1. Fashion Theory

Question 1

Fashion Theory:

Answer 1

Why we wear what we wear. The beginning of our fashion theory begins when adam and eve realized they were naked, they made clothes.

Question 2

James Laver’s 3 Principles of Clothing

Answer 2

British Art Historian, he believed that every grooming choice fit into the 3 principles.

1. Utility
2. Hierarchy and Status
3. Seduction

Question 3

Utility

Answer 3

specific, practical purpose.

Question 4

Hierarchy & Status

Answer 4

things that we wear to express our status.

Question 5

Seduction

Answer 5

things we wear to attract others

Question 6

Modesty

Answer 6

• motivated by religion. (Orthodox Judaism, Islam, Conservative Christianity)
• professionalism, how you were raised, the Law.

Question 7

Protection

Answer 7

subset of the utility principle.

Question 8

group identification

Answer 8

unity

Question 9

Communicate with symbols

Answer 9

Clothing or accessories that have a specific message. (wedding ring)

Question 10

exalt the ego

Answer 10

things that we wear that makes us feel important to the world.

Question 11

conspicuous consumption

Answer 11

buying things to express your wealth. (houses, cars, wives)

Question 12

clothing laws (inc. sumptuary laws)

Answer 12

indecent exposure, office dress code

Question 13

special ocassion

Answer 13

weddings, holidays, celebrations, parties. defer by culture

Question 14

arouse emotion

Answer 14

trying to be seductive, wearing clothing that we interrupt to be intimidating.

Question 15

shifting erogenous zones

Answer 15

different body parts get emphasized at different times.

Question 16

superstition or devotion

Answer 16

clothes to express religions belief, for superstitious reasons

Question 17

amulets

Answer 17

an accessory, symbol. the earliest forms of clothing. (jewelry, body art)

Question 18

cowry shells

Answer 18

good luck + fertility. common in Africa, Indian Ocean, & Middle East.

Question 19

wan zi

Answer 19

Buddhist temple, universal symbol- abundance, good fortune, center of the universe

Question 20

hamsa

Answer 20

protection. keeps evil away. the eye + hand of God. Judaism + Islam

Question 21

the five poisons

Answer 21

china- five poisonous creatures combined to repel evil.
odd=good
even=bad

Question 22

personal adornment sources

Answer 22

• animal- furs,skins, wools
• plant- cotton, linen, flowers
• mineral- mud, stones

Question 23

veiling

Answer 23

ancient middle east. practical + protect from evil