Acts of Undressing

The act of undressing has a multitude of meanings which vary dramatically when this commonly private gesture is presented for public consumption. This ground-breaking book explores the significance of undressing in various cultural and social contexts.<br/><br/>As we are increasingly obsessed with dress choices as signifiers of who we are and how we feel an investigation into what happens as we remove our clothes has never been more pertinent. Exploring three main issues - politics tease and clothes without bodies - <i>Acts of Undressing </i>discusses these key themes through an in-depth and eclectic mix of case studies including flashing at Mardi Gras the World Burlesque Games and 'shoefiti' used by gangs to mark territories.<br/><br/>Building on leading theories of dress and the body from academics including Roland Barthes and Mario Perniolato Ruth Barcan and Erving Goffman <i>Acts of Undressing</i> is essential reading for students of fashion sociology anthropology visual culture and related subjects.