Semester of Graduation

Summer 2024

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This research explores the history of Anne Fogarty, a prominent woman fashion designer from the 1950s until the mid-1970s. Her early designs perpetuated an ultra-feminine ideal of beauty, but after starting her eponymous business in 1960, the silhouette was far less restrictive. The purpose of this study was to explore the contradictory nature of Anne Fogarty’s career and beliefs about a woman’s role, which she divulged in her 1959 book Wife Dressing.

This research comes at a time when the stories of women fashion designers are gaining momentum amongst curators and fashion historians. Previously, the contributions of women to the fashion industry were ignored. Feminist theory can provide context to understand why. Seminal feminist publications such as The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, and Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center discussed how women throughout history existed in the private sphere, where they lived in the margins of society. This marginalization was a result of a patriarchal society that viewed women as inferior to men. In a patriarchy, men are the primary gatekeepers of history. As such, the accomplishments of women are frequently erased.

While the primary focus of this research is Anne Fogarty, an account of American women fashion designers provided context. Beginning in the nineteenth century and progressing chronologically, the contributions of various women fashion designers are explored. The women discussed in this paper include Elizabeth Keckley, Madame Olympe, Irene Castle, Elizabeth Hawes, Mary McFadden, and more. An analysis of American women fashion designers laid a foundation for considering Anne Fogarty.

Date

7-15-2024

Committee Chair

Mamp, Michael

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