Overview

In what ways do changing notions of social class correspond with key developments in the history of fashion? Focusing on examples ranging from 18th-century Britain to aspects of the global fashion industry in the early 21st century, Fashion and Class examines the meaning and evolution of the term ‘class’, from its Marxist origins to modern day interpretations. Did industrialisation, technological change and developments in fashion retailing bring about a degree of ‘class levelling’ or in fact intensify class antagonism? And to what extent does modern mass consumption and cheap labour revive some of the ethical issues faced in 19th-century British textile factories? Exploring a variety of case studies that examine the changing relationships between fashion and class in different historical contexts, from the French revolutionaries of the 1780-90s through to the changing relationships between couture, designer and high-street fashion in the mid-20th century and onwards, Fashion and Class is essential reading for those wishing to understand the ways in which the fashion system is closely connected with ideas of class.

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9781847888167

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Reviews

Fashion and Class is a timely addressing of the relationship between dress, fabric and social identity. In an era when the politics of wealth, labour and mobility are so contested it is ever more pressing for historians to seek context and precedence in the visual and material culture of the past. Rachel Worth is an authoritative guide to a complex terrain. * Christopher Breward, National Galleries of Scotland * Drawing on a rich and diverse range of research, Worth constructs an intelligent and engaging discussion about the ways fashion intersects with class identities. Her book sheds light on the ways post-18th century dress and textiles have been entwined with expressions and experiences of class, and considers how these connections have altered over time. * Rebecca Arnold, Courtauld Institute of Art, UK * This provocative book clearly demonstrates how one's perception of their place in society is affected by fashion and the choices available. It should stimulate healthy discussions of equality, social justice and upward mobility within a fashion context. * Jean L. Druesedow, Kent State University Museum, USA *

This provocative book clearly demonstrates how one's perception of their place in society is affected by fashion and the choices available. It should stimulate healthy discussions of equality, social justice and upward mobility within a fashion context. * Jean L. Druesedow, Kent State University Museum, USA *

Fashion and Class is a timely addressing of the relationship between dress, fabric and social identity. In an era when the politics of wealth, labour and mobility are so contested it is ever more pressing for historians to seek context and precedence in the visual and material culture of the past. Rachel Worth is an authoritative guide to a complex terrain. * Christopher Breward, National Galleries of Scotland * An important book ... Worth discusses the fundamental dress and social history issues of class, fashion and democracy across nearly 250 years in order to question long-held dress history assumptions ... Terrific. * Lou Taylor, University of Brighton, UK * Drawing on a rich and diverse range of research, Worth constructs an intelligent and engaging discussion about the ways fashion intersects with class identities. Her book sheds light on the ways post-18th century dress and textiles have been entwined with expressions and experiences of class, and considers how these connections have altered over time. * Rebecca Arnold, Courtauld Institute of Art, UK * This provocative book clearly demonstrates how one's perception of their place in society is affected by fashion and the choices available. It should stimulate healthy discussions of equality, social justice and upward mobility within a fashion context. * Jean L. Druesedow, Kent State University Museum, USA *

Author Information

Rachel Worth is Professor of History of Dress and Fashion at the Arts University Bournemouth, UK.

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