond the business of clothes. More important than what we wear is how we wear, why we wear, when we wear. It all tells a story, be intentional. The hand fan we carry, the baseball hat we chose, the heels we walk on, it all tells a lot about ourselves, our values and aspirations.

One of my favorite things about our Fashion Runway Production educational classes, is the opportunity it gives to k-12 students to develop self-awareness which directly connects to self-discovery and build confidence. Its so important to develop self-awareness around who you are, what do you believe, why do you love, what is your purpose. Be intentional with your clothes and accessories, fashion is a language.

We could go off on a tangent and get into sustainability and fashion. How the fashion industry affects the environment, but that will be an entire other conversation we have to continue bringing to the spotlight. We have to protect our planet and we can do better as citizens of our world. Fashion can be anyone's superpower when you shop what you love and wear what you love. 

Back to the old and new fans' conversation. Do you wear hand fans? How do you feel about them? Have you ever used one? In case you are a hand fan lover looking for some sustainable beautiful options, check out the unique vintage fans we have in the shop right now. Only available while reduced shelf supply last. Not available to re-order.