An apparently ambiguous status for aesthetics in fashion theory is noted and discussed and an applied aesthetics approach to supplement the current communications theory approach is proposed. Two classes of aesthetic properties—intrinsic formal and extrinsic symbolic content—are discussed in terms of stimulus properties. Certain stimulus properties are used in an experiment in which it is demonstrated that aesthetic properties can be identified and used in evaluating fashion apparel. The findings suggest that when aesthetic criteria are considered in fashion theory, classical fashion concepts such as taste leadership require reevaluation.
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