Uniforms Exposed: From Conformity to Transgression

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Description

There is nothing uniform about wearing a uniform. This one article of clothing has arguably had a greater impact on the world than any other. From fascists to fashionistas, Uniforms Exposed looks at this most extraordinary of ordinary garments and its cultural meaning in our everyday lives. Tracing the troubling connections amongst religious orders, the military, schools and fetish clubs, Craik shows how uniforms alternately control bodies and enable subversion. What does it mean to wear one Why do certain professions require them Do they really tell wearers how to act and others how to respond Answering these intriguing questions and many more, Craik shows how the uniform inspires fear and love, conformity and subversion, and why it has continued to fascinate across cultures and throughout history.

Reviews

'In an extraordinarily wide-ranging survey of the historical and contemporary construction - and constriction - of uniform, from surgeon's gowns to sportswear, from high school dress codes to Hollywood fantasies, from khaki to Kylie, Jennifer Craik parades a fascinating array. Her rigorous personal inspection presents a revealing peek under the tunic, and why it is worn. In the process she exposes the hitherto-overlooked power of institutional costume.' Philip Hoare, author of 'Wilde's Last Stand' and 'England's Lost Eden'. 'Craik's book makes a valuable contribution to our understandings of a most ubiquitous form of dress. Her analysis takes us on a journey through the history of uniforms but the appeal of this book is that it takes the debate about uniforms beyond the obvious (military and schools) and into contemporary fashion. From disciplinary technique to sexual practice, uniforms are shown to have multiple meanings and varied connections to the body. An entertaining and well-written volume.' Joanne Entwistle, London College of Fashion 'This fanscinating study describes a wide range of uniforms (military, religious, occupational, sports) and intriguingly shows how uniforms serve two sides of control, overt and covert.' Choice Magazine

Author Bio

Jennifer Craik is Professor in the School of Creative Communication at the University of Canberra, Australia