WITHOUT BEING ESSENTIALIST, creating an inspirational set of grand narratives providing fundamental insights into core process. The corpus of ideas constitutes a shared framework of interlocking concepts, which can be recast like lego blocks, to many ends, in different contexts, without loosing logical consistency or explanatory power. Zygmunt Bauman was not a theorist of fashion, but using his versatile analytic tools, he could easily identify a characteristic mechanism of fashion activity. Bauman in 2000, the transition between solid and liquid modernity, as well as the fundamental pendulum swing between the contradictory forces of security and freedom. Sociologists of fashion have … Continue reading LIQUID FASHION: ‘NOT JUST FOR FASHION VIEWERS FOR FASHION READERS’

A Legend of Sony Walkman Portable listening devices were, of course, nothing new. Transistor radios grew popular in the 1950s by shrinking components to allow for a pocket-sized listening experience. The drawback was that the user was limited to picking up broadcast stations and whatever playlist the programming director preferred. They were also tinny, the earbuds laughably weak next to proper stereo systems. Real, lost-in-the-music moments were reserved for bedrooms equipped with record players and floorboards that could stand up to the adolescent hysteria incited by Elvis or the Beatles. Masaru Ibuka’s teenage years were decades in the rear-view mirror, … Continue reading WHICH FASHION ITEMS CHANGED OUR LIVES ENTIRELY? Fashion communicates the shift in scale

Drawing fashion is a neglected, almost forgotten art. but, as the work in this book shows, it is as vibrant as any other modern art form and deserves its place as such. Why should illustrationg fashion be seen as inferior to other forms of drawing? We look at the carefully delineated representations of clothing-especially women’s clothing-in the sketch-books of Rebrandt, bronzino and Holbein and major, although they were often studies for major painted works, they can stand as works of art in their own right.  Fashion drawing as a genre was slow to develop. Dependent on social advancement for its … Continue reading HOW DOES FASHION ILLUSTRATES OUR LIVES? A century of fashion illustration

  ANCIENT GREEK RITUALS FOR THE HAIR The Greeks were big lovers of physical beauty. They were very in tune with the body’s natural aging process, thus they were always seeking ways to improve their appearance. The word “cosmetics” actually comes from the Greek word ‘kosmetikos’, originating in the 17th century. Aphrodite, the olympian Greek goddess of love and beauty, created a quintessential beauty ideal among Greek women. This goddess symbolised true femininity and grace, which perhaps influenced the Greek’s prestigious, ancient beauty rituals. The Greeks favoured light complexions, which they maintained using white lead. This was later replaced by … Continue reading HOW TO CONTAMINATE BEAUTY? Ancient Beauty Rituals for the Hair, Face, Body, Skin