The Empire of Fashion

Exploring the evolution of fashion over two millennia, Gilles Lipovetsky argues that the modern emphasis on appearance and superficiality promotes the common good. By examining clothing, bodily behavior, and sexual dynamics, he reveals how fashion has transitioned from an elite privilege to a means of popular expression, mirroring the rise of democratic values. Contrary to Tocqueville's concerns about passive mass culture, Lipovetsky posits that contemporary fashion fosters individuality and choice, enhancing the potential for a politically engaged society.