The Intersection of Fashion and Disability: A Historical Analysis

(Hardback)

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Description

The history of the fashion industry has been well written as it relates to people who conform to certain physical norms and cultural stereotypes, whereas the inequality in access to the world of fashion has been largely ignored. Despite this lack of coverage, much work has taken place over the centuries to enable people who live with disability to participate in fashionable culture. This book tells that story via perspectives of notable historical figures, events and movements, and continues the discourse with a look at some of the contemporary developments in clothing and fashion. The Intersection of Fashion and Disability takes the long view, from early attempts to conceal unsightly bodies of royalty and nobility via creative innovation through growing contemporary awareness of inclusive fashion and how future work can be driven by technology and cultural acceptance.

Reviews

Infused in a historical context of adapted clothing designs, lies a recurrent reminder to each of us with disabilities that we deserve continued designs to assure our unadulterated inclusion in society. Kates decades of dedicated work will enable me, and other Occupational Therapy educators, to proliferate the future of dedicated and skilled therapists to join Kates efforts to promote a cultural change in the inclusion of all bodies, despite each persons uniqueness. May the memory of my friend Birdie Minor continue to shine through many more women with disabilities as they advocate for disability rights adorned in clothing that allows them to feel whole. -- Paige Moore, Licensed Occupational Therapist and Adjunct Faculty at James Madison University and Mary Baldwin University, USA
Marginalized fashion consumers are finally given voice in Kate Annett-Hitchcocks hugely important book. This is fashion history as well as fashion present, the most timely analysis of fashion and disability that we all need to read. -- Dr Kate Strasdin, Senior Lecturer, Cultural Studies, Fashion and Textiles Institute, Falmouth University, UK

Author Bio

Kate Annett-Hitchcock is a Professor in the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, USA. Prior to this, she was on the faculty at East Carolina University, Virginia Tech and the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her research focuses on clothing for health and well-being; fashion entrepreneurship, and historical and cross-cultural inspirations in fashion.