Cover Image: Nevertheless, She Wore It

Nevertheless, She Wore It

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#NeverthelessSheWoreIt #NetGalley

A very interesting but brief look at different moments in fashion history and how they impacted the women who wore them and were inspired by them. The illustrations are very pretty and help to illuminate the descriptions. I just wish there was more to the descriptions.

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The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a creative and unique take on fashion and the women who helped define eras. While women continue to face a multitude of uphill challenges for political, economic, and social equality, this book does a phenomenal job at showcasing the fashion statements that have advanced cultural revolutions, freedoms, and women’s empowerment. While the read itself was quick with well researched chapters, it was equally informative, empowering, and engaging with a scattering of wonderful illustrations throughout. It’s a perfect coffee table book for fashion lovers and history buffs alike.

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I absolutely could not have loved it more. From the art to the writing— all of it was AMAZING. I definitely recommend it and will be buying for all my strong willed femme friends regardless of their Fashion style.

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A wonderful read a time capsule of fashion from the little black dress onto the bikini.to Hillary’s iconic pantsuit,Beautifully illustrated a charming wonderful read.#netgalley#chroniclebooks

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Inspired. I never thought I’d find a book about fashion interesting and fun, inspiring. We are more than the clothes that we wear, and the clothes we wear sometimes mean so much more. This book is so much more than it appears to be. Part beautiful clothing, part history and a whole lot of power.

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The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nevertheless, She Wore It is an illustrated study of 50 iconic fashion moments and trends throughout history, and a celebration of the women who daringly donned them. From chapters on the revolutionary background of the black beret to the impact of Jennifer Lopez’ plunging green Versace gown, this book is a treasure trove of historical trivia and tales of female empowerment through era-defining styles. If you are a pop culture-aficionado like myself, you may be surprised and intrigued at the depth of meaning and cultural influence behind some of history’s most beloved looks—some old, some new; some, timeless.

It’s a one-sitting kind of read and the perfect coffee table book for fashion lovers and history buffs, filled with fun illustrations by the writer, Ann Shen. The chapters themselves, each dedicated to a separate style moment or piece, are bite-sized but incredibly well-researched; even though I was familiar on some level with many of the items that were discussed in this book, every page brought with it new information that revealed just how superficial our common knowledge of women’s history can be. Though fashion can often be judged only by its less desirable qualities—elitist, wasteful, opulent—this book honors its link to female power and its ability to act as a tool for political and cultural change.

Its wealth of information, however, drowns out the author’s voice to the point where the writing lacks a bit of personality, which sometimes shines through in moments of social commentary and while discussing the most controversial attires. Given the nature of the book and the topic of women’s voices, the book would have benefited from a stronger presence, and, in turn, a more stimulating delivery of all the facts and history.

All in all, this is a beautiful tribute to the trailblazers that contributed to the freedoms we as women have today, and a fantastic introduction to those interested in the history of fashion and the still-evolving fight for women’s rights and independence.

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This is an interesting take on not only the history of fashion, but <strong>why</strong> fashion has meaning.

While I was aware at how important Bloomers were to liberating women, there are 49 other points in history that I was not so familiar with. For example, I didn't know that Mary Tyler Moore's wearing of capri pants on the Dick Van Dyke show, was a statement about how women really dressed. That they didn't go around in high heels and pearls to do the laundry.

But there are others that surprise me, such as the wearing of a Cape on the red carpet amongst the LGBTQ crowd. Or the Fire Coat that Nancy Pelosi wore after meeting with President Trump at the white house. Or Kiran Gandhi running a marathon while she had her period, and letting it go all over her running pants, because there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Hard to believe that wearing pants or jeans was and still is in some cases, a form of protest.

And there is also the Pink Pussyhat used in protest of the 45 president's election.

There are subtle forms of protest included, such as the wearing of nude lipstick by women in North Korea, or bolder forms, such as the Revenge dress that Diane, Princess of Wales wore out after Prince Charles admitted to adultery.

A well composed book, and good look at recent and 150 year old fashion statements.



Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

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