Overview

From bridal gowns and White Parties to shrouds, an illuminating look at the power of our palest apparel. Pazazz examines the complex meanings of white clothing throughout history. Delicate and impractical, white cloth in the past was difficult to obtain, as well as to keep clean. It is a symbol of purity but also of class superiority, privilege, and the display of leisure. It represents the menace of the Ku Klux Clan, but also the transition of a bride to the married state. It can be the appropriate dress for mourning and shrouds. White lace is ethereal; straitjackets are tough stuff. White clothing has been a marker of innocence and simplicity for women, but also of calculated, high-maintenance fashion. And for men, white can be evidence of power. But for many, white is a startling absence of colour, the epitome of elegance. No matter how you view this lightest of hues and its place in your wardrobe, Pazazz sheds a bright white light on the complex nature of fair fashion. 'From bridal wear to the Ku Klux Klan, an exploration of the complex meanings of white clothing throughout history; sometimes a symbol of purity but also of class superiority, privilege and the display of leisure.' - Bookseller 'A truly fascinating, even radiant book: a long-needed history of the no-color-and super-color-that can clothe us in virtue, cleanness, light. Edwards illuminates the ambiguity of this color of life and death, its difficult practicalities, and its luxuries and delights.' - John Harvey, author of The Story of Black 'Edwards looks beyond white as the color of purity and virtuous cleanliness to reveal a deeper and sometimes sinister history of white clothing as a tool for moral and social distinction. From the supernatural to the authoritative, and from cradle to grave, white clothing enshrouds human life.' - Serena Dyer, lecturer in history of design and material culture, De Montfort University, and author of Material Lives: Women Makers and Consumer Culture in the Eighteenth Century 'In these intriguing pages discover the power of white clothing, from the Athenian gods of fashion to Jackie Kennedy's love for this 'most ceremonial color.'' - Peter McNeil, distinguished professor in design history, University of Technology Sydney

Full Product Details

9781789146851

Table of Contents

Reviews

From bridal wear to the Ku Klux Klan, an exploration of the complex meanings of white clothing throughout history; sometimes a symbol of purity but also of class superiority, privilege and the display of leisure. -- Bookseller

Edwards explores the history of white clothing and just what it means to the various cultures of the world. Edwards explores why white has been seen as a color of prestige. The book is rich in detail and sumptuous pictures--including a selection of color photos within the middle of the book--to further enhance the text itself. From art to fashion, to the care of priests and aristocracy, as well as wife beaters and sport, white clothing is something that has penetrated all of culture. This is an interesting book that will doubtlessly make readers thankful for the benefits of modern washing machines and bleach pens. There might just be some truth to the notion that clothes make the man after all. I defy anyone who reads this to not put perhaps just a little bit more thought into what they wear from day to day. -- Folklore Podcast Open any Western wardrobe today and you'll likely see more black than white, yet white clothing can have great cultural importance. . . . Edwards tells . . . about the impact and resonance of white clothing. -- Sunday Post, Scotland Edwards points out that white pulls in every direction, at times modest and virginal, resonant of the convent, at others sumptuous and conspicuous, conveying the 'pazazz' of her title. There is a timeless quality to white that puts it beyond fashion. Edwards writes with elegance and authority. -- Literary Review A truly fascinating, even radiant book: a long-needed history of the no-color--and super-color--that can clothe us in virtue, cleanness, light. Edwards illuminates the ambiguity of this color of life and death, its difficult practicalities, and its luxuries and delights. --John Harvey, author of The Story of Black Edwards looks beyond white as the color of purity and virtuous cleanliness to reveal a deeper and sometimes sinister history of white clothing as a tool for moral and social distinction. From the supernatural to the authoritative, and from cradle to grave, white clothing enshrouds human life. --Serena Dyer, lecturer in history of design and material culture, De Montfort University, and author of Material Lives: Women Makers and Consumer Culture in the Eighteenth Century In these intriguing pages discover the power of white clothing, from the Athenian gods of fashion to Jackie Kennedy's love for this 'most ceremonial color.' --Peter McNeil, distinguished professor in design history, University of Technology Sydney From bridal wear to the Ku Klux Klan, an exploration of the complex meanings of white clothing throughout history; sometimes a symbol of purity but also of class superiority, privilege and the display of leisure. -- Bookseller Pazazz marvels at the varied uses and meanings of white clothing. Edwards investigates how one complex 'non-color' can miraculously signify so much at once. White is what our most tender garments--nightwear and underwear--are traditionally fashioned from, and sections in Pazazz pertaining to such apparel have an almost breathtaking intimacy. Edwards approaches her vast subject like a maverick curator, unafraid to situate widely different exhibits next to each other. -- V&A Magazine

Author Information

Nina Edwards is a freelance writer and actor living in London, UK, and the author of On the Button: The Significance of an Ordinary Item.

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