Fashion: A prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc. We’re all aware of fashion, however as the industrial revolution created a burgeoning middle class beginning about the 1880’s a phenomenon called ‘conspicuous consumption’ developed. It is explained as the practice of purchasing luxury goods and services to publicly showcase wealth, social status, and prestige rather than for functional utility. The term was coined by Thorstein Veblen in 1899, this behavior is driven by social comparison, emulation, and the desire for validation. It often results in wasteful, high-consumption lifestyles. In 2023 about 14.7 trillion dollars were spent on regular consumer goods, while 1.1 trillion were spent on luxury goods about 7-8% of total spending. In 2023 in the USA (global figures are not available) 12.3% of luxury car brands were produced. As of 2024 the median household income in the United States was $84,000 while the top 10% was $250,000. These figures help us further understand conspicuous consumption and its effects on society. The 10% generally lead the direction of fashion as they are able to afford the luxury goods which set the trends and styles. Although, at first glance we may feel left out in the 90% group, however the wealthy classes are not necessarily our enemies or to be envied as they also have their own trials and tribulations…