Oppression: A Creative Exploration based on Stigmatization of Clothing throughout History

https://kent-islandora.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ugresearch/2017/art_fashion/18/thumbnail.jpgThis research explored the concept of stigma in dress history and used it as creative inspiration. Clothing can make us identify as individuals or with groups, yet also can serve as vehicles for isolation and discrimination. These include religious oppression, constricted garments, sumptuary laws, along with language and nomenclature. Through primary and secondary research sources, instances of stigmatization through dress were identified. Primary sources included historic garments and testimonies of people who experienced stigma in their dress. Secondary sources included scholarly books and research that accounted for documented dress that stigmatized groups or individuals. These served as a foundation for creative exploration, producing five contemporary fashion looks and one example garment. The five looks comprise a fashion collection that takes its inspiration from history. Colors, fabrics, silhouettes, and accessories all represent this theme. This study expands our understanding of oppression within society and how we can learn to harness stigmas and use them as a tool for empowerment.