Question

Task 2 Reading
Fashion - the World Over 1 Today, dedicated followers of fashion look to cities such as New York City,
London, Paris and Milan for their inspiration and to buy the latest trends. The fashion scene changes
with every season and in many countries, this means that there are four collections - one each for
spring, summer, autumn and winter. The concept of fashion trends developed in the 14th century in
Europe, but what about fashion in the rest of the world?
2 Early Western travellers going to the East noted that fashion and styles changed slowly in countries
such as Persia, India, China and Japan. However, this was not always the case as there was also evidence
uncovered during the dynasty of Ming China of rapidly changing fashions in Chinese clothing. History
shows us that changes in costume often took place at times of economic or social change, which
occurred in ancient Rome and the medieval Arabian Peninsula. Then a long period without major
changes would follow.
3 At this time, most weaving, embroidery, cutting and stitching was hand-crafted by skilled craftsmen
and seamstresses. Many textiles originated in countries such as China, where exquisite silks were
produced and Turkey with its rich history of embroidery and clothing styles influenced by Central Asia
and the Far East. Until the mid-nineteenth century, in Europe and America most clothing was therefore
custommade by skilled dressmakers and tailors. This meant that following fashion trends was clearly an
expensive past-time.
4 In the twentieth century, mechanised production of textiles and the introduction of the sewing
machine dramatically changed the way fashionable garments were produced. It led the development of
haute couture and, much later, affordable branded clothing which was the offshoot of haute couture.
Mass production meant that clothing became much cheaper and more widely available, yet at the same
time was easily adapted to meet the designers' demands. As economies grew and people became more
affluent, more people could afford to buy designer clothing across the world.
5 To sum up, fashion is closely interlinked with the history of the world. Periods of rapid change and
movement of people influenced the textiles and styles that people chose to wear. Nowadays, people are
still extremely conscious about the way they dress for various occasions. Adolescents and young adults
feel very strongly about the brands they wear, whether it is for college, partying or sportswear. Their
parents feel the same about their own designer labels. There are designer or boutique brands all over
the world. In many Asian countries, local designers can charge a small fortune for exclusive bridal wear,
wedding attire and other formal wear
The text on 'Fashion - the World Over' has 5 paragraphs (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Choose the best title for
each paragraph from A-F below and write the letter in the numbered box. There is one more title than
you need.
A. Origins of textiles Paragraph Letter
B. Industrialisation
C. Designer companies
D. Modern approach to fashion
E. General information about fashion in Europe.
F. History of clothing in the Orient

Answer 1

1. E. General information about fashion in Europe.

2. F. History of clothing in the Orient

3. A. Origins of textiles

4. B. Industrialisation

5. D. Modern approach to fashion