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!
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.
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.)
What a beautiful dress - historical context?
ReplyDelete18th century, obviously, but where and when precisely?
It's from the site of the Fashion Museum in Bath
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/
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ReplyDeleteHollander'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!
ReplyDeleteNo 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.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you chose an
ReplyDelete18th 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.)