Artistic Reputations

Interesting thought for you: one of fashion's biggest benefits is in first impressions. I agree that I think people can be very shallow when judging others, but you cannot deny the reality of first impressions in our world. In anything from fleeting seconds to quick minutes, two people meeting look at every facet of a person they can to determine how they feel about that person, whether that's if they're interested in talking with them at the bar, curious about continuing an interview for a job, or deciding what kind of treatment one receives in the service industry.

I'm lost where you're going with this, first impressions when going into the fashion industry or in general? Sure clothes matter but most "fashionable" things I'm referring to aren't related to business apparell, although I do digress it does exist. And when you speak of fashion how broad are we going? That could go as far as haircuts, or how you shave. It's rather broad so I just focus on the whole stereotypical runway. I'm ignorant when it comes to fashion, extremely, so I'm the best example of stereotyping, first impression ironically.

Time has solidified that those who do not care for their appearance are not treated the same as others. Is that fair? Absolutely not, but in a brief moment what would you do? This is the intersection between fashion and social psychology, when things like a potential job or date or a ticket on that next flight after yours was cancelled are on the line. And those who dress well are consistently held to higher esteem than those who don't.

Who says such things need to be stated in a negative context? As a human you have to be shallow in order to be safe, that goes as far as stereotyping people based on race. The only difference in that example is that you can purchase and change your appearance, while you can't really change your skin color, well in a rational way. The entire corporation is shallow and fickle, but to be good at what they do they need to be. I find it slightly refreshing that you aren't denying it but justifying why they have to, which is completely accurate.

The perfect example is, again, in jobs: if you were an interviewer, how would you respond in the 15 minutes you had with a potential candidate if they arrived on time looking slovenly, unkempt, with a dirty appearance and a rank odor? Sure they may be an ungodly genius in your field with an impressive resume, but perhaps one of their biggest faults is organization and time management, which is seen in how they present themselves at an interview. Would you want to hire them, especially if in this job market the next person you interview might have the same credentials but arrive beautifully put together?

You're getting hygeine mixed up with dressing up.

@aslemn and @ImagineAll said it well when they highlighted fashion's subtle impacts in every facet of one's life. Just because they're not readily noticeable doesn't mean they aren't swaying someone's perception or opinion of you. Sure you can dislike that people judge based on fashion, but why not play it to your advantage by dressing well?

The thing is you're trying to justify fashion yet argue the stereotype that comes generally with it. When someone like me, who know's little about the industry, hears fashion, the first thing that comes to mind is "LATEST MUST HAVE", circumstances. It's a cult to be honest, and it's no surprise how it's quickly regenerated in cheaper materials yet still retain the same like for the 10th of the price. That's why I consider the industry a frivolous endeavor and retains an image most women can't live up too. Specifically american women.

Actually I would argue that food is the most socially relevant and frequently used form of art in the world, and staunchly stand behind increasing its reputation among art forms. But I agree with fashion high up there, at either #2 or #3, for, again, its impact in almost every facet of daily interaction and personal identity.

True but that's an entirely different argument entirely.