The Fig Leaf Examined: Gender Symbols or Fashionable Detail?

Check out examples of fashion and explore relevant history as it has been used to delineate and define gender and gender roles. Take this opportunity to consider ways in which fashion is used to identify and label gender and the way gendered fashion has  and is being challenged. Ever had feelings of confusion or chagrin when you encountered someone pushing a stroller? You look in, there’s a baby in a green and yellow onesie and you wonder, “is it a boy or girl?” To some, this could be an embarrassing dilemma. If only the parents had followed the gender rule that boys wear blue and girls wear pink. Find out where that “rule” came from.  

Barbara will be return to the JCCSF in July and August to further examine fashion as protest from the perspective of the French Revolution and the 60’s and 70’s era of dissent in the US.  

Barbara Murray is Professor Emeritus, Having just retired after 44 years as resident Costume Designer and Fashion Historian at Santa Clara University. Her costume career started when she was gifted in fourth grade with a fashion history book. That book turned into 8 bookcases on history, textiles, design and construction, as well as a collection of fashion magazines and period clothing. Barbara presents programs pertaining to fashion history and is working on a book about women’s fashions during the California Gold Rush.