Minh-Ha Pham is the founder of Of Another Fashion, a blog dedicated to researching an overlooked history of culture, fashion and identity. Here, she explains the inspiration and drive behind the project, inviting everyone to fill in the blanks in our social history by contributing to this effort.
Since June 2010, I’ve been locating, collecting, and researching the sartorial ephemera of U.S. women of color for an existing website and prospective museum exhibition called “Of Another Fashion” — both of which highlight “the not-quite-hidden but too often ignored fashion histories of U.S. women of color.” Such ephemera include vintage family and found photographs, period advertisements and advertorials, retail packaging and garments and accessories of, by and about women of color. While these objects constitute a vibrant archive of women’s culture and U.S. mass culture, they’re rarely a part of major fashion museum exhibitions and library collections.
Recent exhibitions in New York City such as “Fashion and Politics” (the Museum at FIT), “American Woman, Fashioning a National Identity” (The Metropolitan Museum of Art), and “American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection” (Brooklyn Museum) have established the interconnections of fashion, collective memory, citizenship and belonging. Yet their emphases on formal politics, designer fashion and evening wear suggest that American fashion is constituted mainly through the experiences, histories and bodies of upper-class white women. Such a narrow curatorial focus limits the ways we see fashion and understand history. With “Of Another Fashion,” I’m trying to expand the curatorial and research frames of fashion history to include the rich and complex textures of the material cultures and embodied practices of U.S. women of color.
The neglect of non-elite, non-white fashion cultures and dress practices can be illustrated in a few ways. The hierarchy of fashion design (from haute couture to budget brands) implicitly devalues working class dress practices that are, for many women of color, a primary means of self-fashioning. Inevitably, the industry and institutional attitudes of biased libraries and museums are then transferred to and internalized by women of color themselves, many of whom do not see the value of saving their garments. The consequence of this neglect is that the material cultures of minoritized American women have been all but lost in fashion histories.
What documentation that does exist of these histories is mostly found in private photographs, personal remembrances and family folklore scattered across the country. Potentially, these are valuable historical resources that negotiate and contest the exclusions of official fashion histories, but because this archive is so diffuse, they’re highly inaccessible to the public as well as to students and researchers.
In assembling a collection of women of color’s sartorial ephemera, produced roughly between 1890-1990, the aim of this project is twofold. I hope “Of Another Fashion” helps ameliorate the curatorial neglect of women of color’s fashion histories. I also hope that a collection of personal objects and memories will produce an alternative mode of historical knowledge that is based not simply on an archive of facts (dates, designers, design styles, etc.) but rather, to adapt a phrase from the queer performance scholar Ann Cvetkovich, an archive of feelings. In providing a glimpse of minoritized women’s fashion histories, the aim of “Of Another Fashion” is to commemorate lives and experiences too often considered not important enough to record or to study.
Want to get involved in Minh-Ha’s project? Contribute your history.
170 comments
Sign in to add your ownAvianInspirations says:
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! An awesome project on so many different levels. I would love to get involved.
2 years ago
AliceCouture says:
Really interesting project and beautiful photos!! Thanks :D
2 years ago
immaculatethreads says:
A great project. I wish you well :)
2 years ago
chainchainchained says:
good luck!
2 years ago
muinamir says:
Awesome! I'll spread the word about this.
2 years ago
riorita says:
Oh! Now that you talk about it, I realize how very true! Most enlightening!
2 years ago
EatenApple says:
A really important part of fashion that needs more attention, great article! :D
2 years ago
hollycrayon says:
I really this. all the photographs so far are just so wonderful and interesting :)
2 years ago
briecook says:
This is an amazing project you're working on and I'll be sure to spread the word and possibly submit.
2 years ago
fringestk says:
This is a wonderful subject to bring to light.
2 years ago
Mclovebuddy says:
that's a great project. i'll keep an eye out for pictures. :)
2 years ago
archivioGotico says:
A very inspiring article. The photos are really really fascinating and the blog is super.
2 years ago
mlingier says:
Thank you for putting this out into the world. I feel empowered by just reading the article. Good luck with the project.
2 years ago
tamallama says:
Wonderful! Will be sure to keep my eyes open in my travels. All the best!
2 years ago
abelabodycare says:
A very worthwhile project to bring some awareness to. Best of luck!
2 years ago
linguaNigra says:
Finally someone highlighting something like this! You don't see it a lot. When I look at fashion blogs I hardly ever see women of color, this is very refreshing. Thanks for adding some color Etsy.
