Why Fashion Matters

May 19, 2014
This eclectic volume by Corner (head of the London College of Fashion and a member of the British Fashion Council’s Advisory Board) shows how fashion impacts economies, cultures, and individuals. Corner provides a comprehensive view of fashion not only as a multi-billion dollar industry, but also as a form of beauty and creativity. She acknowledges fashion’s dark side as well: models with eating disorders, a lack of diversity in the industry, ecological concerns, and other issues. While covering a wide range of topics, the well-designed compact volume is organized into 101 self-contained reflections that weave anecdotes from Corner’s life and career with her views on today’s trends. Topics addressed include “The Advantage of Vintage,” “Fashion as Ecosystem,” “The Short History of Facial Hair,” and “Fashion Stereotypes.” Corner also poses questions such as, “Do we wear clothes to cover our nakedness and fashion to suggest our nudity?” More than an industry primer, the book offers a thoughtful and learned portrait of fashion and its effect on the world.

May 15, 2014

This volume by Corner (head, London Coll. of Fashion), while understated in length, is a wise and compelling book. In 101 short entries and fewer than 150 pages, the author persuasively argues that, for numerous economic, social, and environmental reasons, fashion and the fashion industry make very important contributions to the world as a whole and to each person's sense of self. Themes that are repeated include the need for environmentally and ethically responsible production standards for an industry that has a high overall impact as it produces $1 trillion globally and is the second largest industry worldwide. Corner also explores fashion's contradictions, noting that while it promotes personal individuality, it also touches and feeds upon the insecurities of its female consumers, promoting unreasonable and unattainable images of women through the media. VERDICT For the reader who wants an overview or snapshot of fashion and its pressing issues.--Sandra Rothenberg, Framingham State Coll. Lib., MA

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