In addition to products and services, multinational corporations sell
myths, values, and immaterial goods. These "meta-goods," which include
prestige, beauty, and strength, are major components of successful
marketing and advertising. Fashion ads mine deeply rooted human values,
ideals, and desires, channeled through social recognition,
beautification, and rejuvenation. Although referencing meta-goods is
obvious to some consumers, their connection to philosophical theories of
human nature is less apparent, even among the marketers and advertisers
who use them. This book will appeal to researchers and students of
cultural studies, media studies, marketing, advertising, fashion,
sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and psychology, and to anyone
interested in the operation of fashion.