Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Do uniforms-- objects of fascination to many--unite or distinguish individuals? Do they create reassuring equality or disturbing balkanization? The uniform, starting point for modern dress, combines functional and formal qualities in a situation of mass production and serves to equalize individuals regardless of social status. The aim of this book is to reinterpret, from a contemporary point of view, the uniform as a prototype of male dress, focusing on how the formal and technical perfection of military garments has become a hidden form of reference for today's fashion. In "Uniform"--edited by Francesco Bonami, Maria Luisa Frisa and Stefano Tonchi, and designed by Studio Camuffo--art, fashion, film, and pop culture coexist in parallel spaces, in constant dialogue with each other. In a sort of cultural parasitism the editors of this book work with and on a wide range of heterogeneous materials--like fabrics, ad campaigns, icon garments, symbolic images, comics and films--in order to explore changes in the social function of the uniform as well as the cultural changes conditioning this function. Retracing the itinerary of the complex system that is the history and present of fashion, "Uniform" provides an unprecedented decoding of its language and aesthetics.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Pitti Immagine, an organization dedicated to exploring the "anthropology of fashion" and related issues, produced the recent exhibition in Florence for which this book serves as catalog. Although the lavish photographs focus upon diverse military themes, plenty of other uniformed groups are included Star Trek characters, boy scouts, celebrities, political figures, astronauts, and members of counterculture factions, to name a few. A collection of intriguing essays by an array of international writers and scholars forms a substantial and thought-provoking core of this book, significantly enhancing its appeal to a wide audience. Each piece examines the many concepts, messages, purposes, and facets of uniforms national character, social and military influences, sexual implications, intimations of individuality vs. conformity, representations of violence or protest, and so forth. References to history, film, art, music, and social trends are skillfully interwoven with commentary on style, fabrics, cut, colors, accessories, and specific designers. An important addition to collections focusing on fashion and contemporary culture, this is also suitable for large circulating libraries with a diverse readership. Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.