A final research paper outcome is part of the History of Fashion lecture/recitation course this semester. It is a conducted research on a specific subject or fashion in the context of its history and the culture behind it. This research paper is to be based and focused on a mediated image which can be a typical illustration, photograph or artwork. As part of the project proposal, each person has to select a few images and provide background information on them as well as why the selection has been made in order to then narrow down one for the final paper. I have provided my choices in this post as follows.
Image 1:
Fashion photograph of dark-coloured suit with a short loose-fitting jacket with three-quarter length sleeves, round collar and three white buttons worn with a below-the-knee flared skirt, published in the ‘Mainly for Women’ pages in The Sunday Times newspaper on 7 May 1961. Photographed by Roy Round, UK, 1907-1966 in the United Kingdom and is owned by the Ernestine Carter Archive, Fashion Museum/Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Reason for selection of this image is not only due to the beauty of the photograph in its simplicity and composition but more so based on the time period it was taken in. The 1960s is my favorite historical period based on fashion as I am very interested in how fashion was affected by society and the economy at this point. Discussing and understanding the ironic nature of gender specific garments is characterized to this era. I would like to further understand the story behind why fashion evolved at this point and how this affected stereotypes. Through this research paper I can do so.
https://www-bloomsburyfashioncentral-com.libproxy.newschool.edu/products/berg-fashion-library/museum/fashion-museum-bath/photograph-suit-85219
Image 2:
Throughout the mid-1960s, famous women’s fashion designers such as Pierre Cardin and Oleg Cassini expanded their lines to include innovative menswear. For the first time in American history, fashion was “a man’s game too,” as this 1969 ad asserted.Advertisement, Ty Lorran, 1969.
This image is from the same time period as the one above. The concept behind the culture in this era with respect to fashion is the same as well. However, this image is still giving a contrasting message. The message fashion is “a man’s game too” sits close to how fashion was portrayed in the 60s. I find this discussion in gender and debate in stereotyping roles to each gender very interesting. By conducting research on it to write a paper, I can understand the societial effect on the people in a thorough manner, thorough enough to have my own opinion on it. Aside from this, I believe assessing an image that has words included in it can be helpful in terms of a background to begin with.
https://www-bloomsburyfashioncentral-com.libproxy.newschool.edu/products/berg-fashion-library/museum/fashion-museum-bath/photograph-suit-85219
For both the images, I see a similar link to my work and personal style. The concepts I explore a lot include feminism, sexual expression, sexuality, gender fluidity, bias and stereotypes. I have explored lots of different avenues in this regard especially unisex clothing and what meaning it brings. I would further like to explore the idea that fashion can be gender specific and why these biases were formed in the first place.
