By Monica Sklar,
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:00 am
(Exhibitions, Uncategorized)
“JAMES GALANOS: AMERICAN LUXURY”
Through March 1 at the Kent State University Museum [Kent, OH], this exhibition is a glimpse of the remarkable talent of James Galanos. Alicia Vangilder developed the exhibition as an Honors Independent Study. Click here for details.
“YVES SAINT LAURENT”
Through March 1 at the de Young Museum [San Francisco, CA], this exhibit explores the designs that made Saint Laurent famous, and his inspirations drawn from art, theatre, history, literature, and nature. This exhibition contains 100+ accessorized garments and sketches illustrating the lines, colors, and fundamentals of Saint Laurent’s work. Click here for details.
I know the University of Minnesota is offering an organized trip out to this YSL exhibit in the Spring. Not sure of the details but if you contact the College of Design they will be able to fill you in.
“JEAN MUIR: A FASHION ICON”
Through March 15 at the National Museum of Scotland [Scotland, UK], this exhibition will feature selected highlights from an extensive collection. The British Jean Muir held a unique place in the international fashion scene, from her emergence in the swinging 1960s to her death in 1995. Click here for details.
“THE ESSENTIAL ART OF AFRICAN TEXTILES: DESIGN WITHOUT END”
Through March 22 at the Metropolitan Museum [New York City], this exhibit illustrates the diverse classical textile genres created by artists in West Africa through some of their earliest documented and finest works. Selected works will represent variations on major themes of the influential classical genres. The exhibition will relate these genres to contemporary art forms by affording an appreciation of the cultural context and visual language of these traditions and exploring their synergy and resonance in works by eight living artists. Click here for details.
This exhibition information was gathered via the Costume Society of America‘s newsletter.
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By Heather Vaughan,
January 21st, 2009 at 5:00 am
(Book Reviews)
While attending the American Historical Association meeting in New York over New Years, I had the opportunity to explore the new books being offered by a wide variety of publishers. I picked out three that seemed the most relevant to our field and thought I would share them with you here.
The first is The Woman in the Zoot Suit: Gender, Nationalism, and the Cultural Politics of Memory
by Catherine S. Ramirez (from Duke University Press, available in January 2009), which tells the story of the pachuca, Mexican American women who wore zoot suits. According to the back cover, she typically “wore a V-neck sweater or a long, broad-shouldered coat, a knee-length pleated skirt, fishnet stockings and bobby socks, platform heels or saddle shoes, dark lipstick and a bouffant. Or she donned the same style of zoot suit that her male counterparts wore. With their striking attire, pachucos and pachucas represented a new generation of Mexican American youth, which arrived on the public scene in the 1940s.”
Next, I came across a book of essays edited by Regina Lee Blaszczyk, titled Producing Fashion: Commerce, Culture, and Consumers (Hagley Perspectives on Business and Culture) from the University of Pennsylvania Press (hardcover came out in 2007, paperback available in May 2009). The essays in this volume provides international perspectives on the topic (Japan, Canada, Milan, US, UK and Hungary) and was endorsed by Christopher Breward, who said “Anyone who has ever considered how and why fashionable trends emerge will find something of interest in its pages.”
Finally, there is Ready-Made Democarcy from Michael Zakin and the University of Chicago Press, which studies the history of men’s dress between the revolutionary and civil wars. The paperback came out in February of 2006. The publisher notes, “At a time when household production was a popular expression of civic virtue, homespun clothing was widely regarded as a reflection of America’s most cherished republican values: simplicity, industriousness, frugality, and independence.” For more on this book, you can explore Google Books. More reviews (by H-Net and History Cooperative, among others) can be found here.
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By Monica Sklar,
January 20th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
(Uncategorized)
FREE COSMETICS!!!
It is your patriotic duty to go get your free make up on this inauguration day and fight corporate greed and corruption in our new era of change! Ha! Hopefully supplies last for those of you who will see this tomorrow.
I know today we were all busy watching the inauguration, but I finally heard about and made it to the mall to pick up some free cosmetics at the department stores. There was a class action lawsuit against many of the major manufacturers of cosmetics about price fixing and the consumers won–therefore, starting today (and only going while supplies last) the companies have to give away millions in free make up!
So, I made it over to the mall about 7pm central time and all that was left were Estee Lauder and Clinique creams, but they were nifty and I was happy to have them. Only slightly smaller than full sized. All you have to do is sign a paper saying you bought overpriced cosmetics sometime in the last few years. No address, just your signature. They’ve even got organized tables set up for distribution so you don’t have to go to the counters.
Here is the link to the details.
What makes this all the better is that tomorrow I start teaching my course on fashion and ethics. Good fodder for conversation for sure.
