Sex and Suits: The Evolution of Modern Dress (Kodansha Globe)

Anne Hollander takes the history of fashion, and more specifically, the history of the tailored suit, thread by thread. In the beginning clothes for men and women were equally elaborate and meaningful. It wasn't until the late eighteenth century when a divide between the sexes started to emerge. Fashion for men became simpler while women's wear got more complicated. Styles for women boasted of sexuality while men were more subtle and subdued. Women took advantage of male fashion and twisted it to suit their statements. As with anything, the lines are being blurred again as men find inspiration in styles designed for women. One of the most fascinating points Hollander makes about dress for man and women is the phenomenon of identical show more identity. She argues that if men are dressed in identical tuxedos their unique faces would stand out in relief, just as women dressed in a variety of styles would all have the same face. show less

A through and interesting essay on fashion history. Mostly about women's wear and cultural attitudes by means of discussing the evolution of the man's suit. A very interesting read for anyone interested in fashion history or sociology.