The 6 Functions of Dress

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Image: Lake Western, Siberia, Russia
Brand/Designer Unknown
While fur is considered a controversial piece of clothing in certain cultures, in the dreadful Siberian climate it is the only way to stay warm, as shown in the picture of local men dressed head to toe in fur.

DECORATION

Image source: http://www.peyotepeople.com/
Decoration in the form of face painting is continuously practiced by the Huichol Indians, who are one of the few tribes based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that have preserved their customs and beliefs.








CEREMONIAL

Image: 1966, Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK
Photograph by Austin Underwood
Symbolic clothing and proper attire has always played a major part in various ceremonies as illustrated by this image of Druidic summer solstice celebration still practiced today.



GROUP MEMBERSHIP

Image: Hasidic Orthodox Jewish Members
Williamsburgh Bridge, Brooklyn,NY
Brand/Designer unknown
Certain religious groups believe that attire is an essential part of practicing their religion as portrayed in this image of the Hasidic Orthodox Jewish family dressed in their typical everyday clothing.

GENDER DIFFERENTIATION

Image: JPG quilted skirt
Gender specific clothing has changed throughout history, but skirts today remain strictly a female piece of clothing and are shocking when worn by males, unless it is for ceremonial or traditional purposes.
Quilted skirt, autumn/winter 1985–86
Jean Paul Gaultier (French, b. 1952)
From the Le Charme Conicé de la Bourgeoisie collection
©Photograph by Paolo Roversi









SEXUAL ENHANCEMENT

Image: Mainbocher Corset, Horst P. Horst, 1939
Ever since the Victorian era, the corset has been the quintessential body enhancing clothing that accents the female curves as captured in this seductive Horst P. Horst photograph.The corset designed by Detolle for Mainbocher.