The Power of Style

March 15, 2021
A celebration of clothing, cultural pride, and fashion activists. Have you ever wondered why we don't usually see high heels in men's sizes? Do you remember when darker shades of makeup finally became easier to find? Are you curious about Muslim fashionistas? This book is for anyone who wants to explore the ways in which clothes, hairstyles, makeup, hats, and other sartorial decisions communicate who we are to the world. A person's style can be powerful, as it enables the wearer to make a statement, giving them the opportunity to express cultural confidence, body positivity, and self-acceptance. Allaire (Ojibwe), a Vogue fashion and style writer from the Nipissing First Nation Reserve in Ontario, celebrates the way diversity is changing the world of fashion. Beginning with an introduction about the importance of representation, the author transports his readers to a place of pride. His writing questions norms and encourages young people to resist the status quo and not allow others to limit their creative expression. With sections dedicated to natural Black hair, gender nonconformity, cosplayers, Indigenous designers, and more, he brings fashion colorfully to life with photographs and history lessons. The book is made stronger by personal touches, for example passages about the ribbon shirt made by his mother and aunts that honored his Ojibwe culture and ancestors. A vibrant read about the connections between fashion, culture, and social justice. (index, further reading, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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Starred review from March 1, 2021
Grades 6-10 *Starred Review* Ojibwe Vogue fashion- and style-writer Allaire explores the resplendent waters outside of the mainstream (i.e., white, cis, straight) beauty and fashion industries in this dazzling and empowering survey of personal style. He explains how not seeing himself reflected in media became a driving force in his mission to make his coverage of these industries more inclusive. It's fitting, then, that Allaire begins with modern takes on traditional ribbon work by Indigenous fashion designers, such as Jamie Okuma, to stunning effect. Next, an eye-opening chapter on hair frankly discusses Black individuals' decisions to wear natural hair (or not), and long hair as a point of pride for many Native men. Wonderful photography is joined by conversations with influencers, industry professionals, and models, ensuring that these individuals are in control of their images and narratives. In many instances, culture-driven styles are gaining broader popularity, as with the growing demand for modest fashion and versatile hijabs, and Allaire pauses to differentiate between cultural appropriation and appreciation. While every look shown here is aesthetically marvelous, Allaire importantly includes the cultural context and significance behind them, emphasizing the empowering effect this has. Fab drag queens, genderqueer and BIPOC YouTubers demoing makeup, plus-size and gender-bending cosplayers, men wearing high heels and fem fashion--they're all here, a proud and dazzling explosion of confetti transforming the landscape.

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