Fashion System - Softcover

Barthes, Roland; Ward, Matthew [Translator]; Howard, Richard [Translator]

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080901503X ISBN 13: 9780809015030

Publisher: Hill and Wang, 1984

Synopsis

In his consideration of the language of the fashion magazine—the structural analysis of descriptions of women's clothing by writers about fashion—Barthes gives us a brief history of semiology. At the same time, he identifies economics as the underlying reason for the luxuriant prose of the fashion magazine: "Calculating, industrial society is obliged to form consumers who don't calculate; if clothing's producers and consumers had the same consciousness, clothing would be bought (and produced) only at the very slow rate of its dilapidation."

About this title

Review

"Barthes's treatment of fashion in "The Fashion System is his most elaborate attempt to reveal the little worlds of meaning enclosed in each nuance of social life. . . . In a magisterial effort that has been superbly translated by Matthew Ward and Richard Howard, Barthes certainly draws our attention to some fascinating aspects of fashion. . . . One is able to hear the voice of a sensitive and sensible critic who was alive to the symbolic vitality of the world."--Flint Schier, "New York Times Book Review

Book Description

The great linguist and sociologist turns his attention to the world of fashion

Edition details

• Publisher: Hill and Wang
• Publication date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080901503X
• ISBN 13: 9780809015030
• Binding: Paperback