Stitched Up: The Anti-Capitalist Book of Fashion

Stitched Up delves into the exclusive and alluring world of fashion, to expose class division, gender stereotyping and wasteful consumption. Tansy Hoskins illuminates the political and sociological dimensions of an industry which promotes and supports the dominant values of our age: image, glamour, money and sex.

Hoskins also provides a fascinating historical narrative, showing that the clothes we wear are as indicative of who we are as they were during the reign of Louis XIV. She tackles key contemporary issues, such as the controversy over 'size zero' and the impact of fashion in depleting the world's natural resources.

In a provocative move, Stitched Up argues that fashion controls our aspirations and self worth through a set of impossible beauty standards. At a time when high spending on clothes persists despite economic recession, Stitched Up provides a unique critical examination of fashion in relation to contemporary culture and the distorting priorities of capitalism.

"A book that hangs like a garment on a coat-hanger. A garment with many pockets. In the pockets numberless notes and remarks about clothes and history. Take it off the hanger and put it on. By which I mean - read it and walk through history." - John Berger

Looks at how refugees and asylum seekers are stigmatised in political rhetoric and media coverage.

Stitched Up delves into the alluring world of fashion to reveal what is behind the clothes we wear. Moving between Karl Lagerfeld and Karl Marx, the book explores consumerism, class and advertising to reveal the interests which benefit from exploitation.

Tansy E. Hoskins dissects fashions vampiric relationship with the planet and with our bodies to uncover what makes it so damaging. Why does ‘size zero exist and what is the reality of working life for models? In a critique of the portrayal of race in fashion, the book also examines the global balance of power in the industry.

Beautifully illustrated with specially commissioned designs, In a compelling conclusion Stitched Up explores the use of clothing to resist. Can you shock an industry that loves to shock? Is ‘green fashion an alternative? Stitched Up provides a unique critical examination of contemporary culture and the distorting priorities of capitalism.

Tansy Hoskins is a writer and activist. She has worked for the Stop the War Coalition, Respect, CND and is the co-founder of Mutiny - a series of events that bridges the gap between culture and politics. She has appeared on the BBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera, Press TV and as a panelist on Channel 4's Ten O'Clock Live.

Introduction
1. The Road To Linkenholt
2. The Fashion Media
3. Consuming Fashion
4. Fashion and Labour
5. A Bitter Harvest
6. Fashion and Size
7. Is Fashion Racist?
8. Resisting Fashion
9. Reforming Fashion
10. Revolutionising Fashion