Early Western travelers, whether to Persia, Turkey, India, or China, would frequently remark on the absence of change in fashion there. Observers from these other cultures commented on the unseemly pace of Western fashion, which many felt suggested an instability and a lack of order in Western culture.
Germany is one of the leading countries in the fashion industry, along with France, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan and China. German fashion is famed for its elegant lines, unconventional young designs, and the great variety of styles.
The fashion industry is a product of the modern age. Prior to the mid-19th century, most clothing was custom-made. It was handmade for individuals, either as home production or on order from dressmakers and tailors.