Hang-Ups: Reflections on the Causes and Consequences of Fashions Western-Centrism

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Many books explain how people dress to define themselves within their society and community. Hang-Ups considers the clothing society suggests people shouldnt wear because it violates contemporary norms and expectations. As the fashion industry is held to greater account with culturally insensitive and politically inappropriate garments called into question; the use of unsustainable materials called out; and advertising campaigns criticized for being insufficiently diverse Hang-Ups explains how recent fashion decisions and designs have caused controversy by placing them in their cultural and contemporary frame. A reference for designers and fashion promoters, Hang-Ups contributes to broader discussions about the communicative capabilities of clothing by considering the cultural factors behind sartorial tipping points: when fashion becomes ugly and when acceptable becomes inexcusable, and very often when what was out becomes in again. In doing so, the book combines writing on the human body and clothing, topics that have tended to be treated separately, and emphasizes the importance of historical awareness and understanding in the conception, creation and consumption of fashionable dress.

Author Bio

Benjamin Linley Wild is a cultural historian who writes and lectures about the history of dress. He is Lecturer in Contextual Studies (Fashion) at The Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. He has published widely on the subject of fashion and material culture. He is the author of A Life in Fashion: The Wardrobe of Cecil Beaton (2016) and Carnival to Catwalk (2020).