Communicating Fashion: Clothing, Culture, and Media

Communicating Fashion explores how we use clothing to express ourselves and how media systems support that process, examining social, cultural, and ethical issues through fashion journalism, brand promotions, and online influencers. It also discusses the impact of film, television, and art on self-image and expression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Winner of the prestigious John G. Cawelti Award for Best Textbook/Primer, Communicating Fashion delves into the intricate relationship between fashion and communication, shedding light on how we use clothing to express ourselves and how media systems facilitate this process. Authored by Myles Ethan Lascity, this comprehensive textbook explores a wide range of social, cultural, and ethical issues through the lens of fashion journalism, brand promotions, and the growing influence of online influencers.

Advertising, Branding, and Fashion Retail:

This chapter examines the role of advertising and branding in shaping fashion retail, exploring how they create consumer desire and influence purchasing decisions. It also explores the strategies employed by retailers to differentiate themselves from competitors and create a unique brand identity.

Clothing, Art, and Cultural Significance:

In this chapter, Lascity explores the cultural significance of clothing, examining how it reflects and shapes societal norms, values, and beliefs. He also discusses the role of art in fashion, exploring how it influences design and aesthetics and how fashion can be used as a medium for artistic expression.

Clothing as Group and Cultural Norms:

Lascity examines how clothing functions as a group and cultural norm, exploring how it is used to identify and differentiate individuals and groups. He also discusses the impact of clothing on social interactions and how it can be used to communicate messages and values.

Clothing, Identity, and Interpersonal Communication:

This chapter explores the relationship between clothing, identity, and interpersonal communication, examining how clothing is used to express and project personal identity and how it can influence interpersonal relationships. It also discusses the role of clothing in self-presentation and how it can be used to communicate messages about gender, race, and culture.

Fashion News and Tastemaking:

Lascity examines the role of fashion news and tastemakers in shaping fashion trends and influencing consumer behavior. He discusses the strategies employed by fashion journalists and bloggers to create compelling content and the impact of fashion magazines and television shows on fashion trends.

Fashion, Social Media, and Influencers:

In this chapter, Lascity explores the growing influence of social media and online influencers on fashion, examining how they use their platforms to promote brands and products and shape fashion trends. He also discusses the ethical implications of this relationship and the challenges faced by fashion influencers in maintaining authenticity and credibility.

Meaning within the Fashion System:

Lascity examines the meaning within the fashion system, exploring how fashion is used to express social and cultural values, as well as how it is marketed and consumed. He also discusses the impact of fashion on self-image and expression and the ways in which fashion can be used to challenge and subvert dominant narratives.

On-screen Clothing:

This chapter explores the role of clothing in film and television, examining how it is used to create character and convey emotion. It also discusses the impact of on-screen clothing on audience perception and how it can be used to create a specific aesthetic or atmosphere.

In conclusion, Communicating Fashion is an essential textbook for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion and communication. By exploring a wide range of topics, from advertising and branding to clothing as a cultural norm, identity, and interpersonal communication, Lascity provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the fashion industry. This textbook is particularly relevant for students studying fashion marketing, communication, and media studies, as well as anyone interested in understanding the role of clothing in shaping our social and cultural identities.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350112247