All dress arises from the human “impulse to fashion” (Craik 2009) and is a highly significant expression of the individual and society. Fashion is a universal practice, with a diversity of systems and histories. This course focuses on and critiques the history of Euro-American fashion in the twentieth century. We consider such elements as silhouette evolution, the emergence and development of the designer, and the materiality of garments. We recognize that this evolution has occurred alongside worldwide fashion development, and has been deeply influenced by a broad range of cultures and practices. We seek to understand a diversity of fashion experiences and practices both within and outside the system, while acknowledging the limitations of that undertaking. This course is taught through image-based lecture and discussion-based recitation, as well as guest speakers and a wealth of supporting resources including virtual exhibitions, collections and archives as well as film, videos and text. Pathway: Fashion Studies, Design History

All dress arises from the human “impulse to fashion” (Craik 2009) and is a highly significant expression of the individual and society. Fashion is a universal practice, with a diversity of systems and histories. This course focuses on and critiques the history of Euro-American fashion in the twentieth century. We consider such elements as silhouette evolution, the emergence and development of the designer, and the materiality of garments. We recognize that this evolution has occurred alongside worldwide fashion development, and has been deeply influenced by a broad range of cultures and practices. We seek to understand a diversity of fashion experiences and practices both within and outside the system, while acknowledging the limitations of that undertaking. This course is taught through image-based lecture and discussion-based recitation, as well as guest speakers and a wealth of supporting resources including virtual exhibitions, collections and archives as well as film, videos and text. The lecture portion of this course will be offered asynchronously in Spring 2021, with select moments during the semester for us to come together as a collective group. Pathway: Fashion Studies, Design History