West of England Costume Society
Saturday 03 October 2020
Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA
Is fashion political? In 2005 Joshua I. Miller published in a University of Chicago Journal an article called Fashion and Democratic Relationships. On page three he says this -“Clothing has political significance because it affects the relationships among citizens. Clothing is not simply a private or personal matter; it implies the existence of an inter-subjective social world in which one presents oneself and is seen by others” The ambivalence of fashion with, not only political but also social, aesthetic and moral systems has always caused much anxiety throughout the generations. The recent vicious attacks on MP Tracey Brabin for her off the shoulder ensemble in the House of Commons equated her appearance with perceived stereotypes. Women are regularly defied by their dress especially if they espouse to positions of authority or power. This study day will look at the part politics may have played in the fashions of the day or perhaps how politics has influenced what we wear.
This should be a fun day so wear your tartan or carry your Margaret Thatcher handbag.
See full details. Price Per Person: Member TBA, Non Member TBA, Junior TBA, Lunch TBASaturday 21 November 2020
Bath and County Club, Bath
Saturday 20 March 2021
The Bristol County Ground, Nevil Road, Bristol BS7 9EJ
Historically shoes have always been a signifier of status and wealth and the more decorative and difficult to walk in the less functional they become. Today our desire for comfort in shoes, as in clothes, helped along by advances in textile technology, has led to function and fashion becoming more closely aligned.
Who would have thought that today virtually everyone from children taking their first steps to octogenarians trying to stay mobile would be wearing the same type of shoe, the trainer, which started life as a sports shoe. This study day will look at the history of fashionable shoes from Roman times to present day.
A great opportunity to wear your favourite, most outrageous sparkly trainers, impossible heels, or charity shop moccasins!
See full details. Price Per Person: Member £28.00, Non Member £38.00, Lunch £13.00You are free to bring your own lunch and eat it on the premises if you wish.
