The Fashioning Theory Research Seminar Series was created in order to investigate some of the most current fashion theories, instigating a critical discussion on the effects of theoretical discourse within today’s industry practices. The seminar focuses specifically on the ‘transatlantic connections’ between a variety of theorists and their different cultural perspectives in order to further enhance our understanding of the world of fashion studies as a whole.
Our second Fashion Theory Research Seminar was held on November 8th, 2017, led by Dr. Paul Jobling of the University of Brighton. During the seminar, Jobling referred to his book Fashion Spreads: Word and Image in Fashion Photography Since 1980. Using Roland Barthe’s text The Fashion System, Jobling discussed the semiotics of fashion spreads, using examples from late 1980s and early 1990s menswear editorial spreads in Arena and The Face. He unpacked the rhetorical intertextuality of these spreads to discuss more generally the cultural connotations packed within fashion images, especially pertaining to messages surrounding masculinity.
Jobling’s talk was followed up by Laurent de Stutter of Vrije Universiteit Brussels. De Stutter introduced the metaphysical aspect of Barthe’s text, asking Jobling and attendees to consider the idea of a law of fashion. The conversation that followed was enriching, with many questions by attendees and further conversation between Jobling and de Stutter that deepened considerations of Barthe’s The Fashion System.
The next Fashioning Theory Research Seminar discussion, it will take place on February 7th, 2018 at 6:30 PM in the Gallery at Parsons Paris. It will feature a lecture by Agnès Rocamora from the University of the Arts, London.
Words: Philippa Nesbitt
Photo Above: Ariel Stark
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing
