March 12, 2017

Dress & Diplomacy [22 March 2017, Copenhagen]


Invited talks: Kjerstin Vedel, PhD Fellow at Museum of National History at Frederiksborg. Vivi Lena Andersen, Archaeologist and Curator at the Museum of Copenhagen. Katia Johansen, Conservator. Birgitte Thaulow, Fashion designer

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, South Campus, Karen Blixens Plads 8 (KU2, 1rst Floor, Library & Meeting room 11B-1-05), 2300 Kbh S.  They are open to the public and free of charge. 



For further information and registration, please email:  

Corinne Thépaut-Cabasset: ctc16@hum.ku.dk

Centre for Textile Research/SAXO Institute University of Copenhagen
Wednesday 22sd March 2017 13.30-15.30
KU2 Karen Blixens Plads 8
CTR Library and meeting room 11B-1-05

Research & Development Day
Convened and introduced by Corinne Thépaut-Cabasset
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow