Reigning Men: Fashion In Menswear, 1715-2015

This fully illustrated book accompanies one of the most comprehensive exhibitions dedicated solely to three centuries of mens fashion. The fashionable male may be making a comeback but early fashion trends centered around what mennot womenwere wearing. This intriguing book traces the history of mens fashion since the 18th century when young Englishmen imitated foreign dress and manners after touring the European continent. This phenomenon is only one of many explored in sections titled “Revolution/Evolution ” “East/West ” “Uniformity ” “Body Consciousness ” and “The Splendid Man.” In addition to numerous illustrations of extant menswear the book captures the 19th-century dandy a more restrained brand of expensive elegance which became the hallmark of Savile Row; the post-WWII mod who relished the colorful styles of Carnaby Street; and the 21st-century manultra-chic in a sleek suit by day wearing a flowered tuxedo by night. Reigning Men illuminates connections between history and high fashion traces cultural influences over the centuries examines how uniforms have profoundly shaped fashionable dress and reveals that women arent the only ones who cinch and pad their bodies. Beautifully produced and lavishly illustrated this eye-opening book will certainly appeal to men and women alike.