Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to define intellectual and theoretical concepts in fashion and clothing in pre-twentieth century western societies. It will primarily focus on the broader understanding, application and interpretation of fashion/design theory. There are many noticeable inaccuracies in relation to present-day fashion/design writings. This paper aims to clarify these pretexts. In achieving the above mentioned aim, this study intends to examine the evolution and development of fashion related theory. Also, the paper aims to re-evaluate fashion and its importance in understanding collective and societal behaviour in pre-twentieth century western societies including colonial societies. The study will address the research problems such as …Does the existing fashion/clothing theory accurately applicable to any given society? To what extent does pre-twentieth century western clothing reflecting the traditions, inheritance and class distinctions?…etc. The lack of theoretical/historical knowledge in fashion and clothing has led some fashion writers to misinterpret the fashion historiography. For example, failing to acknowledge the uniqueness between the centuries and eras, failing to interpret within the appropriate historical context, and, therefore, failing to acknowledge the differences between fashion theories between the centuries etc. Therefore, the fashion/clothing historiography in modern era has not been accurately interpreted/understood, primarily, because of lack of historical understanding of related theory. In adding a new dimension to the field, this research seeks to re-examine the sociological, economical and cultural aspects of fashion and clothing in the theoretical context.