JoLIE 15:4/2022
WEARING METAPHORS: AN EXPLORATION OF METAPHORICAL SYMBOLISM AND IDENTITY IN FASHION[1]
Carmina Raluca Vîlceanu
University of Alba Iulia, Romania
Abstract
This research paper investigates the use of metaphors in fashion-related articles, aiming to explore how metaphors shape our understanding of fashion and its role in society. Drawing on four articles, two focusing on specific fashion items and two discussing broader fashion trends, the study identifies various metaphorical expressions used to describe fashion. The methodology employs a corpus-based approach to identify and categorise metaphors, analysing them within their contextual usage. The study reveals that metaphors in fashion extend beyond traditional literary usage, offering insights into how fashion is perceived as an entity, a form of communication, art, and even a disaster. For instance, fashion is compared to a “catalyst” for social change, a “school” of thought, and a “vehicle” for self-expression. The research also explores how fashion metaphors reflect environmental concerns, particularly in relation to sustainable fashion. The findings suggest that metaphors are not only used to convey creative ideas but also play a crucial role in framing societal and environmental issues within the fashion industry. By comparing fashion to other domains such as business, art, and technology, this study emphasises the complexity and multifaceted nature of fashion. Ultimately, the paper concludes that fashion, as a metaphorical construct, transcends its material existence, offering rich layers of meaning that reflect cultural, social, and environmental dynamics. This study contributes to the growing body of research on metaphor in everyday language, particularly in the context of fashion.
Keywords: Metaphors; Fashion; Sustainability, Cultural Expression; Corpus Analysis.
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How to cite this paper: Vîlceanu, C. R. (2022). Wearing metaphors: An exploration of metaphorical symbolism and identity in fashion. Journal of Linguistic and Intercultural Education – JoLIE, 15(4), 179–192. https://doi.org/10.29302/jolie.2022.15.4.10
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[1] This paper was developed as part of the MA course Metaphorology in Contemporary Media, taught by Professor Teodora Popescu during the 2021–2022 academic year at 1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Romania.