Dressing the Part: Television's Most Stylish Shows

Television has had a significant impact on fashion, shaping trends and defining personal style. Hal Rubenstein's book "Dressing the Part" explores the most influential fashion on television from the 1950s to today, revealing how shows have reflected and shaped the way we dress. It highlights the stylish television shows of the past 70 years, showcasing how they have affected and inspired ordinary Americans' wardrobes. Rubenstein combines fashion expertise with photographs, sketches, interviews, and backstories to show how television has shaped everyday fashion, guiding and often elevating how we dress.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

No other medium has shaped our lives as thoroughly and consistently as television. Since its advent in the 1950s, television has served as a portal for discovering culture, initiating trends, and altering shared perceptions. Yet as Hal Rubenstein contends, television has done much more; its most dramatic, lasting, and effective influence can be found in our closets. Our most popular and lasting fashion trends and hallmarks of personal style haven't come from runways or magazines, but from what's on TV. For decades, television has served as a personal stylist, showing us how others dress and defining what we should be wearing.

From Mary Tyler Moore's capri pants on The Dick van Dyke Show and Emma Peel's dominatrix jumpsuit on The Avengers to Olivia Pope's trademark white trench on Scandal and Don Draper's grey sharkskin suits on Mad Men, Dressing the Part is a rich history of popular American fashion and culture in the modern age. In this gorgeous compendium, the longtime fashion director and expert identifies the most stylish television shows of the past 70 years, highlighting the ways they have affected and often inspired ordinary Americans wardrobes. Combining his decades of fashion expertise and insider knowledge with lush photographs, archival sketches, fascinating interviews with over two dozen of television's best costume designers, commentary from showrunners and co-stars, and little-known backstories, Rubenstein reveals with insight and wit how.

Television has been a powerful medium that has shaped our lives in numerous ways, from cultural exploration to fashion trends. In this essay, we will explore the impact of television on fashion, focusing on the significant ways in which it has influenced and shaped the way we dress.

One of the most notable ways in which television has influenced fashion is through its portrayal of characters and their wardrobes. Television shows have often showcased a wide range of styles, from classic and timeless to trendy and avant-garde. Characters on popular shows such as Friends, Sex and the City, and The Simpsons have become fashion icons, inspiring fans to adopt their styles and incorporate them into their own wardrobes.

Television has also played a significant role in popularizing certain fashion trends. For example, the rise of the "power suit" in the 1980s was largely influenced by the popular TV show Dynasty. The show's characters, particularly the character of Alexis Carrington, were known for their sophisticated and stylish suits, which became a staple of corporate America and helped to redefine the concept of professional attire.

In addition to popularizing trends, television has also been a platform for showcasing emerging designers and fashion brands. Shows such as Project Runway and America's Next Top Model have provided a platform for designers to showcase their work and gain exposure to a wider audience. These shows have helped to democratize fashion, making it accessible to a broader range of people and creating new opportunities for designers to break into the industry.

Television has also been a source of inspiration for fashion designers and stylists. Many designers and stylists draw inspiration from the costumes and styles worn by characters on television shows. For example, the costume designer for the TV show Game of Thrones has created some of the most iconic and memorable costumes in television history, drawing inspiration from various historical periods and cultures.

However, it is important to note that television's influence on fashion is not without its challenges. One of the main concerns is the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations regarding fashion. Television shows often portray a narrow range of body types, skin tones, and styles, which can create unrealistic expectations and promote body shaming. This can be particularly harmful to young viewers who may be influenced by the images they see on television and feel pressure to conform to societal norms.

Another challenge is the impact of fast fashion on the fashion industry. Television has played a significant role in the rise of fast fashion, as it has made it easier for consumers to access and purchase trendy clothing at low prices. However, this has led to a decrease in the quality of clothing and an increase in waste and pollution. Fast fashion has also contributed to the exploitation of workers in developing countries, who are often paid low wages and work in unsafe conditions.

Despite these challenges, television continues to have a significant impact on fashion. It provides a platform for showcasing new styles and trends, promotes emerging designers and brands, and inspires fashion designers and stylists. However, it is important for viewers to be aware of the messages that television is sending and to seek out diverse and inclusive representations of fashion.

In conclusion, television has had a profound impact on fashion, influencing and shaping the way we dress. From the portrayal of characters and their wardrobes to the popularization of certain trends, television has played a significant role in shaping our fashion choices. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges associated with television's influence on fashion and to seek out diverse and inclusive representations of fashion. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive fashion industry that celebrates the diversity of our bodies and cultures.

Weight: 1072g
Dimension: 209 x 284 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063272590