Fashion Research Collection
About the FRC
The School of Fashion centres Inclusive, Decolonized and Sustainable perspectives and positions the School as a place to inspire positive action and innovation grounded in social and environmental justice.
Our main goal for the Fashion Research Collection (FRC) is to expand the archive by adopting these principles to further build the collection as a place that includes the perspectives and histories of diverse groups. In support of this goal, we encourage research and conversations from our students, faculty, visiting scholars, and community that promote an inclusive, sustainable and decolonized fashion system.
We also recognize that we’re at the beginning of this journey and that there is much work to do in order to achieve a truly inclusive and equitable collection but we are excited by the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
Eve Townsend
FRC Coordinator
As the FRC Coordinator, Eve manages the FRC team and is responsible for the overall maintenance of the collection, including the cataloguing, organization and evaluation of new acquisitions. She looks forward to welcoming you to the FRC and to introducing you to our collection.
Interested in visiting the FRC? Make an appointment.
Current & Past Collaborations
Analysis of a 20th-century Boudoir Cap
Madison Schmidt examines a woman’s boudoir cap, tying it to notions of femininity and gender relations. A visual analysis of a 1900s mob cap (FRC1986.09.017) inspires the making of a crocheted cap to explore technique and practice. This creative project was completed for FS8002 History and Theory I, taught by Dr. Alison Matthews David for the MA Fashion program.
Imagining a Future of Disposability: Paper Fashion
Bianca Garcia reflects on the relationship between the marketing of the paper dress as new technology and the futuristic thinking around outer space in the late 1960s. By drawing inspiration from a 1960s paper jumpsuit (FRC2014.07.001), Garcia created a graphic poster utilizing collage. This creative project was completed for FS8002 History and Theory I, taught by Dr. Alison Matthews David for the MA Fashion program.
1920s mesh handbag
This fashion object was analyzed by MA Fashion student Anna Pollice in Fashion Beyond the Clothed Body taught by Dr. Esther Berry. Pollice shared, Dr. Mida, FRC Coordinator, played an instrumental role in guiding her through the research.
FRC2014.07.600
1930s Box of Lady Invisible Hair Pins
Used by Jaclyn Marcus, MA Fashion graduate for her course Fashion Beyond the Clothed Body taught by Dr. Esther Berry. Marcus’ interest in the Lady Invisible hair pins was piqued by their simplicity; surrounded by the often-intricate artifacts found at the FRC, the hair pins were unique.
FRC204.07.555
1860s Baby Boots & 1990s Frock Coat
Used by Ekaterina Soboleva, Fashion Design student for her course FSN 712 Creativity in Design taught by Danielle Martin. Soboleva’s inspiration came from her childhood in Russia, as well as artifacts from the FRC, and she combined these inspiration to design cool, structured menswear looks.
FRC2014.07.093ab, FRC2006.01.023