Fashion and its contribution is regularly overlooked in history. Often viewed as frivolous and without significance, its importance is not always understood. Historian Amber Butchart’s new book, The Fashion Chronicles: The style stories of history's best dressed, is full of proof and truths about the impact it has had since man first began adorning themselves in clothing. Butchart’s new book covers ancient to modern figures that cross gender, cultures, and continents. Some of the subjects I knew and some I didn't. Some I had heard of, but wouldn’t have readily associated them as fashion icons.
The Fashion Chronicles is full of anecdotes, like how the modern necktie originated in Croatia, that make it not only informational, but entertaining to read. With their stories, Butchart also includes several themes about how fashion was, and is, used to convey ideas such as status, wealth, political affiliation, and perceived intelligence.
It is interesting that there are so many written accounts from journalist and personal diaries on their current state of fashion. More proof that throughout history people have taken note and understood the significance apparel has had on society. Today we see modern designers taking inspiration in the clothes we all wear making the history of fashion important today and for the future.
PHOTO BY ADC
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