An exploration into the paradox of creating portraits through fashion design.

Abstract

Arguing against common sense notions of the relationship between fashion and identity, as that of portraying individuality. In this essay I use Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgical theory to argue that fashion portrays social identities by virtue of the general and shared markers that they make use of. In turn this highlights the paradox that drives the essay, namely how can one do portraiture through fashion? This is explored through three genres of dress; daily attire; uniform; and costume. Before I turn to developing my own methodological system to attempt the paradoxical!