A Basic Introduction to Fashion History. The Importance of Fashion. Economic and political trends, current events, and social issues are often reflected in fashion. Fashion serves as a historical record of culture and lifestyle. Personal appearance can identify social position and reflect a person's self-image. The earliest clothing dates back to about 20,000 B.C. Sources of clothing history include actual clothing items, paintings/mosaics, writings/carvings, and printed materials. Fashion Through The Ages.