2. Lack of diversity: The conversation on fashion was dominated by white, upper-class perspectives, while the contributions and fashion experiences of people of color, immigrants, and other minority groups were largely overlooked.
3. Emphasis on lavishness: The debate often emphasized the excessive spending and opulent fashion choices of the upper classes, diverting attention from more substantive discussions on social, economic, and political issues.
4. Disconnection from broader social context: The fashion debate failed to adequately explore the interconnectedness of fashion, consumption, and the overall social and economic dynamics of the Gilded Age.
5. Insufficient analysis of production and labor practices: The discussion of fashion neglected the examination of the labor practices, exploitation, and working conditions in the fashion industry, which were often harsh and oppressive.
6. Absence of critical discourse on gender and identity: The debate on fashion did not thoroughly examine the role of fashion in constructing and expressing gender and individual identity, which were pertinent concerns during the period.
7. Lack of attention to sustainability: The issue of environmental and social sustainability in the fashion industry, which is relevant today, was not part of the discussions during the Gilded Age.
Overall, the failures of the fashion debate in the Gilded Age can be attributed to the narrow focus, limited representation, and insufficient exploration of the broader social and economic contexts that shaped fashion and its implications during that period.