Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

As costume designers we contribute artistically to theatrical productions by making precise, truthful appearance choices for all types of characters. While some choices are thematic, most examine the characters as people within a society and how, as fashion consumers, their wardrobe choices reflect, and are impacted by society and life events. Clothing choice is an extremely public form of self-expression combining the fashion-designer artist with the consumer-curator. With contemporary examples such as First Lady Melania Trump’s jacket or Queen Elizabeth’s brooches, it is increasingly apparent that fashion choices can both help us make sense of modern society and reflect the effects of societal pressures and personal, lived experiences of people within that world. Examining how individuals choose to present themselves within their society and how society can impact individual self-expression helps further our understanding as costume designers. While most museum clothing collections preserve pieces from multiple donors and many fashion history sources are created without firsthand knowledge of the wearer, we had a unique opportunity to learn from a significant source, making sense of how personal history impacts personal aesthetics. Throughout her life, Harriett Lake (1922-2018) amassed an enormous personal wardrobe. Through hours of personal interviews and research into her thousands of garments, we were able to identify distinct connections between her experiences and her aesthetics. By studying these choices and influences we gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for how a person, real or imagined, makes sense of their world, connecting the art of fashion design to everyday life.