Why Americans Follow Celebrity Fashion

When talking with people from other countries, they are confused at the many obsessions that  Americans seem to have. One of the questions revolves around Americans' fascination with well-known celebrities' fashion.

An explanation for the obsession may come from the fact that unlike other countries, America  does not have a history that involves either royalty or people that have been embedded in the  world of fashion for centuries. The women (and men) of the United States have historically had  a fashion sense that was designed more for being practical and in the early years, only the rich  could afford the luxury of fashion choices. 

It can be said that America plunged forward as a fashion setting country in the 1920’s. The  flamboyant clothes of the era of the ‘flapper’ caught on in a world-wide fire and escalated  with the advent of the moving pictures. From that point on, America started setting the trends,  and the celebrities of the movies continued to be at the forefront of what was being ‘worn’. 

Today, the fashion-forward groups deliberately seek out what celebrities are wearing and make  every attempt to emulate what might be considered different. In an effort to be unique, they  follow the photographers, avidly seek out the internet and find the fabulous top, pants or evening  dress that was worn by their favorite celebrity. This creates a movement in fashion that lasts until the next popular fashion takes hold. In some instances, fashions may become global with each country contributing their own modifications.