Why Would Anyone Wear That?

Fascinating Fashion Facts

Celia E. Stall-Meadows, Leslie Stall Widener

$23.95

Paperback

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English

Intellect Books
15 February 2013

Fashion design & theory

Bustles. Tight-laced Corsets. Caged crinolines that encased the hapless wearer in hoops of steel. Why would anyone want to wear such things? Yet, you can be certain that no lady of the Victorian upper class would choose to leave home without them—and she’d complete her look with a feather- and flower-festooned bonnet as befit the latest fashion.

With a blend of wisdom and wit, Why Would Anyone Wear That? explores extreme fashions from around the world. The Victorian era was by no means alone in strange sartorial choices. Throughout history, men and women have turned to clothing and accessories to adorn and accentuate parts of the body. Some of the fashions, like bloomers, were surprisingly functional. Others, like powdered wigs and hobble skirts, were inconvenient and uncomfortable. And a few particularly painful practices could even permanently disfigure the wearer, like brass coils worn in Burma to lengthen the neck and the custom of binding of women’s feet to fit tiny lotus slippers in Song dynasty China. Presenting dozens of the most peculiar fashions, including shoes, hats, jewelry, undergarments, and outerwear, the book provides insightful commentary, placing the garments and accessories in the proper historical, social, and cultural context.

If you’ve ever wondered why the codpiece was created or the leisure suit went out of style, this book will answer that question and many more. Fully illustrated and packed with fun facts, Why Would Anyone Wear That? introduces readers to the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s weirdest fashions.

By: Celia E. Stall-Meadows
Illustrated by: Leslie Stall Widener
Imprint: Intellect Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 1
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 229mm, Spine: 6mm
Weight: 227g
ISBN: 9781841507279
ISBN 10: 184150727X
Pages: 84
Publication Date: 15 February 2013
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: “Why Would Anyone Wear That?” Fascinating Fashions: Hennins Mad as a Hatter Feathered Hats Cowboy Hats Powdering Scented Cones Ruffs The Hope Diamond The Koh-i-Noor Diamond Giraffe Women Muslin Fever Burqas Zoot Suits and Teddy Boys Leisure Suits Breast Binding Flea Furs Corsets Caged Crinolines Bustles Chastity Belts Bloomers Pumpkin Breeches Hobble Skirts Poison Rings Codpiece Parti-colored Hosiery Chinese Lily Feet Poulaines or Cracows Chopines and Pattens Running Shoes Disposable Fashions Interpreting and Predicting Fashion

Celia Stall-Meadows, EdD. is a university professor teaching textiles, apparel, and fashion marketing. She maintains membership in the International Textile and Apparel Association. During graduate school, she served as curator for her college's historic costume collection. She has taught courses in history of costume and social/psychological aspects of clothing.

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Why Would Anyone Wear That?

Fascinating Fashion Facts

Celia E. Stall-Meadows, Leslie Stall Widener

$23.95

Paperback

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