The article I chose was written by Joseph Hancock of Drexel University and is a review of the book A Cultural History of Fashion in the 20th Century: From the Catwalk to the Sidewalk by Bonnie English. This book is intended to show the connection between popular culture and 20th century fashion. I will discuss the intended audience, will summarize the article, and will discuss my conclusions.
First, the intended audience is everyone who loves fashion and desires to learn about the history of what goes behind creating the popular designs we see on the catwalk and the sidewalk. According to the article, some may find the book hard to read because of the confusing layout and the inaccurate comparisons of popular culture and fashion. Overall, the reader will enjoy the history found in the article and will appreciate the thought provoking comparisons in the article and book.
English states that “Fashion and popular culture are mutually reliant on each other.” Everything from media advertising to the designer art of fashion depends on each other. The article suggests that popular culture dictates the changing fashion trends and what remains a classic such as jeans. Transcending time is a tricky business and is achieved through thoughtful marketing and a well planned product. Bonnie English gives the example of Brooke Shields in an ad for Calvin Klein Jeans. English states that Shields was used because she was the “All American Girl”. This comparison is categorically untrue. In the 1970’s Brooke Shields was everything but “All American Girl”. Calvin Klein used her because of her high profile status and the interest she drew. Bonnie English also discusses the stresses of society that influence fashion and popular culture. Examples include the First World War, a declining economy and International impressions on fashion.
The article on popular culture and fashion reinforces the importance of using techniques that draw the buyer. Techniques can include using contemporary art in design or advertising with high profile, interesting celebrities. Overall, this article reinforces that popular culture dictates much of what we buy in our society.
References:
(2008). A Cultural History of Fashion in the 20th Century: From the Catwalk to the Sidewalk. The Journal of Popular Culture, 41(6), 1079-1080.
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2 comments:
This was an interesting article. The many fashions that showed throughout today and the media is a high impact on what many people wear today. It was also very interesting how fashion dated back all the way from World War I. I really like how you went not too much in detail but also explained what this article was about. really caught my eye. great job.
I though the article was great on showing how fashion as part of our culture. Back around War World 1 times, the fashion was very important back than and today it seems that it decrease. I don't really look for fashion, it is more about price. I feel a good amount of people today do the same thing with the price of everything going up.
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