Look Again: Fashion

Look Again is a new series of short books from Tate Publishing that explores the relationship between art and fashion over the last 500 years. Written by leading voices from literature, art, and culture, the books shed new light on well-known artworks and ask us to look again at the everyday dress that features in Britain's national collection of art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Tate Publishing

Look Again is a captivating new series of short books from Tate Publishing, delving into the rich tapestry of British art over the past five centuries. Written by esteemed voices from the realms of literature, art, and culture, these thought-provoking volumes shed fresh light on some of the most iconic, beloved, and provocative artworks in the nation's collection, prompting us to reexamine them with renewed scrutiny.

How we dress, often considered a deeply personal matter, holds the potential for deeper artistic exploration. Moreover, our attire can reveal profound insights into the societies in which we live. These are the central questions at the heart of Fashion.

From the pioneering works of Piet Mondrian and Yves Saint Laurent to the iconic designs of Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama, there has been a longstanding symbiotic relationship between art and the world of high fashion. Artists can influence designers, and avant-garde fashion can inspire avant-garde art. However, what about the everyday dress that features prominently in many of the artworks in Britain's national collection? What can we learn by examining the turban worn by a footman, the fabric gathered in the lap of a seamstress, or the pleats of a dress swirling around the neck of a girl walking on her hands on a beach?

In Look Again: Fashion, esteemed academic and broadcaster Shahidha Bari takes us on a captivating journey, unveiling the surprising insights that arise from these questions. Through her insightful guidance, Bari reveals that thinking about dress can take us into the very heart of society, culture, and politics.

Each book in the Look Again series delves into a specific period or theme, offering a fresh perspective on British art and its enduring significance. From the Renaissance to the present day, these concise yet profound volumes explore the diverse range of artistic styles, movements, and cultural influences that have shaped the nation's artistic landscape.

By examining the garments worn by historical figures and everyday people, the series invites us to reflect on the role of fashion in shaping our identities, expressing our values, and communicating our beliefs. It challenges us to think beyond the surface and consider the deeper meanings and implications of the clothes we wear.

Look Again: Fashion is not just a book for art enthusiasts or fashion aficionados. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, culture, and society. It offers a wealth of information, insights, and anecdotes that will enrich our understanding of the past and inspire our thinking about the present.

In conclusion, Look Again is a groundbreaking series of short books that invites us to reimagine our perception of British art and its relationship to fashion. Written by leading voices from diverse fields, these volumes shed new light on some of the most iconic artworks in the national collection, prompting us to look again and appreciate their beauty and significance in a fresh light. Whether you are an art lover, fashion aficionado, or simply someone curious about the world around us, this series is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the rich tapestry of British art and its enduring impact on society.

Weight: 78g
Dimension: 110 x 177 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849767170