Fashion Analysis: The Little Black Dress (LBD)
Task: Choose an article of clothing and analyze it.
Length:4 pages,approx.1,000 words.Submit with a printed copy handed in during the class on November 14.
What is covered in a Fashion Analysis?
-explores the history and origin of the article of clothing
-describes how the clothing is worn and utilized
-delves into the item's broader social context and its cultural meaning and significance
-articulates the issues that the clothing raises
Bibliography:3-4 academic sources (at least 1from the coursepack)
-books, catalogues,journal articles, reviews, interviews, etc.
-individual chapters in an edited anthology are considered as separate sources
-web articles from serious journals; or artists'Idesigners' etc. own websites
-readings from the package of course readings
-Google Scholar is a good place to start, see also OCAD Library databases
What's not scholarly enough (use only for initial orientation):wikipedia, encyclopedias, dictionaries, Amazon, promotional blurbs, biogs, twitter, etc.
What's an acceptable topic?
-an article of clothing, or an aspect of fashion
- the short readings from the week on Gender are good examples of short analyses
- the topic needs to be specific to be manageable: for example, "hat" is too broad, but "beatnik beret," "Indiana Jones' fedora," or "Kate Middleton's fascinator" would be fine
-can be in the art or design worlds, or something in culture at large
-can be historical or contempor ary, Western or global
-can follow up on something heard or viewed in class
-can be a review of a fashion-oriented exhibition, or an analysisof a single artwork
-TIP: find something that resonates with your interests and practice
What's not an acceptable topic? ·your own or a classmate's arh.vork (a topic needs to have published sources that can be researched)
Be sure to:
-integrate your research into the text and dialogue with them
-be consistent with citations:can be in either in-text or footnoteIendnote mode
-avoid plagiarism: it will result in a zero for this assignment and have other consequences
-follow my "5Tips" writing guidelines
Fashion Analysis: The Little Black Dress (LBD)
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Fashion represents changes in society, dynamics of culture, and personal identity rather than a fad. The Little Black Dress (LBD) constitutes a classic representation of beauty and functionality. The LBD, introduced by Coco Chanel, has gone against haute couture practices and remained an emblem of eternal adaptability. The LBD represents adaptation, autonomy, and an understated rebellion against societal norms throughout its existence. This paper explores the LBD's history, practical use, social context, and intricate concerns in fashion's constantly shifting tapestry.
History and Origin
LBD history demonstrates fashion transition, creativity, and defiance. Cattani et al. (2022) explore the entrepreneurial journey of Coco Chanel, which is fundamental to LBD history. They describe the emergence of Chanel from the fringes to the top of fashion design, forming LBD's origins. Chanel challenged the rigid and extravagant dress customs. Her idea proved innovative, considering that in the early 20th century, people embraced the LBD as an emblem of contemporary, masculine fashion, leading women to modern attire. Classic Chicago (2020) discusses Chanel's legacy. Chanel introduced a basic black day dress 1926, which American Vogue called 'the garment that all the world will wear.' The LBD's legacy began with this loose, casual, unadorned dress, which embodied modern women's attire.
The LBD's history mirrors societal changes in women's fashion. Kravets et al. (2020) analyze gender visibility in social entrepreneurship and the LBD's revolutionary effect on women's clothing. The 1920s saw a repudiation of traditional feminine ideals, and the LBD symbolized female emancipation and empowerment. In the mid-20th century, people associated LBD with cocktail hour, according to National