Is it music before fashion, or fashion before music?

Before understanding which influences which, or if they even have an influence on one another, one must first understand a point of difference--how exactly can fashion or music survive WITHOUT the other?

Of course both fashion and music are forms of art. They both are practices of expression--perhaps a way to singularity. Being that these characteristics make up what music and fashion is, it is okay to presume that music and fashion are closely linked.

Who typically comes up with these influences anyways? Well, as I always say, it is usually the ones we wake up to on Instagram, Twitter, or even Youtube that causes an impact on our lives. Whether it be our style to what we eat, or even from what we are constantly listening to to what we say, the people we surround ourselves with is who we become unconsciously. We continue to say how different we are as individuals, yet, continue to do what every other "individual" around us are doing, thus making us the same.. right? There are 3 theories to who influences who and how.

1) Downward flow theory: to be identified as a true fashion, a style must first be adopted at the top of the social pyramid. So pretty much, in order for anything to be considered fashion, it must first be ACCEPTED. Hmm, makes me wonder how "individual" are we really.

2) Horizontal flow theory: fashion moves horizontally among groups on similar social levels. This sort of reverts back to the whole "we aspire our inspiration." For this particular theory, I think of students on college campus specifically. Everyone knows, or should perhaps, that college is also about finding your niche in life and networking with a variety of people. But how is one to start a conversation without a conversation starter? In order for a particular group of students to become acceptive of another, one must give in to conforming to the other. (Don't sit there and roll your eyes as if you haven't noticed.)

Lastly, 3) Upward flow theory: which reflects the enormous social changes that have occurred in the past five decades. The adoption of either fashion or music begins, ironically, with the young members of lower income groups. An illustration of this theory has made a comeback in 2013: the grunge look. Following the fashion statements of the grunge rockers of the early 90s, youth were dressed in ripped worn-out denim and plaid flannel shirts to emulate fashions from bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Now everyone in the music industry walking around looking (di)stressed.

After understanding these theories, I am curious to know who do you think come up with these influences...

With all of that being said, you all should certainly be on the lookout for North Carolina Central University's very own student ran organization: Fashion Inc. They will be putting on a fashion show with garments and designs inspired by specific music genres. If you are in the North Carolina or surrounding areas, please do not rob these students of their hard work and dedication towards both the music and fashion industry. And if you happen to be a local artist, I don't see why you wouldn't want to partake in finding a prospective designer to build both your and their brand with.

So tell me, are you an INFLUENCER? And would others say the same?