• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.84-100
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• 2003

The purpose of this study is to analyze the meanings of signs represented in contemporary fashion based on the Peirce's trisection theory in order to present various types of sign representation that satisfies aesthetic value and characteristics of the age of information and image. Types of signs represented in contemporary fashion can be summarized into letters, numbers, codes, pictures, logos, characters and emblems. The meanings of signs were analyzed based on the Peirce's trisection theory, resulting in representation of play, brandsymbol, eroticism and suggestion. The play was categorized into infantile and parodic. The former inspires unexpected interest and laughter from contemporary people in the age of disorder through humorous characters, cartoons and illustrations. The latter inspires laughter by parodying things and it's intention is to release the isolation of people and their relative poverty through pictures for which techniques of parody and surrealism were used. Most of the brandsymbols represented by logos, used for textile and clothing design as well as accessories are optimal signs that construct brand images. Eroticism means emotion, impulses, senses of value and sexual attraction. A desire to represent sexual attraction is an expression of eroticism and self-expression to adjust in a changing society. Suggestion tends to pursue the image of harmony with nature in a world which is pressed by material civilization. Humans represent illuminating messages through direct slogans by characters, natural objects and motives of social phenomenon in pursuit of the benefits of abundant material civilization in the structure of a highly advanced scientific civilization and industrial society.