r/52book • u/Mcris64 • 7d ago

Review/Discussion 20/52

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Finished Ametora, How Japan Saved American Style, by W. David Marx. In brief, the author describes how post-war Japan’s imperfect translation and adoption of selected elements of American redefined Japanese consumer fashion and its evolution came full circle to influence global fashion. And he did all that, pretty well, in 300 pages. Interesting on a few levels, not least to provide a little insight into why “Made in Japan” versions of classic American brands exist.

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8

u/JejetheEggBastard 7d ago

I've been meaning to read this! I love books about fashion history :)

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u/chanukkahlewinsky 6d ago

do you have recs? intrigued!

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u/Mcris64 7d ago

Next up from that genre for me is Dyeing with the Earth. I’ve got several naturally-dyed and undyed articles of clothing, and I’m finding a less expensive way to indulge my interest than buying another mud- or berry-dyed shirt.

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u/JejetheEggBastard 6d ago

Oh wow! I have a family member who is really into that subject as well. I'll have to read it and also recommend it to him. Thank you 🙏

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u/IntoTheAbsurd 7d ago

This looks like something worth reading after Tanizaki's In Praise of Shadows.

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u/Mcris64 7d ago

I haven’t read that work, but a synopsis suggests it might offer more nuance and emphasize the visual context of Ametora more than cultural impact. I’m wondering if it might be interesting to explore Tanizaki and Chinese feng sui as complementary approaches.

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u/IntoTheAbsurd 7d ago

I'd say they both value the 'unseen'. Tanizaki through shadows, and feng shui through the invisible flow of qi but that's probably just me.

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u/Mcris64 7d ago

I think I understand the analogy, and it’s a good one. Good chat.