The lecture traces the social and cultural histories of fashion from the early 20th century to the present, and provides an overview over the historical significance of fashion in relation to cultural and social processes. The lecture has been entirely rewritten and henceforth focuses on diverse histories as part of a commitment to decolonize fashion history and fashion research. A particular focus will be placed on the exploration of histories about style and fashion from postcolonial, anti-colonial, decolonial and anti-racist perspectives.

This lecture aims to develop a broad understanding of the historical development of fashion and explores the values, ideas and aesthetic concepts underpinning historical and contemporary fashion cultures. Key fashion designers, styles, movements and events which have shaped fashion in the 20th and 21st centuries are examined in relation to the ways in which fashion communicates social identities and discusses concepts related to identity politics, gender, race and ethnicity.

Active student participation during the lecture is absolutely essential for this course. It is your responsibility to sign in every class, as attendance will be taken at the beginning of each meeting. Signing in for a previous day is not possible so be sure to sign in each day. Signing for another student is a form of academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated.

To receive full attendance credit you are expected to:

• Follow every lecture and to attend the entire Q&A session
• You are allowed to miss 1 Q&A sessiom but must excuse your absence in advance via e-mail

• Take notes during the lecture

Hand in a research portfolio at the end of the term (submission date: TBA)

The lecture will be held online: videos will be published bi-weekly and made available for students to watch ahead of the bi-weekly Q&A session on zoom. Details will be announced at the beginning of October.