Ethnic Style

This book traces the styles of dress in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Archive photographs and contemporary documents reveal how body-marking, headdresses, jewelry and clothing symbolize beliefs, prestige, belonging within the community, superstitions, as well as being instruments of seduction.In many cultures, jewelry and clothing play a range of complex roles and the language of personal adornments has only recently been deciphereda, Yves Saint Laurent and Jean-Paul Gaultier. With lush photographs from all over the world, Ethnic Style: History and Fashion is a fascinating exploration.