Full Description
The Dress Detective is the first practical guide to analyzing fashion objects, clearly demonstrating how their close analysis can enhance and enrich interdisciplinary research. This accessible book provides readers with the tools to uncover the hidden stories in garments, setting out a carefully developed research methodology specific to dress, and providing easy-to-use checklists that guide the reader through the process.
Beautifully illustrated, the book contains seven case studies of fashionable Western garments - ranging from an 1820s coat to a 2004 Kenzo jacket - that articulate the methodological framework for the process, illustrate the use of the checklists, and show how evidence from the garment itself can be used to corroborate theories of dress or fashion.
This book outlines a skillset that has, until now, typically been passed on informally. Written in plain language, it will give any budding fashion historian, curator, or researcher the knowledge and confidence to analyze the material in front of them effectively.
Contents
Foreword, Jean L. Druesedow, Kent State University Museum, USA
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: A Brief History of Object-based Research with Dress Artifacts
Chapter 2: How to Read a Dress Artifact
Chapter 3: Observation
Chapter 4: Reflection
Chapter 5: Interpretation
Chapter 6: Case Study of a Yellow Woolen Pelisse
Chapter 7: Case Study of a Gray-blue Sateen Corset
Chapter 8: Case Study of a Brown Velveteen and Wool Bodice
Chapter 9: Case study of a Man's Evening Suit Tailcoat and Trousers
Chapter 10: Case Study of a Lanvin Wedding Dress and Headpiece
Chapter 11: Case Study of a Ruby Red Velvet Jacket by Christian Dior
Chapter 12: Case study of a Kimono-Style Jacket by Kenzo
Appendix 1: Checklist for Observation
Appendix 2: Checklist for Reflection
Index
