DRESS & DIPLOMACY

There is still much to learn about where, how and why diplomats are keys actors in the many ways the trade of textile and the culture of clothing is spread out on a global scale through time and space.
The research theme chosen by Corinne Thépaut-Cabasset for CTR's Research & Development day is presented through a series of case studies investigating the impact of diplomacy and secret service in the area of Dress and Textile.

The influence of diplomatic networks on fashion circuits has not yet attracted the attention of researchers in fashion history. Nonetheless the diplomatic archives conserve numerous documents of diverse types concerning directly the study of fashion and more generally that of taste. Attentive observers of the society of their time and of their contemporaries, diplomats, had an official and often political mission, thanks to marriages, births, dynastic events, celebrations of peace and treaties in which they participated in the place of their sovereign. They also served as intermediaries and indispensable relays in the movement of ideas, people and goods. Their role in the workings of the economy remains to be explored.

"Textiles and Diplomacy: Diplomats and Spies in the Early Modern Age", on 17th March 2016, was the first session of a series of conferences organized by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow, Corinne Thépaut-Cabasset, (Horizon 2020) at the University of Copenhagen.
“Dress and Diplomacy”, on 22sd March 2017, is the second part of the series.

Both experts and amateurs sharing an interest in how diplomats are a key factor in the trade and the dissemination of fashion across the globe are invited to share and discuss their thoughts during these sessions.

These sessions will take place at the Centre for Textile Research, University of Copenhagen, SAXO Institute, Karen Blixens Plads 8, 2300 Kbh S. CTR Library and meeting room 11B-1-05
They are open to the public and free of charge.

For further information and registration, please email:
Corinne Thépaut-Cabasset: ctc16hum.ku.dk

Program:

13h30: Introduction by Corinne Thépaut-Cabasset, University of Copenhagen and Mr François Zimeray, French Ambassador in Denmark

13h50: Corinne Thépaut-Cabasset, SAXO Institute: The Dress and the Ambassador

14h10: Kjerstin Vedel, PhD Fellow, National Museum of History, Frederiksborg: The Role of Dress in a Danish Diplomat’s Career: The case study of J.H.E.Bernstorff

14h30: Vivi Lena Andersen, archaeologist and curator, Museum of Copenhagen: Red heels: The symbol of a Power shift in 17th century Copenhagen

14h50: Katia Johansen, conservator: Dress to rule: Researching and publishing 10 Kings’ clothes

15h10: Birgitte Thaulow, Fashion designer: The Red Dress for Queen Margrethe of Denmark

15h30: Discussion and closing remarks