Description
Book SynopsisSchorman demonstrates in this readable study of 1890s U.S. society how fashion-which he defines as clothing everyone wears and the symbolic system connected to its choice-reflects the cultural dynamics caused by rapid social change and remnants of past attitudes.-Choice
Trade Review"
Selling Style is a well-written, interesting, and lively look at the meaning of clothes and American fashion in the 1890s." * Nancy L. Green, author of
Ready to Wear and Ready to Work *
"Schorman demonstrates in this readable study of 1890s U.S. society how fashion-which he defines as clothing everyone wears and the symbolic system connected to its choice-reflects the cultural dynamics caused by rapid social change and remnants of past attitudes. The book reveals that clothing was closely integrated with issues of gender, class, and personal and national identity." *
Choice *
"Rob Schorman delves into the dynamic, troubled period of the 1890s to explore the marketing of men's and women's clothing. Using a wide variety of consumer and trade literature, he elucidates the appeals to social distinction, quality, individuality, patriotism, and belonging that characterized American advertising during that decade." *
Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography *
Table of ContentsIntroduction. The Influence of Clothes
One. A Ready-Made Look: Men's Clothing
Two. What to Wear and How to Make It: Women's Clothing
Three. Will Women Ever Dress Like Men? Dress, Darwinism, and Sex Differentiation
Four. Real Americans Wear Real American Machine-Made Garments: Clothing and Citizenship
Five. The Truth About Good Goods: Ad Experts, Clothiers, and the Language of Advertising
Conclusion. Fitness and Unfitness in Dress
Acknowledgments
