The clothes we wear every day keep us comfortable, protect us from the elements, and express our unique style—but could fashion also be fatal? As it turns out, history is full of fashions that have harmed or even killed people. From silhouette-cinching corsets and combustible combs to lethal hair dyes and flammable flannel, this nonfiction book looks back at the times people have suffered pain, injury, and worse, all in the name of style. Historical examples like the tragic “Radium Girl” watchmakers and mercury-poisoned “Mad Hatters,” along with more recent factory accidents, raise discussion of unsafe workplaces—where those who make the clothes are often fashion’s first victims.

Co-authored by a scholar in the history of textiles and dress with the founder of WORN Fashion Journal, this book is equal parts fab and frightening: a stylishly illustrated mash-up of STEAM content, historical anecdotes, and chilling stories. Nonfiction features including sidebars, sources, an index, and a list of further reading will support critical literacy skills and digging deeper with research on this topic.

Dr. Alison Matthews-David was trained at Stanford University and investigates the history of textiles and dress. She is an associate professor at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario. This book is based on the research for her adult book Fashion Victims (Bloomsbury, 2015) and its related co-curated exhibition at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. Her next project sleuths out the links between clothing and crime.

Alison Matthews-David's profile page

Serah-Marie McMahon founded WORN Fashion Journal and edited The WORN Archive, published by Drawn & Quarterly. She sells and writes about children’s books in Toronto, Ontario.

Serah-Marie McMahon's profile page

Gillian Wilson is a Canadian illustrator and printmaker with an affinity for cats and scary feelings. Her work has been featured in Frankie magazine and some of her clients include Today's Parent, Palm Bay Spritz, and Hamilton-based Grain + Grit Brewery.

Gillian Wilson's profile page

• Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Book Award
• Short-listed, Maine Student Book Award
• Short-listed, Information Book Award
• Commended, Light Reads, Great Stories
• Winner, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction
• Commended, 110 best children's books of the year
• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens (starred selection)
• Commended, A Junior Library Guild Selection
• Commended, Best non-fiction books of the year for older readers
• Commended, Yellow Cedar Award Honour Book

“An engrossing choice for stout-hearted readers, whether fashion-forward or not.”

School Library Journal

“A fun, yet thoughtful look inside fashion perils past and present.”

Booklist - STARRED REVIEW

“Readers and report writers will not be disappointed.”

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"A fun way to remind youngsters to value their health and safety above their appearances."

Shelf Awareness - STARRED REVIEW

"For students interested in fashion and fashion history, this book is a must-read."

School Library Connection

"The macabre subject matter of Killer Style will appeal to almost every youngster...it is both interesting and thought-provoking."

Canadian Review of Materials