This document discusses the evolution of fashion and society from the 19th century to the early 21st century. It describes how technology like steamships, trains and telegraph increased the spread of ideas internationally. The 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris showcased new electric technology and goods aimed at the growing middle class. In the post-industrial age, knowledge and culture became more dispersed and globalized. Trend forecasting continues into the early 21st century, with debates around concepts like post-modernism and whether history has reached an end state.