ABSTRACT
This chapter examines contemporary thought on the emotive nature of feminisms reading of fashion, and set it within the context of earlier discussion of the subject. The issues this analysis raises will be explored further in a case study of female fashion designer Miuccia Prada, whose work highlights the complexity of the debate which typifies this as a period of transition, when patriarchal definitions of femininity and representation have been challenged, but remain unresolved. The potentially transgressive construction of the self through clothing has led some feminist writers to embrace fashion as a means to reclaim the masquerade of femininity and consumption for the pleasure of women themselves. Natasha Walter's book The New Feminism sought to project a positive vision of women's relationship to fashion, stating, the traditional feminist desire to desexualise women's bodies looks unnecessary and miserable. Fred Davis has said, no designer of stature nowadays can pretend indifference to the antifashion sentiments emanating from feminist quarters.
