Why Fashion Matters

This eclectic volume by Corner (head of the London College of Fashion and a member of the British Fashion Council’s Advisory Board) shows how fashion impacts economies, cultures, and individuals. Corner provides a comprehensive view of fashion not only as a multi-billion dollar industry, but also as a form of beauty and creativity. She acknowledges fashion’s dark side as well: models with eating disorders, a lack of diversity in the industry, ecological concerns, and other issues. While covering a wide range of topics, the well-designed compact volume is organized into 101 self-contained reflections that weave anecdotes from Corner’s life and career with her views on today’s trends. Topics addressed include “The Advantage of Vintage,” “Fashion as Ecosystem,” “The Short History of Facial Hair,” and “Fashion Stereotypes.” Corner also poses questions such as, “Do we wear clothes to cover our nakedness and fashion to suggest our nudity?” More than an industry primer, the book offers a thoughtful and learned portrait of fashion and its effect on the world. [em](June) [/em]