This Fall, I will be teaching my first course on the history of interiors at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.I have been asked by some, "how will you make history interesting?", and my response to that (besides being slightly saddened that it's asked at all) is that everything - be it paintings, furniture, textiles, or architecture has been shaped by fashion, and fashion is fun! Seriously though, after understanding all the elements of a style, it becomes a tapestry as rich and vibrant as today. The connection between fashion and interior design is just one of the reasons why I'm thrilled to join the F.I.T. community.
But just in case my students need a little help igniting their interest in Gothic or Baroque, perhaps I'll help them by dressing in appropriate garb...
a little Cleopatra for antiquity
Kate working a snood for the Middle Ages
They won't dare to ask for an extension from Bette's Queen Elizabeth
16 comments:
Good luck with teaching - I like the premise. Just resigned my position for more free time.
EEE, I know it will be a sought after course.Thanks so for the mention. by the way have you seen Cheri, I hear it is sumptuous with all its costumes and sets- sounds like a must see- I missed by chance at the Carolina Theatre close by. Hum? I hate that! la
What, no "Barbarella?" Oh, your students will adore you and your fashionable self!
pve
Blue, it sounds like you are opening yourself up for new ventures and opportunities - I hope you'll keep us up to date....
la, ADORED Cheri. The sets and costumes were indeed to die for. Get in your car right this minute and drive to the nearest theater still playing it - I promise you won't be disappointed...
PVE, If I get to teach a 20th century class, then Barbarella is a must!
What a wonderful idea! Subject matter is only part of teaching. First you must obtain and retain attention and, hopefully, get your audience engaged. You'll be fab. You'll have to teach us on line what we missed in your class.
How I wish it was an online course so that I could be a student as well! What a fantastic class!!!
Home, I am going to draw the line at performing musical numbers, but how true indeed that just maintaining attention - for two hours straight no less - is half the trick.
Oh, what a fun class!! I'm with Peak of Chic, let us share some of it in your blog at least. I feel sure those students will have the most interesting history teacher they could ever dream up.
I can only imagine the Chinoiserie session...
This quotation is in the review of "Coco Before Chanel" today in the NY Times.
Chanel famously said:
"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with the ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
Sydney, YES! Fashion is so much more than dresses. The rulers of France since Louis XIV used this understanding to great effect!
EEE you will be a fantastic instructor! Don't sweat it. It will come together better than you think. I teach few courses on the history of ID to young, hungover college girls and they always sit up and pay attention when you throw in the saying "back then, a fashionable person always had to have this....". and then pepper it with a few tales of corsets crushing rib cages.
Please keep us updated through the semester. I am excited for you.
EEE. how can we sign up for your class?
Rex, I'm so flattered! It's class number ID121, Wednesdays from 2 to 4 - however, it looks like it's filled up already.... If you are interested in checking out FIT's course offerings, click here: http://www3.fitnyc.edu/continuinged/ConEd/Course_Information.htm
EEE
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