05 Clothing Design/Fabrication/Illustration

05.1 CD

Rubinstein, R.P. (1995). Dress codes: Meanings and messages in American cultures. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 314 pages.

Reviewed by Usha Chowdhary, University of Missouri

Symbolism for dress codes used over time (and space) from a sociohistorical perspective for the American culture is presented. Included are several appropriate examples from the 1990s to make this an updated version compared to existing books on the topic. Rubinstein is one of few authors who presents clothing as a socializing visual art with context specific symbolic meanings. Appropriate pictures are included to enhance the pertinence of the words and strengthen communication with the readers. The author has done a fine job of introducing and distinguishing "clothing toe designs", "clothing symbols", and "clothing signs" with suitable examples.
The author draws from the reservoir of knowledge generated by pioneer scholars in the field. Chosen examples embrace several different perspectives and arenas. Some of these include historical, political, spiritual, economic, sociological, and power driven dress codes. Examples of topics include gender and seductive images, cultural values hierarchy, leisure, beauty, commerce, health, peer culture, and legitimacy of the personal self.
The footnotes on pages 265-292 have some enlightening information and the bibliography includes a comprehensive listing of sources. This book can be used as a text to teach dress used through time and space for a freshman or sophomore level course. It can be an excellent resource to supplement information for clothing symbolism courses.