Posts

Making Yourself Up - Ribbons and Identity in Early Modern England

-
Image
  Michaela Clarence explores the many meanings of ribbons – from amorous to political – to their wearers in Early Modern England. From acts of personal devotion to political allegiance, the ribbon’s versatile identity in Early Modern England challenges growing preconceptions of the material as mere frivolity, frothing at the edges of garments. Whether affixed to a hat, wrapped around an infant’s wrist, or pinned as a romantic keepsake, the ribbon served as both an outward signifier and an intimate, tactile connection between people. Its affordance, portability and adaptability enabled individuals across all strata of society to make personal, political, or emotional statements. The lasting resonance of ribbons has remained, from their role in political campaigns to their continued use in personal adornment and gestures of affection. This essay introduces some of the uses and meanings of ribbons in Early Modern England. It is a small glimpse into the symbolic threads that con...
Post a Comment
Read more

Fashion and Politics in the US Women's Suffrage Movement

-
Image
Claire Delahaye delivered a presentation on the intersection of fashion and politics in the US women’s suffrage movement of the early twentieth century at the WESWWHN Annual Conference on Women and Fashion in Bath on 12 October 2024. This paper argued that fashion provides a valuable lens for examining various aspects of the US women’s suffrage movement, particularly through the politicization of dress and the aestheticization of politics. It explored the relationship between suffragists’ clothing choices and their political practices, focusing on what they wore during public political activities. Rather than serving merely as a symbol, suffragists’ attire functioned as a tangible, practical tool – an essential element of their daily political operations and campaigning efforts. Indeed, suffragists strategically selected clothing that was both functional and respectable, recognizing that their success in outdoor activities depended on suitable attire. Comfort, warmth, and freedom of ...
Post a Comment
Read more