Nylon: The Story of a Fashion Revolution
Introduced in 1939 by the DuPont Company as a "miracle" fiber for women's stockings, nylon was the first completely synthetic fiber. Nylon's ready acceptance led to Orlon, Dacron, Lycra, polyester, and other human-made fibers that revolutionized fashion. Explored here are early attempts to create textiles from chemicals, followed by a chronological review of fashion changes, trends, and innovations of the 20th century. Especially interesting are the chapters on new technology in fiber creation and on clothing that explores the unique qualities of plastics instead of emulating natural fibers. Handley, a consultant for DuPont who is associated with the School of Fashion and Textiles at the Royal College of Art, presents a very positive view of chemicals in what is also a history of DuPont's contribution to the history of textiles. Generously illustrated and informative without being too technical, Nylon is essential reading for anyone with an interest in fashion. Recommended for academic and public libraries.DTherese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling GreenCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.