Ametora

How Japan Saved American Style

By: W. David Marx

Narrated by: Brian Nishii

Look closely at any typically "American" article of clothing these days, and you may be surprised to see a Japanese label inside. From high-end denim to oxford button-downs, Japanese designers have taken the classic American look - known as ametora, or "American traditional" - and turned it into a huge business for companies like Uniqlo, Kamakura Shirts, Evisu, and Kapital.

This phenomenon is part of a long dialogue between Japanese and American fashion; in fact many of the basic items and traditions of the modern American wardrobe are alive and well today thanks to the stewardship of Japanese consumers and fashion cognoscenti, who ritualized and preserved these American styles during periods when they were out of vogue in their native land.

In Ametora, cultural historian W. David Marx traces the Japanese assimilation of American fashion over the past 150 years, showing how Japanese trendsetters and entrepreneurs mimicked, adapted, imported, and ultimately perfected American style, dramatically reshaping not only Japan's culture but also our own in the process.

©2015 W. David Marx (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Just a Wonderful Book

I found this book through Derek Guy’s Twitter feed, and have enjoyed every second of listening to it. The reverence that Japan and America have for each other’s fashion is wonderfully reassuring.

Great story

I really enjoyed it. Both interesting and informative. I also found a comprehensive and engaging.

Interesting narrative style telling of a rich fashion history.

Fantastic book, full of inspiring characters and cool words I learned. An easy read and a compelling argument. Essential to understanding the modern landscape of fashion today. That being said, the narration was a bit boring at times

Best book about style and fashion

Amazing from beginning to end. Hearing the stories of my favorite brands had me geeked out the whole time

Must read for anyone who’s into fashion

What a book. This book nicely tells the story of why Japanese fashion and craftsmenship came about and why its world class. I especially loved the chapter where the book talks about Nigo and Hiroshi Fujiwara. Great read for anyone who loves fashion in a deeper level.