FASHION'S NEW ERA: DIVING INTO WHAT MAKES FASHION UNIQUE (5)

I think what makes fashion unique is its ability to communicate without words. The way we dress can express who we are, what we believe in and the culture we feel connected to. Fashion has always been a form of self-expression, allowing people to find their own identity while also feeling part of a wider community, or what we might call their own "tribe".

As a fashion photographer, I see how important imagery is in shaping the way we experience fashion. An image stands out when it shows us something we haven't seen before, makes us feel something or reflects something we recognise in ourselves. In a world where we scroll through hundreds of images every day, the challenge is to create something that makes people stop and look.

I also believe independent designers have an important role to play in the future of fashion. There is space for a more personal approach to design, where the story behind a garment matters as much as the product itself. Since the pandemic, I feel there has been a stronger desire for meaning, individuality and pieces that last, rather than constantly buying into mass-produced trends. Independent designers can offer a different perspective, creating work that feels more considered and connected to the people who wear it.

Technology is another part of this new era. While AI is still developing, I can see how it could become a useful creative tool in the future. Much of our inspiration comes from existing images, movements and ideas from the past. AI could help us explore these references in new ways, develop moodboards and discover visual directions we might not have considered. I don't see it as a replacement for human creativity, but as something that could expand it. The ideas, emotions and personal experiences behind the work will still come from people.

For me, the future of fashion is not just about creating something new, but about creating something that means something. Whether through design, photography or the way we choose to dress, fashion has the ability to connect people, challenge expectations and express individuality. In an industry that moves so quickly, I think that ability to make people feel something is what will continue to make fashion unique.

Nicola Sclano, Photographer, Nicola Sclano | Nsgraphy