2 years ago
ikabags says:
Very inspiring article.
2 years ago
minoubazaar says:
This is awesome--I'll see if I can contribute something from my mom's generation.
2 years ago
ShoponSherman says:
Interesting subject.
2 years ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Interesting and great project. Thanks for sharing and good luck.
2 years ago
wahlrus says:
What an interesting project! Thanks for sharing! EtsyLove from, Jamie
2 years ago
ThePattypanShop says:
Very interesting and truly inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
PaintedHorse says:
What an interesting, worthwhile and cool project! Thanks for sharing. I wish you much success with it.
2 years ago
Pipkyn says:
What an amazing idea! Our social history is so important for understanding ourselves and where we might be going and projects like this demonstrate it perfectly.
2 years ago
PaintedHorse says:
Minh-Ha, I just visited your blog and it is fascinating! Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos - please keep it up.
2 years ago
Dewella says:
Thanks to Etsy for drawing attention to such a great project! I hope a museum exhibition is in your near future!
2 years ago
mpham617 says:
Thank you all so much for the support! Please consider contributing relevant vintage photographs - this project CANNOT happen w/o crowdsourcing!
2 years ago
sadiedesignsca says:
What a beautiful project! Very inspiring.
2 years ago
strawberryluna says:
This is an awesome project, so rad. I will keep an eye out for anything that might help. And I am in love with the ladies in the first 2 photos in particular.
2 years ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Amazing project! Good luck! =)
2 years ago
WoodlandCottage says:
What an outstanding and worthwhile project! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and inspiring story!
2 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
What fabulous cloche hats in the first photo... & a mention must be given to the extremely sharply dressed gentlemen sitting behind the glamorous ladies too!
2 years ago
thelittlemarket says:
Fabulous project! Love the amazing photos!!
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
Wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing. Good luck to you.
2 years ago
myvintagecrush says:
Love this! I could get lost in these pictures forever, thanks to Etsy for the heads up on a great new favorite blog!
2 years ago
SugarCubeVintage says:
amazing project & pics!
2 years ago
ThatOldBlueHouse2 says:
Fantastic project! What insight we can glean from old photos! Will keep an eye out for the vintage postcards that depict women of color, also.
2 years ago
Melony says:
What an absolutely breathtaking blog. The photographs are stunning and say so much. I wish I could sit across a kitchen table and visit with all these women!
2 years ago
vintageNsome says:
how wonderful, the pic above by the way is one of my fav's my grandparents were a stylish pair and i'll be sure to submit their images.
2 years ago
MechelleDesigns says:
Thanks for doing this! I have this awesome photo of my mom all dressed up with a hat, suit, and pumps.
2 years ago
TheNovelSage says:
What an incredible project! I so agree that no one ever researches the fashion of working class Americans. I'm glad to see someone's finally looking into it. =)
2 years ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Wishing you all the best! Great project :)
2 years ago
mylenefoster says:
This project is an important one considering that these kinds of photos are hard to come by in very good condition. Keep up the good work!
2 years ago
RhettDidntGiveADamn says:
This is wonderful. :)
2 years ago
localcolorist says:
San Francisco, my hometown since 1949, enjoyed a lively and artistic African American community, 35 % of the population out of 800,000 total population until Reaganomics of the 1980's. Dot com inflation in the 1990's reduced the African American population to 3.5 % SF is no longer Paris of the West. And it may look pretty , but it is tragically boring now. Our former section of town, where there were all kinds of Jazz Clubs, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, every great Jazz musician who ever lived, played in the Fillmore District. It is now a Disneyfied District, allegedly quaintly renamed the Jazz Historical District, is now too expensive for any artist to live in, and there is only one really fancy jazz nightclub, $ 30 or more. The black women of SF dressed beautifully back in the day, with very little money and a whole lot of clever style. Inspiration is only possible for me in SF these days by mining memories. Thank you very much for your research project.
2 years ago
FistCityVintage says:
Thanks for sharing! This just made my day :)
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
This is just wonderful!! Thank you for sharing, and I too, will spread the word. :)
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Fascinating project, I'm sure it'll create an exciting archive!
2 years ago
phoenix2000k says:
Amazing project. I would love to contribute photographs for your project. Best Wishes!
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
Great idea, I always love to look back at old photos and see how life really was like back then. Wishing you wonderful success on your project!
