Author: Ugolini, Laura

Source: Textile History, Volume 40, Number 2, November 2009 , pp. 202-211(10)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

This article explores the usefulness of autobiographies as sources for histories of dress. Focusing particularly on the consumption of menswear in Britain between 1880 and 1939, it assesses whether published autobiographies can serve as the main basis for research into sartorial consumption. The article suggests that the conventions of the genre tended to shape the ways in which consumption was dealt with, making autobiographies especially useful in shedding light on sartorial practices at certain moments in authors' lives, and at certain 'stages' in their life course. It also sheds light on the ways in which clothes consumption was used in autobiographies in order to provide insights into themes of importance to the author's life story, as well as to explore issues of identity and of the individual's place in society.

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/004049609x12504376351461

Publication date: 2009-11-01

More about this publication?

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Top articles
• History Spotlight
• Virtual History
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Arts (General) ,  Anthropology & Archeology
• By this author: Ugolini, Laura

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers