The 6 Functions of Dress:

1. Environmental protection

Clothing can be used as a means to protect from the surrounding environment. In the desert, clothes are used as a shield from the sun and as a mean of keeping sweat from evaporating from the body. Wearing loose clothes allows for a layer of air to circulate though.
Designer: Unknown

2. Decoration

Some forms of clothing are purely meant for decoration. It conveys a sense of personality through our choice of clothes. As seen in the crocheted scarf above, it can also express certain interests.
Designer: Twinkie-Chan, 2008

3. Gender Differentiation

Fashion in earlier periods was used to differentiate males and females such as that with the featured photo of the traditional Japanese clothing. Men and women both wore kimonos. The men though wore theirs simple with narrower sleeves. The women on the on the hand wore them with elaborate detailing. From this it can be seen that certain forms of dress were associated with each gender. Recently though, those lines seem to have become a bit blurred.
Designer: Unknown

4. Group Membership

Clothes can also serve as a way to show a unity between people. Wearing certain garments can indicate belonging to a particular group as can be seen with these monks. The simple cloth shows their separation from any corrupt material possessions, but it also lets us know they belong to a group that believes in a spiritual cause.
Designer: Unknown

5. Ceremonialism

Clothing can be used for ceremonies where special garments are worn to mark an occasion. In this case, it so signify the completion of education and used for a graduation ceremony. By wearing these robes the recipient is distinguished from the group for her achievement.
Designer: Unknown, 2004

6. Sexual Enhancement

Articles of clothing can help to enhance sexual appeal. This can be done by emphasizing certain parts of the body. In the above photo, the wearer is dressed in a top that is nearly a second skin. With its molding to the body and slight exposures of skin, it highlights the long, lean torso and creates an almost raw, sexual feeling.
Designer: Jean Paul Gaultier, 2001

A Fashion Sourcebook...

...is a place to house ideas and inspirations. The main purpose though is to explore fashions in the Twentieth century.

When it comes to me, I can be a contradiction. I have a love for the simplistic, but I also have an admiration for the complex. This can also be seen in the fashions I will be delving into. I like to think that anything can be done in fashion so I like to be able to see everything.