2 years ago
seesong says:
Wonderful article. I wish this project will bring much needed attention to efforts to archive and preserve aspect of past we seldom talk about. History and the "archive of feeling" are there, we just need to look just below the surface.
2 years ago
aorta says:
AWESOME.
2 years ago
TeaAtHomeWithOlivia says:
I totally love this article. Through the years I also have collected photos of women of color in beautiful fashion of their day. Thank you Minh-Ha. Look forward to your project unfolding. Hugs and kisses, Olivia and Chaco
2 years ago
bezaleljewels says:
Love the photos, beautiul
2 years ago
bezaleljewels says:
oops I ment beautiful
2 years ago
stubborndog says:
What a terrific project! I'll pass this along.
2 years ago
MissHildebrandt says:
'Golden Dragon Open Mess' is the best shot! Yes, an interesting read.
2 years ago
beatyboutique says:
Amazing article
2 years ago
lauraprentice says:
This is an incredible article, thanks Etsy! For those interested, this is a flickr user I have been following for quite some time. She posts her EXTENSIVE and incredible collection of black history in print. She has posted various print ads, magazines chronicling black history back to the 1800s. Please take some time to look through and be utterly amazed! http://www.flickr.com/photos/vieilles_annonces/
2 years ago
ddfoto says:
What an amazing project!
2 years ago
SafetyThird says:
Excellent. and what a flickr resource!
2 years ago
DrVintage says:
So very interesting! Thanks lauraprentice, going to check Flickr out now.
2 years ago
MetroGypsy says:
Beautiful...
2 years ago
danapereabloede says:
love the article, love the project, great to see fashion and what's behind it from women of color
2 years ago
Jay1989 says:
A very interesting article.
2 years ago
dragonflylace says:
This is an amazing project! It's time the focus was on those beautiful women of color, who were (& still are) gorgeous in every color under the rainbow. Also, the public needs to know that a huge chunk of fashion inspiration comes from those geographical places that women of color came from, be it Kenya, the West Indies, San Fransisco, New York, Or Paris! Us white girls can only strive & hope to look as Beautiful! Good luck with this fantastic project!
2 years ago
stepbackink says:
Wonderful topic :) Sam
2 years ago
Angeline222 says:
Minh-ha, Wonderful vintage photos...they are gems! PS: Love that "micro-mini" dress on that pretty girl in that 1970 shot. I wonderf how she sat down? A.
2 years ago
Angeline222 says:
Minh-ha, Wonderful vintage photos...they are gems! PS: Love that "micro-mini" dress on that pretty girl in that 1970 shot. I wonder how she sat down? A.
2 years ago
Blambert1 says:
This is such a great topic! I love the whole idea of it. Beautiful pictures. Good luck with this amazing project!
2 years ago
kuhlalbo says:
It is always been fascinating to me how each and everyone of us have a story to tell...how a tiny piece of our lives become a patch on the quilt of the world's history. It is a beautiful thing! Good luck to you!
2 years ago
JellyBeadIt says:
What an interesting article I will start looking through old pictures.
2 years ago
isewcute says:
fascinating!!!
2 years ago
sashakr says:
i can't tell you the number of times over the years i've tried to search online for images of non-white women and the ways they have imagined to dress themselves. it's close to impossible to find anything besides some photos of members of the black panthers and has been so discouraging so many times (and i'm a white woman, so the disappointment for me was not also accompanied by a lack of representation as it is for others...). so excited to see what you'll uncover and compile:))
2 years ago
littledarlingstorage says:
Beautiful pictures.
2 years ago
sweetiepiesuite says:
this is a wonderful project! i am always very interested in other cultures history, etc. fashion is such a huge part of history, all cultures included. good luck with your searching!
2 years ago
pearldelta says:
Wonderful project!
2 years ago
brahmanda says:
awesome project, and I'm following the tumblr too ♥
2 years ago
SillyDillyVintage says:
Great article! Thanks for the work you're doing.
2 years ago
grimmandgrete says:
Wow! what an amazing project, the best of luck to you. I must admit, I've never seen a picture of women of colour in what looks like 1920s fashion. So very cool to see. Thanks for sharing♥
2 years ago
ee333 says:
Ha... Tomorow I will be searching through magazines and photos.. :) TY 4 sharing... *cheers*
2 years ago
fustian says:
This is such a fantastic blog, thanks for sharing it!
2 years ago
RawEdgesStudio says:
Thank you so much for sharing this important work. When I look at these images, I see my mother, my aunts, my grandmother in a way that I've only ever seen before in personal family photos. As a fashion history buff and a woman of color, I can't tell you how important these images are to me. Thank you!
