Alison Matthews David

Fashion Victims examines the hidden perils of fashion and beauty throughout history. The author approaches the topic through a mostly Western lens, from lead-laced face powders popular during the Victorian era to arsenic-dyed clothes and mercury-soaked top hats worn in Europe and America. It was surprising to read about the historical dangers that women willingly subjected themselves in order to appear fashionable, although I suppose it is not so different from people today damaging their health by wearing Louboutin stiletto heels or carrying oversized shoulder bags. However, I was disappointing by the omittance of notable fashion follies from other countries like foot binding (practiced in China until the early 20th century) or lip plates (traditionally worn by some African and South American tribes). I would have also liked the author to have written more about the dangers of fashion today, such as the microplastics pollution generated from polyester clothing.… (mere)