1. Fashion Theory Flashcards
Fashion Theory:
Why we wear what we wear. The beginning of our fashion theory begins when adam and eve realized they were naked, they made clothes.
James Laver’s 3 Principles of Clothing
British Art Historian, he believed that every grooming choice fit into the 3 principles.
- Utility
- Hierarchy and Status
- Seduction
Utility
specific, practical purpose.
Hierarchy & Status
things that we wear to express our status.
Seduction
things we wear to attract others
Modesty
- motivated by religion. (Orthodox Judaism, Islam, Conservative Christianity)
- professionalism, how you were raised, the Law.
Protection
subset of the utility principle.
group identification
unity
Communicate with symbols
Clothing or accessories that have a specific message. (wedding ring)
exalt the ego
things that we wear that makes us feel important to the world.
conspicuous consumption
buying things to express your wealth. (houses, cars, wives)
clothing laws (inc. sumptuary laws)
indecent exposure, office dress code
special ocassion
weddings, holidays, celebrations, parties. defer by culture
arouse emotion
trying to be seductive, wearing clothing that we interrupt to be intimidating.
shifting erogenous zones
different body parts get emphasized at different times.
superstition or devotion
clothes to express religions belief, for superstitious reasons
amulets
an accessory, symbol. the earliest forms of clothing. (jewelry, body art)
cowry shells
good luck + fertility. common in Africa, Indian Ocean, & Middle East.
wan zi
Buddhist temple, universal symbol- abundance, good fortune, center of the universe
hamsa
protection. keeps evil away. the eye + hand of God. Judaism + Islam
the five poisons
china- five poisonous creatures combined to repel evil.
odd=good
even=bad
personal adornment sources
- animal- furs,skins, wools
- plant- cotton, linen, flowers
- mineral- mud, stones
veiling
ancient middle east. practical + protect from evil