2 years ago
theroyal says:
really awesome concept. great job
2 years ago
SassySisterVintage says:
a really interesting article! I collect vintage photography and especially love the pics of women/fashion. It's fascinating to look at the faces of those of the past (especially women), what they're wearing and wonder about their lives. I never gave a lot of thought to if they were of color (or not). I will definitely be more observant now.
2 years ago
AmberGypsySky says:
these are great keep up the good work and happy hunting
2 years ago
mdsc1 says:
I Love it. Good Luck with your great idea.
2 years ago
judipence says:
Fabulous idea and such delicious photographs! I can't wait for more!
2 years ago
maaretsinkko says:
It's wonderful to know that you care so much to spend this time in bringing this vignette of women to a wider audience. A new pair of shoes, a new dress. the same emotions then and somehow it has faded because we have too much.
2 years ago
LaBohemeBijoux says:
Minh-Ha, I applaud you on this awesome project. I love fashion history and photography so I will be faithfully following your blog. In your research I wonder if you have come across the book Threads of Time, The Fabric of History by Rosemary E. Reed Miller? It's a favorite of mine and might be a valuable resource for your project. All the best!!
2 years ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
...mmmm ....there is beauty everywhere ♥
2 years ago
ModernMode says:
Amazing. I will certainly be following your work!
2 years ago
artspell says:
this is awesome- I'm so happy to see someone recognizing this. I frequently look through very old photos of my grandmother and her sisters (beautiful AA women) from the 30's, with great admiration for their style.
2 years ago
mpham617 says:
I'm absolutely overwhelmed by all this blog love! It's so wonderful to know that this project is resonating w/ you - please do contribute your photos and stories, though. Without them, this project can't happen.
2 years ago
Bumbleweedz says:
This is intriguing, I love looking at the photos'
2 years ago
iWALLS says:
Fascinating article! I love the photographs! I can hardly wait to see more!
2 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Thank you for sharing this very inspiring article with us that's the beauty about women of color we come in such a variety of color we are truly a rainbow.
2 years ago
cattuslavandula says:
Oh, that pic of the three Chicago women in their church gear brings back memories! As a metro Detroiter, I will always remember seeing African American church ladies. They seemed so different from everyone else back in the early 1970's, when I was a kid. In a decade known for poor fashion tastes, the church ladies were dressed to the nines, right down to gloves and hats. The Hats!!! The colors!!! To this day, African American church ladies in metro Detroit are among the best turned out women in the area. I admire their style a great deal; spying a group outside a church is akin to finding a surprise garden in full bloom. Thank you for this most delightful article and project!
2 years ago
LVKPaperDolls says:
Very interesting! Thank you for exploring and sharing this topic.
2 years ago
jungledread says:
The recording and study of history, has been streamlined into what has deemed to be "important". Too often the broad study of "History" covers only the histories of Europe, England, or America but covers little (if nothing) of China, Japan, India, Africa, Russia etc unless they intercept negatively with "Western" history. The study of history needs to reflect the history of our planet! Otherwise, title it "Western history" rather than the presumptuous title "History"
2 years ago
poorjimsvintage says:
HOORAY FOR FAMILY HISTORY!
2 years ago
honeydipjewels says:
Wow, beautiful! I am a woman of many colors and can't begin to tell you how touching and exciting this is. I love the many sides of all of me and my beautiful ancestors who continue to inspire me with with their elegance, style and so so much more. Ground breaking, earth shaking stuff! Lots of Love from Canada.
2 years ago
PippiHepburn says:
Minha, you are so wonderful. What a lovely idea. I love this project and will search for some photos to give you. My Mom was a black diva before that word was thrown around so easily, and so were her friends. I love this photo of the black woman in the snug hats, all sitting on the bleachers. I will see you in FB. Thank you!
2 years ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Good luck , History is great
2 years ago
smashman says:
Wonderful article, incredibly interesting. A part of history that I haven't heard (or sadly) thought about.
2 years ago
BijouxOdalisque says:
I absolutely adore the photo of the women all sitting side by side in their cloche hats...stunning!
2 years ago
SusannahsEmporium says:
Love the 1st photo with all those ladies in their different cloches. The lady in the micro mini, when I look at the date, I think, that feels like yesterday for me. I was 14 in 1970!
2 years ago
ThePidge says:
An amazing project and some beautiful photos, I want to see more!
