This edited volume on radical dress reforms in East Asia takes a fresh look at the symbols and
languages of modernity in dress and body. Dress reform movements around the turn of the
twentieth century in the region have received little critical attention as a multicultural
discourse of labor body gender identity colonialism and government authority. With
contributions by leading experts of costume textile history of China Korea and Japan this
book presents up-to-date scholarship using diverse methodologies in costume history history of
consumption and international trade. Thematically organized into sections exploring the
garments and uniforms accessories fabrics and fashion styles of Asia this edited volume
offers case studies for students and scholars in an ever-expanding field of material culture
including but not limited to economic history visual culture art history history of
journalism and popular culture. Fashion Identity and Power in Modern Asia stimulates further
research on the impact of modernity and imperialism in neglected areas such as military uniform
school uniform women's accessories hairstyles and textile trade.
