costume
society
bryn mawr college
A space for students of all levels who are interested in sewing, costume design, cosplay, dress history, and clothing of all kinds!
formerly historical costume society
symposium schedule spring 2024
bodies
s.U.I.T.S.
in costume studies
of work
April 26 & 27
Symposium for Undergraduate, Independent, and Technical Scholarship
Hosted by the Bryn Mawr College historical costume society
call for papers & projects
We are seeking submissions of all topics in the field of costume studies, especially those related to our theme, BODIES OF WORK. This might include, but is not limited to:
- dressing the working body (uniforms, workwear, dress codes)
- professionalizing the body (dancers, sex workers, actors, models, performers, etc.)
- textual bodies of work, and bodies as texts
- dialogues between costume studies and non-costuming, non-academic professions
- material and labor histories of clothing and textiles
- the rights and lives of garment workers, past and present
- working professionally in costuming-related fields
- the body as a site of work, production, and creation
SUITS is interested in pushing the boundaries of who can be included in costume studies. This means we are especially interested in submissions from those on the margins of traditional academia: hobbyists, undergraduates, theatre professionals, independent scholars, artists, and anyone who does not possess and is not currently pursuing a graduate degree (although graduate students and professional academics are also welcome to submit, especially if your work engages with our goals in other ways). As part of this mission, we also actively prioritize work engaged in trans studies, gender and sexuality studies, non-white cultures and histories, non-European dress, Indigenous dress, disability studies, and other disciplines underrepresented in the field at large.
We are excited to consider:
- academic research papers
- art pieces for display during the symposium
- presentations about completed or in-progress projects
- performance art pieces and personal essays
- panels, Q&A’s, and roundtable discussions
- workshops and classes
- anything else you think might fit into our event—if you’re not sure, reach out!
SUITS in costume studies will be hosted at Bryn Mawr College on April 26th and 27th. Participation and attendance are completely free. If the cost of travel to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania is prohibitive, reach out to us, and we will be happy to discuss solutions.
We are no longer accepting proposals. Thank you for all of your wonderful contributions! A finalized schedule will be available soon. In the meantime, please fill out this form to RSVP!
Bryn Mawr College welcomes the full participation of all individuals in all aspects of campus life. Should you wish to request a disability-related accommodation for this event, please contact the event sponsor/coordinator. Requests should be made as early as possible.
schedule
FRIDAY, APRIL 26th
1:00 pm Fabric Workshop and Museum Tour in Philadelphia
3:00 pm Introductory Rountable
8:00 pm Time Traveler’s Ball and Opening Ceremony
SATURDAY, APRIL 27th
9:00 am Coffee Hour
10:00 am - 6:00 pm SUITS Conference
The full conference schedule is now available here!