Dress History : New Directions in Theory and Practice

The field of dress history has experienced exponential growth over the past two decades. This in-depth investigation examines the expanding borders and porous boundaries of the discipline today, outlining key debates and showcasing the most exciting research.

With international case studies from a wide range of scholars, the volume encompasses work from a variety of historical periods from the late 18th century to the present day. Contributors examine, critique and expand the methodologies and sources used in fashion history, analyse how dress is collected, displayed and sold, and investigate clothing's meanings and uses in the practice of identity.

Exploring overlooked territories and new approaches to analysis, the book offers students and scholars a fresh appraisal of dress history in the 21st century.

“This study of dress, from many points of view, serves to acknowledge the contribution and application of object study to the cultural understanding of dress.” —Jean L. Druesedow, Director of Kent State University Museum, USA

“This important collection breaks through familiar boundaries of writings on dress – in terms of time and place and with an admirable diversity of approach. Focused studies offer insights on topics that, thanks to their specificity, paradoxically enlarge the sphere of knowledge of dress. It is excellent for students; each chapter serves as a model of exemplary scholarship conveyed in authoritative but very readable language.” —Nancy B. Deihl, New York University, USA

“This book, edited by Pollen and Nicklas, eminent scholars of dress and appearance theory and history, powerfully argues that the field's maturity has delineated a new position for the field, one far from the borders of scholarship. It provides new research and methods, and importantly the book defines multiple avenues for the field's further forward movement. It features case studies of marginal and silent areas of dress history, examines the critical role of interdisciplinarity, and with brilliant clarity stakes a claim for the field's centrality to humanistic studies. For scholars and serious students of dress and appearance theory and history, this book is a must read.” —Abby Lillethun, Montclair State University, USA

“Dress History: New Directions in Theory and Practice is an engaging collection of essays that address the etymology and methodology of the burgeoning field of dress history. This book is a must read for all fashion and dress historians.” —Clare Sauro, Drexel University, USA

“The essays provide vigorous discussions on resources and their reliability and often concluding that gut instinct is required. New directions in dress history is presented but this should remain an ongoing endeavour.” - Fashion, Society & Popular Culture