Menswear Revolution: The Transformation of Contemporary Men's Fashion

Description

In recent years, menswear has moved decisively center stage. Menswear Revolution investigates the transformation of men's fashion through the lens of shifting masculinities, examining how its increasing diversity has created new ways for men to explore and express their identities. Harnessing sustained market growth and creative dynamism on the runway, ground-breaking designers from Raf Simons and Hedi Slimane to Craig Green have revolutionized the discipline with their bold re-imaginings of the male wardrobe. Analysing the role of the media in shaping attitudes to men's fashion, Menswear Revolution studies how competing narratives of masculinity are reflected in popular discourse. Taking us from the mod and peacock revolutions of the 1960s to the new wave aesthetics of the 1980s, the book explores historical precedents for today's menswear scene - and looks at the evolution of the 'ideal' male body, from the muscular to the lean and boyish. Combining interviews with fashion professionals with close analyses of garments and advertising, Menswear Revolution provides an authoritative account of menswear design today. Highlighting its relationship to changing concepts of gender, the book provides a much-needed update to scholarship on masculinity, fashion and the body.

Jay McCauley Bowstead lectures in Cultural and Historical Studies at London College of Fashion and writes on design, gender and material culture. With a background in fashion he has worked for brands including Burberry and Les Chiffoniers, and for Anglo-Korean label Design Workers.

McCauley Bowstead's talent lies not only his is deft handling of an enormous quantity of material, but also in his ability to write coherently with sophistication. His work is like a bespoke suit compared to ready-to-wear. You know-and appreciate-the difference once you slip it on. Menswear Revolution is quality craftsmanship. -- Andy Reilly, University of Hawai`i, USA, Editor of Critical Studies in Men's Fashion Bowstead's book is an excellent contribution to the growing menswear bookshelf. Articulating his own experiences of searching for and wearing fashions that were at the edge of acceptability, and the blurring of gender conventions in his dress, is an important facet in the success of this book, along with his ability to succinctly summarise historical precedents and theoretical perspectives. The work is sophisticated yet accessible and I, for one, would heartily recommend that this takes its place in key reading texts for students of fashion, design, history and cultural studies and academics' Christmas wishlists. * Journal of Dress History *