Introducing Fashion Theory: From Androgyny to Zeitgeist

Table of Contents:
1. Overview Introduction to theory Why use theory? Methods of inquiry What is fashion? Who has fashion? Fashioning the body The tipping point Semiotics: How does fashion mean? Organization of text Boxed case 1.1: Maslow's hierarchy and fashion Boxed case 1.2: Classics can have fashionable details too Summary Key Terms Discussion questions Learning activities Notes Further reading 2. The Fashion System Market Infrastructure theory: The role of gatekeepers Trickle Across theory: Why new styles appear at once Innovation theory: The role of new products Historic resurrection: Haven't I seen this before? Branding: Creating an identity Summary Boxed case 2.1: Blockchain technology and intellectual property Boxed case 2.2: Fake followers Boxed case 2.3: John Fairchild and the midi mistake Key Terms Discussion questions Learning activities Notes Further Reading 3. Fashion and the Individual The Public, Private, and Secret Self: What we reveal to others Body image: Feelings about our bodies Aesthetic perception and learning: Why are we attracted to the clothes we see? Shifting Erogenous Zones: Reveal and conceal Historic Continuity theory: Small changes over time Symbolic Interaction theory: The individual and society Boxed case 3.1: One individual starts a trend Boxed case 3.2: The color purple Summary Key Terms Discussion questions Learning activities Further reading 4. Fashion and Society Trickle Down theory: Fashion from the top down Trickle Up theory: Fashion from the bottom up Scarcity/Rarity: The desire for limited items Conspicuous consumption: The obvious Political use of dress: Social movements Gender: Masculinity, femininity, androgyny Boxed case 4.1: Sensible British Taste Boxed case 4.2: La Sape Society Summary Key Terms Discussion questions Learning activities Notes Further reading 5. Fashion and Culture Zeitgeist: Sign of the times Spatial diffusion: Fashion on the move Cultural identity: Race, ethnicity, and hybridity Style tribes: Fashion from the street Boxed case 5.1 Hate couture Summary Key Terms Discussion questions Learning activities Notes Further reading 6. Conclusion Consuming fashion: Selecting, purchasing, disposing One phenomenon, many theories What is fashion? A paradox Summary Key Terms Discussion questions Learning activities Further reading Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Andrew Reilly, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Fashion Design and Merchandising at University of Hawaii, Manoa, US.

Review :
[Praise for the first edition] Brings a breath of fresh air to fashion theory. This book puts together a collection of insights and approaches that will facilitate the student's creative thinking process and their capacity to develop keys to solve problems. Fantastic resource for fashion theory! Introducing Fashion Theory: From Androgyny to Zeitgeist illustrates the scholarly study of fashion in addition to helping students and fashion professionals understand the complexity, meaning, and direction of fashion. Using historic, cultural, and current fashion examples, the book helps explain our everyday clothing habits and the paradoxical nature of fashion