The exhibition showcases the College of Home Economics’ costume collection and marks the series of events for its 50th year celebration. It represents choice pieces from the collection of dresses from as early as the 1930s to the 1970s. The exhibition aims to explore the costume and dress within socio-cultural contexts through the following themes: body, clothing and feminine ideals; women, family and society; craft, technology and the arts.
These shed light on roles expected of women, within family and Philippine society in the periods covered by the collection. Clothing in the context of daily life is explored through vignettes and narrative accounts that attempt to transport viewers to the historical period referenced. The role of the College in shaping notions of family and family-life is highlighted through the exhibit themes.
Island displays are proposed for each theme. The costumes from the collection are vital elements of the displays and used as starting point to explore the themes, thus, the displays bring together objects and texts that converge through dress.
Write-up from What’s Up? (July-August 2011 Issue)