Shaping Femininity: Foundation Garments, the Body and Women in Early Modern England

Shaping Femininity explores the relationship between material culture and femininity in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England, revealing the lost voices and experiences of women through a wide range of visual and written sources. It argues that foundation garments shaped and defined changing notions of the feminine bodily ideal, social status, sexuality, and modesty, influencing enduring Western notions of femininity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the vibrant tapestry of sixteenth and seventeenth-century England, the female silhouette experienced a remarkable transformation, marking a profound shift in societal attitudes towards femininity. This intricate and structured form, meticulously crafted through garments such as bodies and farthingales, thrived in various forms across Western Europe and beyond, taking on the shape of stays, corsets, hoop petticoats, and crinolines. This enduring tradition persisted until the dawn of the twentieth century, leaving an indelible mark on fashion history.

In her groundbreaking work, Shaping Femininity, Dr. Elizabeth E. Wilson delves into the intricate relationship between material culture and femininity, employing a multi-faceted approach that incorporates a stunning array of visual and written sources. Drawing on transdisciplinary methodologies, she explores the lives of a diverse range of women, from queens to courtiers, farmers' wives, and servants, uncovering their lost voices and experiences. Through this profound exploration, Wilson reorients discussions about female foundation garments in English and wider European history, arguing that these objects of material culture played a pivotal role in shaping and defining evolving notions of the feminine bodily ideal, social status, sexuality, and modesty during the early modern period.

What sets Shaping Femininity apart is its comprehensive examination of the materiality, production, consumption, and meanings of womens foundation garments in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England. This groundbreaking work offers a fascinating insight into dress and fashion during this era, providing valuable insights to scholars, researchers, curators, and reconstructors alike. It sheds light on the intricate interplay between fashion, society, and the body, illuminating the ways in which these garments not only shaped women's physical appearance but also reflected and influenced broader cultural norms and values.

The book is beautifully illustrated in full color throughout, providing a visual feast for readers. Each page showcases the intricate details and craftsmanship of these garments, capturing the essence of early modern fashion and the women who wore them. The illustrations not only enhance the reading experience but also serve as a valuable resource for historians, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the history of early modern women and gender, material culture and consumption, and the history of the body.

In conclusion, Shaping Femininity is a groundbreaking work that has significantly contributed to our understanding of the role of material culture in shaping femininity in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England. Through its meticulous research, comprehensive analysis, and stunning illustrations, this book offers a rich and immersive experience that sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of early modern women's lives. It is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the history of fashion, society, and the body.

Weight: 964g
Dimension: 246 x 189 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350164109