When did fashion begin? The answer is like finding a needle in a haystack about 40,000 years ago

Amazing stuff! When was the first fashion show?

"What’s the difference between wearing clothing for protection, and wearing it for fashion? At what point did humans start thinking about the social value of their garments? When did dress become a part of culture as opposed to protection from the elements? ...

Gilligan is the lead author on a review paper in Science Advances that argues eyed needles, which emerged in the Palaeolithic era about 40,000 years ago, are a signal that clothing had become about more than just keeping warm. ..."

From the abstract:

"Eyed needles are among the most iconic of Paleolithic artifacts, traditionally seen as rare indicators of prehistoric clothing, particularly tailoring. However, recent finds across Africa and Eurasia show that other technologies like bone awls also facilitated the creation of fitted garments. Nonetheless, the advent of delicate eyed needles suggests a demand for more refined, efficient sewing. This refinement may signify two major developments: the emergence of underwear in layered garment assemblages, and/or a transition in adornment from body modification to decorating clothes, as humans covered themselves more completely for thermal protection. Archaeological evidence for underwear is limited, but the Upper Paleolithic saw an increase in personal ornaments, some sewn onto clothing. Eyed needles may mark a pivotal shift as clothes acquired the social functions of dress, decoupling clothing from climate and ensuring its enduring presence."

What is the origin of fashion? It might be eyed needles

Paleolithic eyed needles and the evolution of dress

Fig. 1. Locations for sites mentioned in the text with early bone awls and eyed needles.

Fig. 2. Nassarius kraussianu shell beads from Blombos Cave Still Bay layers, southern Africa, dated to approximately 73,000 to 70,000 years ago. Arrows indicate use-wear facets.