The smock frock was a nineteenth century utilitarian overall worn by male manual labourers and particularly associated with agricultural work. However, by 1915, the garment had appeared on the front cover of Vogue as an item of female clothing. This paper will trace how and why this change happened, considering the evolution of workwear and how it might move from functional dress to achieve high fashion status.
This series of lunchtime events brings together a roster of invited speakers to talk about their current research, and encourage discussion about dress history now. Each term academics, curators and dress and fashion industry professionals will share their insight and analysis of an aspect of dress and fashion history to provide a platform for new ideas and approaches to the subject.
Taking place over the lunch hour, these sessions are open to all.