the german sociologist georg simmel (1858–1918) examined the phenomenon of fashion - as manifested in rapidly changing patterns of taste. according to simmel, fashion is a vehicle for strengthening the unity of the social classes and for making them distinct. members of the upper classes tend to signal their superiority, and they act as the initiators of new trends. but upper-class taste is soon imitated by the middle classes. as goods, appearances, manners etc. conceived as high-class status markers become popular enough, they lose their function to differentiate. so the upper classes have to originate yet more stylistic innovations.