How Textile Communicates: From Codes to Cosmotechnics

Textile has been used as a medium of communication since the prehistoric period, allowing civilizations to manipulate thread and fabric to communicate in unique ways. In How Textile Communicates, Ganaele Langlois explores the profound impact of colonialism on textile practice and the appropriation of this medium by capitalist systems, challenging readers' preconceptions and shining new light on the importance of textiles in human communication.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Textile has been a medium of communication since the dawn of time, with civilizations around the world manipulating thread and fabric to convey their messages in astonishing ways. Unlike text and images, textile is tactile and three-dimensional, allowing for a deeper level of communication and interpretation. In her book "How Textile Communicates," Ganaele Langlois explores the unique capacity of textiles to convey meaning through a range of global case studies. She also examines the profound impact of colonialism on textile practice and the ways in which capitalist systems have appropriated this medium for their own purposes.

Langlois' writing is a thought-provoking contribution to the fields of fashion and communication studies, challenging readers' preconceptions and shedding new light on the profound impact of textiles on human communication. Through her analysis, she demonstrates how textiles can be used as a tool for resistance, empowerment, and cultural preservation, as well as a means of perpetuating colonialism and inequality.

One of the key themes of "How Textile Communicates" is the idea of textile as a medium of resistance. Langlois explores how textiles have been used by marginalized communities to express their identities and resist oppression. For example, she discusses the use of traditional African textiles in resistance movements against colonialism and the ways in which these fabrics have become symbols of cultural identity and pride.

Similarly, Langlois examines how textiles have been used by feminist movements to promote gender equality and social justice. She highlights the use of textiles as a form of self-expression and empowerment, as well as the ways in which they have been used to create political statements and challenge dominant narratives.

Another important theme of "How Textile Communicates" is the idea of textile as a medium of cultural preservation. Langlois explores how textiles have been used to document and preserve cultural traditions and practices, as well as how they have been transformed and adapted to meet the needs of modern society. For example, she discusses the use of traditional Japanese textiles in contemporary fashion and the ways in which these fabrics have been reimagined and reinterpreted to appeal to a global audience.

In addition to its exploration of the themes of resistance, empowerment, and cultural preservation, "How Textile Communicates" also offers a critical analysis of the ways in which capitalist systems have appropriated textile practice for their own purposes. Langlois argues that the commercialization of textile production has led to the exploitation of workers and the destruction of traditional textile practices. She also highlights the ways in which capitalist systems have commodified textile products, creating a culture of consumption that is driven by the desire for new and innovative designs.

Despite these challenges, Langlois remains optimistic about the future of textile communication. She argues that textiles have the potential to be a powerful tool for social change and that by reclaiming and reimagining this medium, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world.

In conclusion, "How Textile Communicates" is a thought-provoking and important book that offers a fresh perspective on the role of textiles in human communication. Through her analysis of global case studies and critical examination of the ways in which textiles have been appropriated by capitalist systems, Langlois demonstrates the profound impact of this medium on our lives and our world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion, communication, or the history of textiles, and it will inspire readers to think critically about the ways in which we communicate and the products we consume.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350384347