Pazazz

Nina Edwards points out that white pulls in every direction, at times modest and virginal, resonant of the convent, at others sumptuous and conspicuous, conveying the ‘pazazz’ of her title. There is a timeless quality to white that puts it beyond fashion . . . Edwards writes with elegance and authority. -- Thomas Blaikie * Literary Review *
From bridal wear to the Klu Klux Klan, an exploration of the complex meanings of white clothing throughout history; sometimes a symbol of purity but also of class superiority, privilege and the display of leisure. * The Bookseller *
Onetime Vogue editor Diana Vreeland said pazazz evoked ‘the spirit and glamour of fashion.’ Edwards borrows the term - and its unorthodox spelling - for her study of the ‘peculiar allure’ of white garments. White clothes span life from a newborn’s onesie to a mummy’s linen wrappings. Edwards offers a tour d’horizon of white raiment through the ages . . . Plucking from history, religion, royalty and the arts, the author cites memorable figures in white, real and imaginary. -- Brenda Cronin * Wall Street Journal *
Pazazz by Nina Edwards marvels at the varied uses and meanings of white clothing. Edwards investigates how one complex “non-colour” can miraculously signify so much at once. White is what our most tender garments – nightwear and underwear – are traditionally fashioned from, and sections in Pazazz pertaining to such apparel have an almost breathtaking intimacy. Edwards approaches her vast subject like a maverick curator, unafraid to situate widely different exhibits next to each other. White clothes emerge as heroic in Pazazz. They can be anything you wish, if you dare. -- Susie Boyt * V&A Magazine *
Edwards, a London-based freelance writer (who has previously written about the significance of buttons), considers the complex meaning of white clothing throughout history. Delicate and impractical, in the past white cloth was difficult to obtain and maintain, so it became a symbol of purity, but also of class superiority, privilege and conspicuous leisure. Dip into it during peak wedding season for the brainy but accessible deconstruction of bridal gowns. * Zoomer Magazine, 'Style & Substance: 12 Fashion Books for Spring' *
Nina Edwards explores the history of white clothing and just what it means to the various cultures of the world. Edwards explores why white has been seen as a color of prestige. The book is rich in detail and sumptuous pictures - including a selection of color photos within the middle of the book - to further enhance the text itself. From art to fashion, to the care of priests and aristocracy, as well as wife beaters and sport, white clothing is something that has penetrated all of culture. This is an interesting book that will doubtlessly make readers thankful for the benefits of modern washing machines and bleach pens. There might just be some truth to the notion that clothes make the man after all. I defy anyone who reads this to not put perhaps just a little bit more thought into what they wear from day to day. -- Hilary Wilson * The Folklore Podcast *
Pazazz is an enjoyable addition to the spate of colour-centric books published in recent years. It is all the better for dealing with not just the symbolically charged meanings of this (non)colour, but also its grimy physical realities . . . in this fascinating book . . . Edwards is a spirited guide. Her research is thorough but never dull, her writing unafraid of engaging with the visual pleasure of what she is describing. -- Rosalind Jana * Apollo *
A truly fascinating, even radiant book: a long-needed history of the no-colour – and super-colour – that can clothe us in virtue, cleanness, light. Nina Edwards illuminates the ambiguity of this colour of life and death, its difficult practicalities, and its luxuries and delights. * John Harvey, author of The Story of Black *
Nina Edwards looks beyond white as the colour of purity and virtuous cleanliness to reveal a deeper and sometimes sinister history of white clothing as a tool for moral and social distinction. From the supernatural to the authoritative, and from cradle to grave, white clothing enshrouds human life. * Serena Dyer, Lecturer in History of Design and Material Culture, De Montfort University, and author of Material Lives: Women Makers and Consumer Culture in the 18th Century *
In these intriguing pages discover the power of white clothing, from the Athenian gods of fashion to Jackie Kennedy’s love for this "most ceremonial colour". * Peter McNeil, Distinguished Professor in Design History, University of Technology Sydney *
Open any western wardrobe today and you’ll likely see more black than white, yet white clothing can have great cultural importance . . . author and cultural history expert Nina Edwards [writes] about the impact and resonance of white clothing. * The Sunday Post, Scotland *