Explore the dynamic relationship between art, dress and fashion in global-reaching historical and contemporary contexts. Spanning the early modern period to the twenty-first century, this course investigates the intimate connections between visual expression and sartorial aesthetics, encountering diverse themes such as the body, gender identity, temporality, the environment, sustainability, and materiality.
Through this course, you will gain an understanding of the interdisciplinary exchange between the history of art and the history of dress/textiles and will become familiar with social, cultural, and economic practices relating to the making, marketing, wearing and representation of clothing in specific communities.
Each module focuses on a broader theme: representation and identity, conflict and exchange, making and materiality, and consumption and consumerism. In each, we will explore case studies of artists, makers, and fashion designers, historical and contemporary, including names like Elsa Schiaparelli, Cindy Sherman, and Guo Pei. Visits to local collections will enhance your critical eye.