Clothing and accessories are signs. They represent values and we instantly understand the connotations. We do not have to discuss a crown to understand that power is suggested. Even in the feathered Native American crown below, we understand a sense of regality. But fashion designers, stylists and photographers play with established codes and enrich the story of human expression. The codes then are not fixed but in constant negotiation.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Conclusion
Clothing and accessories are signs. They represent values and we instantly understand the connotations. We do not have to discuss a crown to understand that power is suggested. Even in the feathered Native American crown below, we understand a sense of regality. But fashion designers, stylists and photographers play with established codes and enrich the story of human expression. The codes then are not fixed but in constant negotiation.
Hidden Glamour
Jewish Devotion
Jean Gaultier's 1993 collection was inspired by Orthodox Judaism
Visible Technology
Visible Invisbility
Malcolm Barnard discusses in the third chapter of Fashion as Communication the idea of clothing as a form of protection. This could be for physical protection and comfort and specifically in this essay, protection against the harsh elements of fall and winter. Barnard also mentions the use of thick, dark-coloured and stiff clothing as protection against Moral dangers and clothing offering protection ‘against the general unfriendliness of the world’ or ‘as a reassurance against the lack of love’. In the previous chapter Fashion, Clothing, Communication and Culture, he writes about an argument proposed by Mary Douglas and Baron Isherwood that garments could be used as ‘fences or bridges’, where fences signify a segegration or isolation, a barrier, and bridges signify a bringing together, a connection.
The Satorialist
Visible invisibility is the term coined to describe the situation when one dresses in a way that suggests a form of ‘hiding behind’ and anonymity but instead, draws attention. The connotative ‘hiding behind’ and anonymity ties into the fences, where there is an idea of distancing and differentiating oneself from others. It also suggests the idea of camouflage and blending in to certain extent.
Submission & Coordination in the Dress of Presidential Wives
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Clash of Seasons
Monday, May 10, 2010
Gulf Male Formality
Dr. Wadad Alsuwayeh shows the Sheikh of Kuwait around Kuwait State Monument Design Competition
Influences other than history have developed the Arabian men’s clothing, such as the regional climate, utility, social custom, and cultural needs), achieving a corresponding level of sophistication in the material. All these factors combined led to the simplicity, natural grace and practicality of the everyday garment- the Dishdasha, and the very formal, elegant, intricate detailing on the ceremonial garment- the Bisht.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Evening Formality
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Northern European Alpine
Maria, Sound of Music, opening scene
Elle editorial in Luzerne, Photo: Oskar Falk
Edelweiss product, Madame magazine.
Gala Gonzalez of Am-Lul in a retro Alpine sweater. Man at Saut Hermès, Paris.