IN2FROCC – International and interdisciplinary network for research on children and clothing
As an important part of children’s material culture, children’s clothing helps to shape their social identity, gender and age, as well as developing their sensitivity and fostering their interactions with their environment. The focus on children’s education and well-being has never been greater, and their voices are being prioritised in shaping an inclusive future. Thus, studying their clothing behaviour provides a better understanding of their capacity for agency. With the recent increase in projects focusing on children’s heritage and material culture, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of their interactions with clothing.
This group brings together historians, anthropologists, sociologists, ethnologists, museum curators, children’s services professionals, designers, industry representatives and children themselves, as part of a study of children’s clothing across the globe, through time and across social ecosystems. This international and interdisciplinary network aims to engage in current research on dress codes, fashion and children’s clothing in an innovative, inclusive and organic way.
Collaborative research project – “Bespoke women’s clothing (1750–1930)”
The group comprises 32 international members, including university lecturers, museum professionals and independent historians. The following objectives have been set: “ A comparative study of the material culture, design, manufacture, retail and consumption of made-to-measure clothing for and by women, across all market segments, between 1750 and 1930”. We are examining this issue in the context of the struggle waged by women from all social classes for social, economic and political inclusion between 1750 and 1920. Divided into several small research groups, members are exploring numerous aspects of the broad theme of made-to-measure women’s clothing.