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By Monica Sklar,
January 20th, 2009 at 5:00 am
(Jobs, Uncategorized)
Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor
Museum Studies
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Website
Application deadline is January 31, 2009 but the search will remain open until the position is filled.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto is undergoing a period of exciting growth and is expanding both in terms of number of people and in scope. The Faculty invites applications for one tenure-stream appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor to begin on July 1, 2009. Rank and salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
We seek candidates with excellent research and teaching abilities and a commitment to shaping the future of the Faculty and the fields of museum studies, cultural heritage, and information. The Faculty seeks a scholar (Open Rank) who transcends traditional divisions and we invite applications from candidates with active research projects within one or more of the following areas: (i) museum and cultural heritage studies; (ii) museum management and leadership; (iii) collections management; (iv) museums, information and communication technology; and/or (v) cultural policy, representation, and identity. The candidate’s research should fit with the Faculty’s focus and mission.
The Faculty’s 2004-10 Academic Plan recognizes that society’s information practices are being reconfigured and transformed by material shifts in infrastructures as well as political and cultural shifts in our attitudes toward information as a social phenomenon. In this context, as part of a multi-year process of Faculty renewal, a faculty member is sought to help rethink and reshape the information profession through innovative teaching and collaborative research projects.
Candidates must have a PhD (or equivalent), a proven record of scholarship, experience with multidisciplinary research, and strong teaching experience. Additional qualifications for those applying at the Associate or Full Professor level include experience leading research projects and working with graduate students. Experience developing new curricula is an asset.
Applicants should send curriculum vitae, teaching dossier, copies of three representative papers/publications, a statement outlining current and future research interests, and a list of three references to the address below. (Applicants at the Assistant Professor level should arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent, under separate cover, to the same address.)
Application through the U of T academic opportunities website is strongly preferred:
Jens-Erik Mai, Chair, Search Committee
140 St. George Street
Toronto, ON M5S 3G6, Canada
Phone: 416-978-7097
Fax: 416-978-5762
Email
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By Monica Sklar,
January 20th, 2009 at 5:00 am
(Uncategorized)
Lecturer in Dress and Textiles, The Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
“The Courtauld Institute of Art is the UK’s leading institution for teaching and research into the History of Art and the conservation of paintings, and has a distinguished history of scholarship and teaching in the History of Dress.
The Courtauld Institute of Art seeks to appoint a permanent full-time lecturer from September 2009. This appointment requires a familiarity with current debates in the cultural study of dress and textiles, and an active engagement with the theoretical dimensions of the subject. The post-holder will be required to teach on the BA Programme at the Courtauld Institute, offering courses focusing on dress and/or textiles that complement, enhance and extend the current teaching of primarily European and American art, and will also be expected to devise and teach a specialist topic at MA level. The capacity to offer this MA course in the historical period before 1850 will be an advantage, though the post-holder’s own research interests may encompass later developments.
We are looking for a scholar who will in due course attract PhD students of the highest calibre and who will maintain the Courtauld’s reputation as a premier research institute.”
Further details and an application pack can be downloaded here. Or email
Application deadline: January 30, 2009, 5pm
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By Lauren Michel,
January 16th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
(Teaching)
Picture a professor for a moment, if you will. Have it? Good.
Now picture a fashion professor. Different than the first? Or the same?
One of the biggest things on my mind as a relatively new instructor is presentation of self. Like any professional, or any professor, I want to appear knowledgeable (think consumer confidence). If I don’t look like I know something about fashion, I fear my appearance may undermine my authority.
There are three main forces that go into my fashion instructor wardrobe: 1) Wanting to fit in with my peers, and show them that I know something about my subject; 2) Giving my students the impression that I know something about fashion; and 3) Conveying both points 1 and 2 without being overly trendy. I wouldn’t want to look like a slave to fashion, now would I? As I move along the spectrum of self-confidence in my teaching abilities, my classroom attire has transitioned from khaki-pants-wearing-business-casual, to cookie cutter polyester suits, to the cliched fashionista all-black, to vanilla-vintage-goth-rockabilly, and I get the feeling that my look will always be in evolution.
If you are interested in learning more about college and university professors and their ideas of fashion, I recommend two articles from the Chronicle of Higher Education. Allison Schneider’s “Frumpy or Chic?” addresses job-hunting strategy. “Frump and Circumstance” is an interview with former Parson’s The New School professor, Tim Gunn, of Project Runway fame.
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By Monica Sklar,
January 15th, 2009 at 5:00 am
(Exhibitions, Uncategorized)
World of Wonder’s Storefront Gallery’s new exhibition is all about drag queens. Opening reception Thursday, January 15th at 8pm. Los Angeles, CA.
The WOW website says, “Jason Mercier’s RuPaul assemblage is just one of the many pieces on display at World of Wonder’s latest art show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” an extraordinary exhibit celebrating Ru’s return to series television in WOW’s reality show, RuPaul’s Drag Race (yep, same name), premiering February 2 on Logo. (*Note from Monica-the other photo is of Lady Bunny and the image is also in the show). The art exhibit at the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery (opening January 15 with a gala reception) was curated by the discerning RuPaul and will have more art by and about drag queens than has ever been assembled anywhere before. Of course, RuPaul is hosting the reception and his Drag Race contestants will perform live, sashaying and shantaying like future models. And you won’t want to miss the behind-the-seams retrospective of RuPaul’s most magnificent gowns and ensembles (including her iconic “Supermodel” outfit) culled from her 20-year career as a superstar.”
