Intimate apparel, a term in use by 1921, has played a crucial role in the development of the 'naughty but nice' feminine ideal that emerged in the twentieth century. Jill Fields' engaging, imaginative, and sophisticated history of twentieth-century lingerie tours the world of women's intimate apparel and arrives at nothing less than a sweeping view of twentieth-century women's history via the undergarments they wore. Illustrated throughout and drawing on a wealth of evidence from fashion magazines, trade periodicals, costume artifacts, Hollywood films, and the records of organized labor, "An Intimate Affair" is a provocative examination of the ways cultural meanings are orchestrated by the 'fashion-industrial complex,' and the ways in which individuals and groups embrace, reject, or derive meaning from these everyday, yet highly significant, intimate articles of clothing.

About the Author
Jill Fields is Professor of History at California State University, Fresno.

Reviews
"[A] fascinating account."--T: the New York Times Style Magazine "A seminal American feminist history text... The breadth of research and level of theoretical sophistication make it a key reference for any student of women's fashion."--H-Net Reviews



Book Information
ISBN 9780520252615
Author Jill Fields
Format Paperback
Page Count 392
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 635g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm