Dressed in Dreams: A Black Girl's Love Letter to the Power of Fashion

So, let me start off by saying that Tanisha C. Ford is one of the leading experts on fashion who can make the subject reachable for general audiences. We tend to look down on fashion as a lightweight subject unfit for any real study and or deep inspection. Ford, through her work as a scholar, debunks that outlook immediately. But she does something more with "Dressed In Dreams." She reminds us of how important our clothes are to us. You are what you wear and it often reflects some aspect of your life. Clothes are about access. Reading "Dressed In Dreams" took me back to my childhood when I wanted to be one of the first kids in school to get the latest Jordans and the newest FUBU gear. We all wanted to be fresh. But I didn't really think about the culture behind why I wanted those things until I read "Dressed in Dreams." Also, I never considered that the Midwest had its own distinct culture that was ignored nationally. Growing up in Detroit, we were, in fact, a fashion city. Our signature garments were snake skin gators ("My Detroit Playas!") and fur coats. Fort Wayne, Ind., where Ford grew up, was a factory town like Detroit, but much less prosperous. Detroit and Fort Wayne are very similar in that they are both midwest towns, but as Black Detroiters, we had far greater access to top fashion items and a means to create a fashion culture that extended beyond our factory lives, yet, Detroit was never NYC or L.A. Ford brilliantly breaks down how she and the rest of black Fort Wayne made due. I mean, in the end, that's what most Negros do; make due. But we make due and look fabulous with so little and that is what Ford pays tribute to, but in memoir form. "Dressed in Dreams" is about Ford's journey in life via what she wore. But I promise you, if you are black especially, this book is about you, too. It is one of the few books I have ever read that made me feel I was as much a part of the story as the author.

This book was nostalgic on so many levels. It weaves a history lesson into the memories of a black kid’s childhood in the most relatable way. I learned so much but also found myself nodding and saying “mmhmm” throughout the book. Ford explores the risk in being different within the Black community but also the importance of family, community and personal individuality. As a fellow lover of fashion, I simply loved the background behind each item. The chapter illustrations were an added bonus! Great read. I recommend it for book clubs or sister circles.

As black women, style is so deeply embedded in our cultural identity. Growing up, our style isn’t always inspired by fashion runways; it’s inspired by our mothers, our black culture icons, and the women in our hoods. @soulistaphd narrates her story of exploring identity through style so beautifully, and in such a relatable way! Every page felt like sitting down with a girlfriend and sharing about the first time your mom bought you a pair of bamboo earrings, or that one time you got that bad perm 😂 I would definitely recommend this book to every black woman who loves style. Currently reading: #MorethanEnough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What they Say) by @elainewelteroth

Overall I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a more general discussion about black fashion through the years but this book is more a memoir; a collection of stories creatively and carefully based around an item of fashion. Being of a similar age to Ford Incould relate to many of the fashion items that she discussed. She cleverly discussed these fashion items not only in relation to her own life but in relation to many social and political topics. My only is criticism is Ford’s insurance on describing every blacks person’s complexion. I didn’t feel this was necessary or added anything to the book. I am interested to know why she chose to do this. Also, I felt there were one too many references to her ‘hazel/green/amber’ coloured eyes - but I can be more forgiving of this because maybe it was an important part of her coming of age. Despite these criticisms I do recommend Dressed in Dreams.

I had the chance to read this book as a part of a book club within our Rotary club. We are based in Fort Wayne, where the author is from, and really enjoyed her story and how she connected with the reader. Great work!

I was pleasantly surprised by the honesty, the revealing nature and the overall beauty of this work. Ms. Ford laid bare some of the obstacles she faced growing up black and female in the Midwest. She also showed how the strength and the tenacity of a young woman were the tools she needed (and developed) to face them. Finally, she was able to weave her story of triumph into a love of fashion that was nurtured by her parents and the discovery of self.

Excellent book

I learned a lot. Ford is so intelligent and successful and we see her get there while growing up. She's a well rounded imperfect human being, like all of us, and somehow expresses self-doubt and self-love in such an eloquent manner. I could see this book being an inspiration to other young women, especially women of color.