2 years ago
battysbath says:
What a wonderful project! It's great to see attention bring brought to neglected pieces of history! I'm always inspired when I see people speaking out for things that are neglected, ignored, or forgotten. Thanks so much for this wonderful post and all the best with the project!
2 years ago
Akilha says:
I am in love with this project. My mama has some amazing family photos I'll see if she lets me submit them. Great article.
2 years ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
This is such a valuable and worthwhile project. The photos are so beautiful. Well done!
2 years ago
artofjane says:
what an interesting project.
2 years ago
TickleKnitsandCrafts says:
What an amazing project! Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
minusOne says:
A fantastic piece and project. Thanks for this post.
2 years ago
mandymoomoo says:
As a fellow historian I applaud your efforts! Good luck on your research and seeing it become a museum display. I will keep my eyes peeled for items that would help you!
2 years ago
minusOne says:
...though instead of labeling individuals with the reductive and static identity "upper class white women", the author may wish to describe the major-canon fashionistas as "women with access to the privileges - both economic and social - of upper-class white culture".
2 years ago
thefinishingtouchllc says:
Awesome project, I love it!
2 years ago
griffinhouse says:
I love your work. Thank you for representing ALL women!
2 years ago
caradesigns says:
My boyfriend and I were just discussing how things I see in fashion mags and on "style icons," are almost never the things I see on "ordinary" women, of ANY color. The ads for "affordable" outfits at $500 in the magazines are laughable. I think much of the style world, not just the historical segment of it, is out of touch with real life. What a lovely project! And what lovely pictures of beautiful women. I love the last one; how she's holding her skirt like that. Her face tells you that she knows she looks great.
2 years ago
HellsSewingCircle says:
A brilliant idea, just like these photographs.
2 years ago
NadinGlassico says:
Love the amazing photos!!
2 years ago
mk111333 says:
Thank you for researching "Of Another Fashion" - a very much neglected topic needing exploration and illumination.
2 years ago
Gamut says:
The men of course also-another great project. My mother's family was creek and cherokee-I will look though our old photos!
2 years ago
VeraVague says:
beautiful article! love the caption at the bottom of the photo "golden dragon open mess" thanks for doing this!
2 years ago
applecake88 says:
this is amazing. It makes me sooo happy. I am anticipating your exhibit and I'll definitely be reading your blog/website.
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Gosh I love old photos and all the more interesting to see subjects of color. Keep 'em comin'!
2 years ago
OdodoOriginals says:
This is beyond excellent! I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition. Good luck.
2 years ago
ladybirdsewshernest says:
How interesting. Reminds me of the "Cottage Industry" project at Spoleto Festival in 2002 by Morgan Puett: http://www.jmorganpuett.com/cottageindustry/index.html This project explored working class fashions in the South and Puett designed a line of clothing based on her research.
2 years ago
HisBlessings says:
So proud of you! Keep up the good work! If any of the women in my small town can help I will help direct them to you. I know Gloria, one of our pastors will be very interested in this project. God Bless!
2 years ago
bedouin says:
so interested ~ much continued success
2 years ago
fifthroad says:
this is great! recently saw a kickstarter photo project on the same topic - glad to see this being brought to the forefront!
2 years ago
fifthroad says:
oh kickstarter link in case you're interested: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1136206067/the-fifties-a-tale-in-black-and-white-a-photograph
2 years ago
TheVintageDesignShop says:
Wonderful project! I wish you the best of luck with your research. Your research is exciting and much needed! :)
2 years ago
EmilyMagpieMoments says:
Fantastic! The first photograph is absolutely stunning, it really makes me smile :)I just wish I had something to contribute to this project!
2 years ago
PlumeandPetals says:
Thanks for the wonderful article~! It is truly a wonderful project =)
2 years ago
tonyaboezi says:
Bravo, looking at the history from a different perspective, very refreshing!
2 years ago
TheLetterboxPress says:
Such a fantastic blog, love it
2 years ago
pleiades7 says:
I was amazed to see this featured on etsy. Such a wonderful project.
2 years ago
greatestfriend says:
This is AWESOME! I look forward to delving deeper and sharing with peers, this is so great.
2 years ago
GoshnPoche says:
This is a wonderful, wonderful project. All the best.
2 years ago
lucysnowephotography says:
Very inspiring project!
