Little Black Dress: A Radical Fashion

The "Little Black Dress" was a revolutionary and anti-traditional garment that has remained a fashion staple for almost a century, challenging gendered boundaries and reflecting evolving ideals of beauty and sexuality. This book explores how the color black has paradoxical meanings, making it expressive of respect and rebellion, sophistication and dissident sexualities, piety and perversion. It is a radical fashion for the 21st century, bridging tradition and innovation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: NMSE - Publishing Ltd

The 'Little Black Dress' (LBD) has a fascinating history, initially emerging as a groundbreaking and unconventional garment for women. It defied traditional gender norms by adopting a masculine-inspired style and challenging traditional fashion conventions. Over the past century, the LBD has remained a timeless and essential piece in women's wardrobes, constantly evolving to reflect changing ideals of beauty and sexuality.

In the quest to understand the historical study of fashion in the West in the context of a global fashion system of production, distribution, and consumption, and the urgent need for the industry to be more mindful of its impact on our culture, Little Black Dress: A Radical Fashion takes a broader perspective. This book brings together international scholars, curators, and fashion writers to explore the multifaceted meanings of black, which have made the LBD simultaneously expressive of respect, rebellion, sophistication, and dissident sexualities, piety, and perversion.

By bridging tradition and innovation, fashion and anti-fashion, the LBD emerges as a truly radical fashion for the 21st century. It challenges societal norms and expectations, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable and appropriate in clothing. The LBD symbolizes empowerment and self-expression, allowing women to embrace their individuality and express their unique styles.

Through its enduring popularity and versatility, the LBD has become a symbol of fashion resilience and adaptability. It has been worn by countless celebrities, politicians, and everyday women, making it a versatile and accessible garment for all. Its ability to transcend time and fashion trends makes it a true icon of fashion history.

In conclusion, the 'Little Black Dress' has a rich and complex history that reflects the evolving ideals of beauty and sexuality. It has evolved from a radical and anti-traditionalist garment to a timeless and essential piece in women's wardrobes. By examining the multifaceted meanings of black, this book sheds light on the LBD's role as a radical fashion for the 21st century, challenging societal norms and empowering women to express their individuality.

Weight: 891g
Dimension: 260 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910682272