Worn

In a culture and fashion system that continues to be preoccupied with newness, the publication of Dr Ellen Sampson’s
book Worn could not be more poignant ... this research succeeds beautifully in its aim of returning the body and everyday practices of wear to the center of our relationships with clothing.

* Fashion Theory *
An innovative work on the physical and psychological traces left by shoes on the human body. * Revue Critique (Bloomsbury Translation) *
Perhaps more than any other media, worn dress can offer insights into lives lived and shoes, which over time alter to echo the contours of our feet, can be particularly redolent with meaning. Ellen Sampson’s exploration is beautifully written, entirely accessible, poignant and profound. It will resonate with us all. * Amy de la Haye, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, UK *
Ellen Sampson‘s evocative and thoughtful book eloquently explores the transformative relationships between ourselves and what we wear. Using shoes as an entry point into this larger discussion, Sampson’s investigation of this entanglement is a joy to read. * Elizabeth Semmelhack, The Bata Shoe Museum, Canada *
Sampson’s outstanding book explores the entanglements of object, subject, thing and theory with confident yet insightful deftness. This perceptive and timely exploration of the embodied, worn experiences around garments offers important methodological thinking that will help transform future fashion research. * Hilary Davidson, dress and textiles historian and curator, Honorary Associate, University of Sydney, Australia *
Ellen Sampson’s book takes us on a powerful journey, helping us think through our physical and psychic entanglements with the worn, used clothing that forms the bulk of our own wardrobes. Using a practice-based approach, Sampson helps us creatively understand how objects “touch” us, challenging traditional views of fashion as commodity culture. * Alison Matthews David, Ryerson University, Cana