The Thoughtful Dresser: Thought for the day

Saturday, 19 January 2008

Dress has not only no social but also no significant aesthetic existence unless it is actually worn. Anne Hollander

Anonymous said...: What a beautiful dress - historical context?

18th century, obviously, but where and when precisely?; 19 January 2008 at 07:50
Linda Grant said...: It's from the site of the Fashion Museum in Bath

http://www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/; 19 January 2008 at 07:52
Miss Cavendish said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 19 January 2008 at 14:41
Miss Cavendish said...: Hollander's thought reminds me of the dilemma that Alice Walker presents in her short story "Everyday Use": should historically significant quilts be "used" or displayed? How I would love to make this dress part of my "everyday" wardrobe!; 19 January 2008 at 14:43
Anonymous said...: No social or aesthetic existence unless it is actually worn? Nope - I do not agree. Even if that were merely hung on a hanger or a clothes tree, that dress would have a lot to say to us - namely that it was late 18th century, definitely upper class and it stunningly beautiful just in the fabric from which it was made.; 19 January 2008 at 14:45
Anonymous said...: Interesting that you chose an
18th century gown for this quote, because it made me think of Caroline Weber's book Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution". Caroline explores this theme and many other in the book (her next book is about Coco Chanel btw.); 21 January 2008 at 20:36

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