Why do we wear Suits?
The suit, it’s survived for the three centuries. But what’s its appeal? Mike Williams talks to fashion designer Paul Smith and to author Jung Chang
It’s a style of dress that’s spread around the world - the suit. It’s survived, largely unchanged, for the three centuries. But, where does it come from, what’s its appeal and what does it say about those who wear it? Mike Williams talks to fashion designer Paul Smith who wears one every day and to the author Jung Chang who had no choice but to follow suit during the Cultural Revolution in China.
Produced by Smita Patel
(Photo: Two men sit side by side wearing sharp suits. Credit Shutterstock)
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‘How I Changed the Suit’
Duration: 01:58
Broadcasts
- Fri 27 Nov 201521:32GMTBBC World Service South Asia
- Mon 30 Nov 201502:32GMTBBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
- Mon 30 Nov 201503:32GMTBBC World Service Online, East Asia, UK DAB/Freeview & Europe and the Middle East only
- Mon 30 Nov 201504:32GMTBBC World Service South Asia
- Mon 30 Nov 201505:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Mon 30 Nov 201507:32GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & Europe and the Middle East only
- Mon 30 Nov 201513:32GMTBBC World Service Online & UK DAB/Freeview only
- Mon 30 Nov 201514:32GMTBBC World Service except Online, Americas and the Caribbean, Australasia & UK DAB/Freeview
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Why do we look the way we do?—The Why Factor
Hairy, shaved, tattooed, in trainers, ties, suits or jeans - what's the story?
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Why do we look the way we do?
Tattoos, trainers, jeans, hair, ties ... why?
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The Why Factor
The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions