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By Monica Sklar,
January 14th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
(Academic Research & Related, Uncategorized)
While this is not a picture of me it may as well be!
I’ve had to do some edits on my dissertation proposal that are due tomorrow and I was somewhat unmotivated until recently a cold streak hit the Twin Cities and I have barely left the house–leaving me alone with my computer to settle in and get things done.
When I say cold, I mean it people—today’s temp is current -4F and is supposed to get down to -20F tonight with a wind chill of -25F. Yes true, that -20F was before wind chill. Hence, soon I’ll be reporting on all the new dissertation developments as I’m getting a ton done!
I will say my biggest challenge has been narrowing my subject matter, and specifically, figuring out a thematic focus. It’s tough when your topic is broad and there are multiple theories and concepts that apply equally well. Look for my updates soon.
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By Heather Vaughan,
January 14th, 2009 at 5:00 am
(Exhibitions, History of Dress, Uncategorized)
I returned from my trip to New York for the American Historical Association meeting last week, and will have a good number of posts to share with you from that trip. One of the first things I came across was the antique bookstore, Argosy, in midtown which had a good sized collection of Dior sketches for sale in their window.
According to Argosy:
“We purchased a large collection of Dior, Balmain and I believe some Givenchy plates from a decorator who was relocating his wealthy (elderly) client to Florida and was therefore down sizing. The Dior were by far the most exciting. I believe they date from the 70′s and 80′s and were done by various designers who worked for the House of Dior.”
Below are some of the photos of the sketches. Argosy is located at 116 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 and can be reached by phone at 212-753-4455, Fax 212-593-4784 or online at http://www.argosybooks.com.
Until Next Time,
Heather
www.fashionhistorian.net
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By Monica Sklar,
January 13th, 2009 at 5:00 am
(Jobs, Uncategorized)
The season is almost up for applying to academic jobs for Fall 2009.
Here are a few for which the due date is ASAP:
1.)
Assistant Professor
Apparel Production and Design
Central Michigan University
Full-time, 10 month tenure track Assistant Professor position in Apparel Merchandising and Design beginning August 18, 2009. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in apparel production and design methods including pattern making software and related technologies. The position requires the maintenance of a scholarly record to include publications and grant writing, as well as advising students, providing service to department, college, and university and professional involvement through appropriate professional organizations. Please visit Our website for more information about our curriculum, student and faculty accomplishments, and about Central Michigan University.
Qualifications:
Required:
Doctorate required, or ABD with degree awarded by date of hire with at least one degree in textiles and apparel or related area;
Evidence of teaching effectiveness;
Evidence of potential for successful research and scholarly activities;
Evidence of competence in working with pattern making software and related technologies; and
Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
Preferred:
Professional industry experience;
Fmiliar with apparel manufacturing processes;
Fashion illustration using a variety of media
Existing ties to industry; and
Record of active participation in professional organizations
Screening for all applications will begin on January 15, 2009 and will continue until filled. Applicants should submit a letter of application, current vita, official transcripts, and three current letters of recommendation.
Please send application materials to:
Dr. Seung-Eun Lee, Search Committee Chair
Department of Human Environmental Studies
205 Wightman
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Phone: (989) 774-2035
Fax: (989) 774-2435
2.)
Two Openings
Fashion Design and Retailing
Framingham State College
The Framingham State College Consumer Science Department seeks applications for two nine-month tenure track positions starting fall 2009. Both positions may involve undergraduate teaching in core courses such as: textiles, fashion designer to consumer, consumer behavior, and research methodology. Position one, in Merchandising, requires expertise in: fashion merchandising, consumer behavior, retail mathematics, world market, and/or retail technology. Position two, in Apparel Design, requires expertise in: apparel construction, product development, pattern making, and/or computer technology. Additional responsibilities include advising students, curriculum development, service to the college, and department. Framingham State College is dedicated to effective teaching.
Qualifications:
Related professional experience, scholarly competence, and evidence of effective teaching at the college level.
Position one: Earned doctorate, or ABD with specialization in merchandising.
Position two: Earned doctorate or masters degree in apparel design or related field.
The Program:
The Fashion Design and Retailing Program offers a Bachelor of Science degree, enrolling over 200 undergraduate students with concentrations in Apparel Design and Merchandising. The program has seven full-time faculty members.
Application Process:
Please apply online by submitting a cover letter and curriculum vitae For full consideration applicants must also submit via regular mail official transcripts and three letters of recommendation to:
Janet Schwartz, Chair
Consumer Sciences Department
100 State Street
Framingham, MA 01701
Deadline:
February 2, 2009 or until positions are filled
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