Fashion-ology: An Introduction to Fashion Studies

by Yuniya Kawamura

This book provides a concise and much-needed introduction to the sociology of fashion. Most studies do not make a clear distinction between clothing and fashion. Kawamura argues that clothing is a tangible product whereas fashion is a symbolic cultural product. She debunks the myth of "the genius designer" and explains that fashion is not about clothes but is a belief. There is an institutional structure, ignored by many fashion theorists, that has shaped and produced the fashion phenomenon. Kawamura further shows how the structural nature of the fashion system works to legitimize designers' creativity and can make them successful. Newer fashion cities, such as Milan and New York, are the product of the fashion system that originated in Paris. Without that systemic structure, fashion culture would not exist.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Theory, School, Sociology

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

Reviews

[Fuadiyah Kamil]

sangat membantu, buat kamu, yang utak-atik mode demi gelar sarjana.

yah, atau buat bacaan aja juga sangat menarik. :)

[Jade]

we follow the customs and traditions of such groups as an indication of our desire to remain among or join them

fashion functions as an equalizing mechanism because imitation is one of the means to reducing the inequality, suppressing caste, class and national barriers. Through assimilation and imitation, inequality is no longer aristocratic but democratic inequality

And to the illusion of change is added the illusion of democracy

Clothing is material production while fashion is symbolic production. Clothing is tangible while fashion is intangible. Clothing
is a necessity while fashion is an excess. Clothing has a utility function while fashion has a status function. Clothing is
found in any society or culture where people clothe themselves while fashion must be institutionally constructed and culturally
diffused. A fashion system operates to convert clothing into fashion that has a symbolic value and is manifested through clothing. unwritten laws sartorial conventions make a clothing system

fashion system as a complex means for facilitating orderly change within a mass society no longer able to provide
identity and maintain order via social custom.

or an existing product is repositioned or remarketed in line with that need

[Dominique]

what does it mean for something to be in fashion? what makes a successful designer? what is the relationship between consumption and production?

kawamura describes fashion as a symbolic system; one that legitimises creativity and outputs a collective selection of what is “in.” the discussion about the feminization of fashion, the trickle down vs trickle up, fashion as an art world, etc were super eye opening

[Bahamin]

Fashionology is regularly cited as a foundational text for understanding fashion theory, and it largely justifies that reputation. That said, it is not an enjoyable read. The writing is structured less as a cohesive argument than as a survey of existing literature, which makes it feel dry and sometimes disjointed. The core ideas are spread across a landscape of competing academic voices.

[Oğuzcan Önver]

Kenzo öldü. Bunun anlamını önümüzdeki 10 senede daha iyi anlayacaksınız. Moda-loji üzerine artık Japonları okumanıza gerek yok.

[szymborskalyte]

Maybe good for the student, just across as a middling lit review to me.

[Nikki Gribuste]

really interesting read - perfect for uni essay

[Büşra Kahveci]

gerçekten ağır ve akademik bir dili var bazen okurken beni zorladı ama kitabı bitirdikten sonra modayla ilgili fikirlerimin daha çok oturduğunu hissettim, öğretici bir kitaptı.

[Simona]

Great to review every concept covered.

[Jabeeeeeen]

As an introductory book to sociology of fashion, it does a terrific job of being simple and explaining core ideas.

[Angela Bernardoni]

Questo saggio è la risposta alla domanda "quante volte Angela può leggere lo stesso concetto ripetuto ogni due pagine prima di iniziare a urlare?"

[Aysen]

I read it in Persian translation by Sedighe Nayefi and it was pretty good. It was one of my thesis books.

[Dr. Kat]

compares definitions for 'fashion system' and 'clothing system'. introduces the concept of fashion system (where fashion has intangible value)

[Biju P.R.]

good book. how fashion become an ideology is a good articulation of idea. well researched book. this was useful for my book lovescape. particularly my chapter titled dressed nation has used this premise of the author.

the book is extensive research on the idea of fashion and ideology and how they intermingle and go together to form dress as a life style and a powerful ideology.