Wednesday, 2 June 2010

dissertation proposal

After my essay on cybercultures, I knew I didnt want to carry this on further into level 3. I decided I wanted a new direction which would hold my interest for 8000 words! My tutorial with Toby left me somewhat confused, but one of his suggestions got me interested. Abject and sexuality in fashion. I have looked into the abject in some of my previous projects, and I find it really interesting.

Some designers I could look into include; Galliano, McQueen, Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, Ann Demeulemeester, Rodarte, Shelley Fox.

The Powers of Horror, Julia Kristeva: a book on the abject and its relation to fear, love, death, religion, sexuality etc.

The History of Sexuality, Michel Foucault volumes 1,2 & 3

The Edge of Fashion: looks into the relationship between fashion and the abject (amongst other things) highlighting important designers/collections etc.

Fetish of the abject?

Feminism

How abject and sexuality relate through fashion.

Thursday, 22 April 2010

Essay Feedback

'Natalie

Some very interesting points here with lots to follow up if you wanted to. The whole subject of the web how it’s effecting the changing nature of fashion is an interesting subject and you could take it down a number of different paths:
1) The sociology of fashion. Look @ how the internet is changing the whole idea of ‘peer’ led fashion. As lookbook and facebook change what ‘peers’ means so ideas of influence change. Maybe consider the changing face of peer-led fashion from ‘friends’ to ‘facebook frends’. More Bauman ( Liquid Modernity esp) would help.
2) psychoanalysis. In particular, the obsession with the fetish of the virtual. Increasingly, it could be argued, we’re becoming more attuned to fetishising the virtual. But has this always been the case. Jacques Lacan’s idea of the petit objet a might merit a read here.
3) institutional critique (Marxism perhaps): how fashion uses the web to create new systems of consumption and production. The Frankfurt School (esp. Adorno) will help you find the language with which to take on more advanced states of capitalist production.
Generally, I liked the essay. But I do wonder if you’re heart really isn’t in it at times. If you’re interested in identity and fashion in cyberculture, say so. I think sometimes the essay tended to veer off and enter new areas (clearly define your terms ‘virtual’ ‘online’ and ‘cyber’ they’re not the same thing).
I would recommend a mark in the high 60s. It is well written and the reading shows evidence of an intelligent reading of cybercultures. I think we’re still not stuck on a clear method yet, but there’s time to develop this.
Lots of potential here Natalie, we just need to think about where we could take it.'

I agree with Toby, that my heart wasn't in it. I chose the subject out of desperation, almost, as time was running out. There were other things from different lectures which interested me more. Fairly pleased with a high 60, although obviously a first is essentially what I want. There are some interesting points that I could follow up, however I'm not sure my dissertation could lead on from this essay, as I dont think it could hold my interest enough.

Bibliography/Literature Search

Bauman, Z (2001) Community: Seeking Safety in an Insecure World, (Cambridge: Polity)

Bauman, Z (2001) Identity, (Cambridge: Polity)

Bauman, Z (2005) Liquid Life, Cambridge: Polity

Bauman, Z (2006) Liquid Fear, Cambridge: Polity

Bauman, Z (2000) Liquid Modernity, Cambridge: Polity

Bell, D and Kennedy B (2000) The Cybercultures Reader, London: Routledge

Dery, M (1996) Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the end of the Century, New York: Grove

Gauntlett, D and Horsley R (2000) Web.Studies, London: Arnold

Gauntlett, D (2008) Media, Gender and Identity: an Introduction, London: Routledge

Goffman, E (1990) Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, London: Penguin

Jenkins, R (2008) Social Identity, Oxon: Routledge

Jones, S (1997) Virtual Culture: Identity and Communication in Cybersociety, London: Sage Publications

Kennedy, B (2000) The Cybercultures Reader, London: Routledge

Woodward, K (1997) Identity and Difference, Milton Keynes: Open University Press

Merchant, G Identity, Social Networks and Online Communication (2006) http://www.wwwords.co.uk/pdf/validate.asp?j=elea&vol=3&issue=2&year=2006&article=9_Merchant_ELEA_3_2_web [Accessed on 22nd March 2010]

Prevos, P From Chicago to Frankfurt: Goffman and Marcuse on Identity (2006) http://www.prevos.net/ola/goffman_marcuse.pdf [Accessed on 21st March 2010]

Suler, J Identity in Cyberspace (Article revised 2000) http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/identitymanage.html [Accessed 21st March 2010]

http://www.blogger.com/
http://www.lookbook.nu/
http://www.mycelebrityfashion.co.uk/

Essay [already marked]

Essay draft 2


Essay Draft 1

Thursday, 15 April 2010

Burberry in 3D


Continuing with the 3D theme, Burberry have become the first fashion house to show their collection in 3D. The presentation, which was held at the Chelsea College of Art and Design, was streamed in real time, and shown at private locations in New York, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai and LA, where guests could watch the show in 3D.

It seems 3D is definatly the way things are headed...


'Those without private-screening room invitations could watch the show live in 2D at live.burberry.com and on global online news sites, as well as comment on the show in real-time, using their Facebook and Twitter accounts. And, instead of the usual six-month wait, the 'Burberry Cadet Girls Collection' - a military parade of naval reefer jackets and sheepskin aviator coats with zipped detailing - is already available on Burberry.com.' (http://www.wallpaper.com/fashion/burberry-streams-3d-fashion-show/4319)

As if fashion wasnt fast enough, as designers embrace new technology, I'm not sure I can keep up!