Philosophical Perspectives on Fashion

Philosophical Perspectives on Fashion places philosophical approaches at the heart of contemporary fashion studies. Considering the mutual relationships between aesthetics, modern society and culture, fashion and the fine arts, and the way these relationships have influenced and shaped our views on identity and taste, this ground-breaking book also explores the various intellectual and cultural movements that inform how people dress.

The leading fashion and philosophy scholars contributing to this volume refer to and apply theories posed by key thinkers of the modern and contemporary age, from Darwin and Wittgenstein to Husserl and Goodman, in order to answer questions such as: What is the essence of fashion and the reasons behind its fascination? What is 'anti-fashion'? What or who do we imitate when we 'follow' fashion? What is fashion criticism and what should it be?

Anyone studying or interested in fashion or philosophy will find this book a rich source of ideas, insight and information.Philosophical Perspectives on Fashion is a valuable contribution to contemporary fashion theory, one that revitalises the way we look at the form, purpose and meaning of fashion.

Giovanni Matteucci is Professor of Aesthetics and Head of the Department for Life Quality Studies at the University of Bologna, Italy.

Stefano Marino is Adjunct Lecturer in Aesthetics at the University of Bologna, Italy.