Costume Society of America, Region I
Call for Papers
Recycling Design: Retro and Revival in Fashion
Saturday, September 20, 2003
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH
Almost from the beginning of fashion, the past has influenced what people wore. We invite papers
exploring the reasons for, and manifestations of, the persistence of the past both historically and in
the present day.
Topics might address:
 What is the difference between Retro and Revival?
 Sources for Revivals: historic, patriotic/nationalistic, nostalgic, etc.
 The cycle of silhouette repetition
 Use of Retro and Revival fashions to make political, social, economic, or personal statements
 Influences on Retro and Revival: why this particular style at this particular time?
 Period films and their treatment of or influence on fashion
 Noted designers' use of Retro and Revival
 From the street: counterculture use of Retro and Revival fashions
 Revivals of Revivals: the Telephone Game of fashion
 Parallels in revival styles between fashion, decorative arts and material culture
 Historically-informed design with new materials
 If it's futuristic, is it Retro/Revival? Past interpretations of futuristic fashions are often stylistically
tied to the time in which they were conceived, and can themselves provide a palette of design elements.
Proposals should be for 20 minute papers.
We also invite poster presentations of works inspired by another time.
Poster presentations may be traditional or may be expanded to include actual works limited to a
poster sized space. Frames, easels, pedestals and dress forms are welcome, but can not be provided.
Send sketches or photographs of your Retro/Revival clothing for consideration in the "Everything
Old is New Again Fashion Show".
Abstract format
1. Please include a separate title page including the title of your proposed paper: your name, title,
institution, or other (as you wish them to appear on the printed program), complete address,
telephone number and email.
2. 1 page abstract.
3. 1-2 page resumé
Please send title page, abstract, and resumé to:
Joanna K. Cadorette, Costuming Manager
75 Greenmanville Avenue
Mystic, CT 06355
or e-mail all of the above to [log in to unmask]
Previously published material should not be submitted. Submissions must be original work, research,
interpretations, and/or perspectives. Proposals are welcome from members, students, general public,
collectors, academics, museum scholars, and curators.
Proposals must be postmarked no later than June 15, 2003

Rebecca L. Fifield
Collections Care Specialist
Department of Textile and Fashion Arts
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
www.mfa.org

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