Fashion can only be defined in time: multifarious, capricious and variable, its nature is encapsulated by change. Scholars have paid a great deal of attention to the role of fashion, both conceptually and practically. They have underlined how present- day societies find their identity and formulate their understanding of change not simply by referring to technological progress, economic growth or cultural transformation in society, but also through the medium of fashion. Fashion is not just what we see on catwalks and glossy magazines. It is also the flux of colours, shapes, materialities and behaviours.

How did people understand the role of fashion in different periods, cultures and societies? And why was fashion so important in the life of millions of people at least since the middle ages? What is the relationship between economic change, social and cultural transformation and fashion? How peculiar is the notion of fashion as it is used today?

Tutor: Giorgio Riello

Please note that this course will not be taught in 2011-12.