CONTENIDO: 17005-1930: The Chemist Conquers the Worm
Semi-synthetic fibres are first made from cellulose plant life.
Courtauld's Art Silk and British Celanese acetates.
1930-50: 'N' Day: The Dawn of Nylon
The first full synthetic and DuPont's 'miracle' fibre.
The manipulation of molecules brings the democratization of luxury.
1950-60: Better Living through Chemistry
New materials create a post-war shopping euphoria
The battle of the brands opens with a drip-dry utopia.
1955-70: Paris Couture Embraces Man-Mades
From nylon ballgowns to Space-Age mini skirts.
Synthetics enter the salons of Dior, Givenchy, Courreges and Cardin.
1955-70: The Fabric of Pop
London, sixties city of youth culture and throwaway fashion, swings into style with 'Crimplene', PVC and fake furo
1970-80: The Disco Dacron Decade
The polyester dream ends in disillusionments.
Fashion returns to 'noble naturals' and synthetics are banished to the blend.
1980: Japanese Design and the Fine Art of Technology
Western fashion falls under the spell of ancient tradition.
High-tech textiles and fashion's philosophers.
1985: Chic Synthetic
The return of artifice in the form of intelligent fibres,smart fabrics and poly-filled designer collections.
1990: Science Fiction Becomes Science Fashion
Wearable technologies and the electronic wardrobe.
Fact, fantasy or fashion fad?
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Index
