Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Title: A Theory of Fashion Based on Segmented Communication
Author-Name: Giacomo Corneo
Author-WorkPlace-Name: University of Bonn
Author-Name: Olivier Jeanne
Author-WorkPlace-Name: ENPC-CERAS
Abstract: Fashion is a popular style of behavior at a given time or place.
  	In this paper we model fashion as a dynamic phenomenon,
  	characterized by fragility of mass behvior and life cycles.
  	Conformity of behavior is generated by a consumption externality,
  	while the typical intertemporal aspects of fashion are the outcome
  	of segmented communication: knowledge about available actions is
  	imperfect and there exists social segregation in the way knowledge
  	is generated and transmitted. The proposed approach is consistent
  	with views of sociologists and marketing experts about fashion.
Keywords: collective behavior, fashion cycles, communication
Classification-JEL: D11; M30
Creation-Date: 1994-12
File-URL: http://www.wiwi.uni-bonn.de/bgsepapers/bonsfa/bonsfa462.ps
File-Format: Application/PostScript
File-Size: 24 pages
Handle: RePEc:bon:bonsfa:462