Dressing Up - by Joshua M Bluteau (Paperback)

About the Book

"What does men's fashion say about contemporary masculinity? How do these notions operate in an increasingly digitized world? To answer these questions, author Joshua M. Bluteau combines theoretical analysis with vibrant narrative, exploring men's fashion in the online world of social media as well as the offline worlds of retail, production, and the catwalk. Is it time to reassess notions of masculinity? How do we construct ourselves in the online world, and what are the dangers of doing so? From the ateliers of London to the digital landscape of Instagram, Dressing Up re-examines the ways men dress, and the ways men post"--

Book Synopsis

What does men's fashion say about contemporary masculinity? How do these notions operate in an increasingly digitized world? To answer these questions, author Joshua M. Bluteau combines theoretical analysis with vibrant narrative, exploring men's fashion in the online world of social media as well as the offline worlds of retail, production, and the catwalk. Is it time to reassess notions of masculinity? How do we construct ourselves in the online world, and what are the dangers of doing so? From the ateliers of London to the digital landscape of Instagram, Dressing Up re-examines the ways men dress, and the ways men post.

Review Quotes

"Though slender, this book is a big-and-tall addition to the important and ever-growing discipline of men's studies, contributing considerably to understandings of the intersection of culture, fashion, and masculinity...Highly Recommended." - Choice

"Bluteau's writing is clear, descriptive, and accessible, making complex theoretical discussions feel more relevant and tangible...His inclusion of Instagram screenshots--alongside his decision to keep his Instagram account active--invites readers to explore the content for themselves, adding an extra layer of transparency and authenticity to his analysis. From the outset, Bluteau confidently asserts that the book will change how we perceive men in suits--a claim he fully delivers on. Highly recommended." - Anthropology Book Forum

"The anthropological approach to tailoring and men's fashion, style, and identity is one that has been underexplored in a western context. As such, this volume offers a valuable contribution." - Shaun Cole, University of Southampton

About the Author

Joshua M. Bluteau is Assistant Professor at Coventry University. He formerly held the post of Lecturer at the University of Manchester. His research interests include the anthropology of digital worlds, gender and masculinity, clothing and fashion, and the nature of the individual.