A Matter of Fashion: 20 Iconic Items that Changed the History of Style

The novelty regarding A Matter of Fashion is that this title lives up to its subtitle’s promise by delivering what it says it will: 20 Iconic Items that Changed the History of Style. Not only are these items truly iconic, but they also altered the way we saw fashion from the moment they appeared.

Do not misconstrue my words as there are no startling revelations here, but the choices are quite sane, and Mr. Rocca has allowed himself the luxury of using several items from the same brands as examples. Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton are synonymous with the subject matter, but the inclusion of Levi Strauss, Lacoste, and the stiletto—predominantly Manolo Blahnik—is commendable.

Almost of all of the 20 items are identifiable to the fashion savvy eye, and yet there are a few that owe their appearance to the author’s European heritage; in particular Persol, the Jackie Bag from Gucci, the marineire, and the Moncler duvet. If the categories were to be suddenly only generics, such as a puff jacket rather than a Moncler duvet, the listing might not be distinctive enough to merit inclusion.

“So why have these objects become true icons of style? Perhaps it’s because they were created in a period when, unlike the present, every project was planned from beginning to end and was not subject to the pressure of contemporary rhythm, so burdened with messages and expectations.”
—Alberta Ferretti

For me, this book is a bit of fluff that makes style and fashion a fun place to be—though not every world weary fashionphile will agree. A Matter of Fashion might be considered a crash course in identifiable status symbols or even just a how-to guide for those who wish to be considered fashionable—though perhaps a bit passé. Regardless, the fact is that the book is great fun.