2 years ago
themadcapheiress says:
This is a much needed project in fashion academia. I've belonged to museum costume institutes in New York and Arizona. This is one of the most interesting and relevant projects I've come across. Thanks, Minh-Ha! A'esha
2 years ago
rahs914 says:
This is an awesome entry! I'm a sucker for antique and vintage photos. There's something special and evocative about them.
2 years ago
ara133photography says:
That is truly fascinating, and i love the photos!!
2 years ago
Selloholicmom says:
beautiful project and very important point..
2 years ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
I think women of every color have been neglected. Only major fashions are saved and shown. How Mom really lived and what she wore and where her fashions came from have all been deemed unworthy of study. Thank you for trying to save the lives of one group of real women Moms,daughters,sisters.
2 years ago
NaturalGlam says:
Such a brillant project! I so love it.
2 years ago
Omiya says:
Great project, fascinating!!! thank you for sharing. love the photos:+)
2 years ago
girliepains says:
Beautiful people
2 years ago
mashulu says:
*GASP* I LOVE this! I will definately be checking out the blog. Great article!
2 years ago
perebags says:
So fantastic!!! Going to check out your blog...
2 years ago
shoebx says:
very interesting article; cute photos too.
2 years ago
redemptionart says:
OMG, I would love to contribute fashion photos of Polynesian women from that era. Western influenced, yet with a touch of the islands...going to your website now. Aloha, Connie
2 years ago
ArtisanGerard says:
Delightful read :)
2 years ago
SaraWen says:
A wonderful project! Wish I still had my old family photos.
2 years ago
HihloStudio says:
Wow, such an amazing and inspirational project. Best of luck!
2 years ago
daisyvortex says:
Love the old photographs, thanks!
2 years ago
wortsandcunning says:
Fantastic! Very happy that Minh-Ha Pham's project is featured on Etsy. Be sure to check out her other blog/project on fashion and politics with Mimi Thi Nguyen - http://iheartthreadbared.wordpress.com. Conversations on politics, fashion, who gets seen and how they get seen are important and I hope to see more articles like this on Etsy!
2 years ago
TheNightjar says:
thanks for your input about such an important subject-very interesting!! Etsy! wake up and remove the nonsense above what i wrote please!!
2 years ago
kawaiinese says:
Very well done!!
2 years ago
KitKatCabaret says:
Women have a voice, beautiful, well toned melody, Yet needing to project across ears of those that do not see them as bright, intellectual, sentient beings, We are creatures that love our families, hope for joy and satisfaction in our careers and crave respect and dignity
2 years ago
Tessadacat says:
I am impressed with this young lady's work. I am also grateful that she has taken the time to document something as overlooked as the fashions of women of color; usually seen only in old movies and some magazines. I wish nothing but the best for you. Thank you.
2 years ago
MaryXK says:
The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation holds a collection of photographs of African-American families and community events, Williamsburg, VA, approx 1947-1954. These photographs include: homecoming at Bruton Heights High School (young women in suits and corsages), Church events, Weddings, Night Clubs, Social Club meetings, etc. The clothing in these photographs is notable.
2 years ago
StitchingInCircles says:
I found your blog through the Fug Girls's blog, and I am happy to see that you are being featured on Etsy too! Can't wait to share this great feature on my blog, www.stitchingincircles.blogspot.com .
2 years ago
MasonRabbitsPaperie says:
Thank you for doing this! I truly can't wait to see how everything turns out!!!
2 years ago
CarolineTaleski says:
How facinating! I will follow your every word.
2 years ago
EbonyButterfly says:
This is an unbelievable undertaking!! I was just looking at vintage fashions and patterns, feeling as though they were costumes belonging to another type of woman in history. Namely, a non-black one. I was thinking that I should ask my grandmother's for some old photos to see how they dressed then and now I've found your blog! I am so excited to get my hands on some pictures now!
2 years ago
greeen says:
How beautiful to see history of women of color as it relates to fashion. There's extreme under representation of women of color advertising artifacts from the past, I can't really get my hands on much..it's a needle in a haystack but family photos are definitely where it's at! I think this is a lovely, inspiring and much needed project!
2 years ago
Craftyfoxy says:
This is a really interesting idea and one I never thought about. In looking at the pictures posted here, I have to say that, to my untrained eye at least, the fashions of women of color don't look all that different than the period fashions of white women. I'll be curious to see in what ways and to what extent fashion varied by race, as opposed to income, which is what I've always noticed, at least in older fashions, to be the source of sartorial difference. Interesting stuff!
2 years ago