No. 3 (2024)
Essays

Fashion, consumer culture, and class struggle: A Marxist reading of Toile de Jouy

Shajwan Fatah
Charmo University

Published 30-06-2024

Keywords

  • Toile de Jouy,
  • capitalism,
  • consumption,
  • fashion,
  • simulation

How to Cite

Fatah, S. (2024). Fashion, consumer culture, and class struggle: A Marxist reading of Toile de Jouy. Fashion Highlight, (3), 150–159. https://doi.org/10.36253/fh-2676

Abstract

Toile de Jouy, a distinctive textile associated with the world of fashion, originated in France during the 18th century. Initially embraced by the aristocratic class, it has since transcended social boundaries to become a prevalent phenomenon in contemporary society. In this paper, I will explore the underlying themes that highlight the social dynamics depicted in the narratives portrayed on this fabric. From a conceptual perspective, this study aims to illustrate the intrinsic relationship between the labor of the proletariat and the consumption patterns of the bourgeoisie as reflected in Toile de Jouy. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Karl Marx and Jean Baudrillard, I will investigate the interrelation between fashion, means of production, consumer conduct, and simulated phenomena.

References

  1. Baudrillard, J. (1994). Simulacra and simulation. University of Michigan Press.
  2. Christ, O. (2015). The Concept of Alienationin Early Works of Karl Marx. European Scientific Journal, 11, 551- 563. Retrieved from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/236412303.pdf
  3. Felluga, D. (2011, January 31). Modules on Baudrillard: On Simulation. Retrieved from Introductory Guide to Critical Theory: https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/english/theory/postmodernism/modules/baudrillardsimulation.html
  4. Fikioris, M. A. (1970). Neoclassicism in Textile Designs by Jean-Baptiste Huet. Winterthur Portfolio, 6, 75-110. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/1180524
  5. Gril-Mariotte, A., & Warner, P. J. (2009). opical Themes from the Oberkampf Textile Manufactory, Jouy-en-Josas, France, 1760-1821. Studies in the Decorative Arts, 17, 162-197. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/652667
  6. Guy-Evans, O. (2024, February 13). Marx’s Theory Of Alienation In Sociology. Retrieved from Simply Psychology: https://www.simplypsychology.org/marx-alienation.html
  7. Kenton, W. (2024, February 28). Karl Marx: His Books, Theories, and Impact. Retrieved from Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/k/karl-marx.asp#:~:text=His%20key%20theories%20were%20a,ushering%20in%20a%20classless%20society.
  8. Ma, F., Shi, H., Luo, Y., & Chen, L. (2012). A Theory on Fashion Consumption. Journal of Management and Strategy, 3, 84-92. doi:10.5430/jms.v3n4p84
  9. Manufactory Oberkampf Manufactory. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/221839
  10. Sporn, S. (2023, May 25). Toile de Jouy: Everything You Need to Know About the Famous Design. Retrieved from Archdigest.com: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/toile-pattern-explained
  11. The History of Toile de Jouy. (2020, August 20). Retrieved from My French Country Home: https://myfrenchcountryhomemagazine.com/history-of-toile-de-jouy/
  12. The Met. (n.d.). Retrieved from Manufactory Oberkampf Manufactory: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/221839
  13. Toile de Jouy. (2018, January 8). Retrieved from Diptyqueparis- Momento.com: http://www.diptyqueparis-memento.com/fr/toiles-de-jouy/
  14. Trigg, B. A. (2001). Veblen, Bourdieu, and conspicuous consumption. Journal of economic issues, 35(1), 99-115. Retrieved from https://oro.open.ac.uk/89777/1/17F.pdf
  15. Wolff, J., & Leopold, D. (2021). Karl Marx. Retrieved from The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/marx/#Bib
  16. Workman, J. E., & Lee, S.-H. (2011). Materialism, fashion consumers and gender: A cross‐cultural study. nternational Journal of Consumer Studies, 35, 50-57. doi:10.1111/j.1470-6431.2010.00935.x