What is it about?
A review of an online exhibition, curated by the team at the Westminster Menswear Archive, who collected, photographed, and exhibited an important collection of face coverings that had been produced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These ranged from mass produced disposable face coverings through to high-end designer pieces.
Featured Image
Photo by Bára Buri on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This exhibition catalogues a hugely important moment in the 21st century, and identifies both how medical manufacturers and large fashion houses responded to the need for face coverings, but it also fundamentally questions what a face covering is and what impact their creation (and wear) has had on the public's imagination and identity.
Perspectives
Having previously conducted research with Savile Row tailors, I was fascinated to see how quickly these London based makers responded to their clients need for face coverings. This exhibition takes an important look at how quickly a new garment can move from the realm of necessity into one of luxury.
Dr Joshua M Bluteau
Coventry University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Undercover—From Necessity to Luxury: The Evolution of Face Coverings during COVID-19, Fashion Theory, October 2022, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/1362704x.2022.2129138.
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