An accessible, enjoyable and hugely instructive book that sets out why fashion matters – to the economy, to society and to each of us personally
Faster than anything else, what we wear tells the story of who we are or who we want to be. Yet even as fashion touches the lives of each and every one of us, it can seem mysterious
Who better to guide readers into the dizzying world of fashion than Frances Corner, Head of London College of Fashion and a leading expert on this rapidly expanding, increasingly global, always exciting industry? In 101 provocative entries Corner teases out the intricacies and contradictions of an industry that simultaneously values technology and craft, timeless style and fast fashion, the bespoke and the mass-market, consumption and sustainability, cold-hard numbers and creative expression.
From ‘Karl Lagerfeld and High-Tech Fur’ to ‘The White Shirt’ to ‘The One Trillion Dollar Business’, each entry offers a unique avenue into fashion and its impact, both positive and negative, on lives around the globe.
Accessible, instructive and hugely enjoyable, this book will be essential reading for anyone involved in fashion, business, education and beyond.
'Combined info and inspo, peppered with facts, punchy quotes and personal insight … a thought-provoking read delivered with gentle authority … I can see myself returning to it again and again for reference … an essential read for any aspiring fashion industry professional or fashion student'
Style London
'It certainly got me thinking … two-thirds of the way through and my brain is fizzing like Alka-Seltzer … 'Why Fashion Matters' applies the mental jump leads and makes you think about what you wear, how you wear it and where it came from'
Guardian
'As much a personal manifesto as a multi-layered exploration of the significance of fashion in society … thought-provoking … Corner races through her subjects elegantly and succinctly'
Financial Times
'Lucid … you don’t have to take in the entire book at once. You can return to it later – and you will … Chock-full of references to pop culture and history'
Dressful.com
Format: PLC (no jacket)
Size: 20.0 x 12.5 cm
Extent: 144 pp
Publication date: 14 April 2014
ISBN: 9780500517376