Changing Silhouettes of Fashion: Corsets, Crinolines, and Bustles – Oh My!
Details
Step into the elegant Seaside Ballroom at Ocean House for an illuminating lecture by Rebecca Kelly, Executive Director and Curator of the South County Museum. In this engaging presentation, Rebecca explores how fashion—particularly the shifting silhouettes of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries—served as a reflection of society’s changing social, political, and cultural values.
Key to these transformations were three iconic garments: the corset, crinoline, and bustle. These essential pieces of women’s fashion dramatically altered the female body, reshaping how women were perceived and how they moved in the world. The lecture will also examine the art of tailoring in menswear, illustrating how the idea of modifying the body’s appearance was not unique to women.
This illustrated lecture provides a fascinating look at how fashion and the body intersect, offering a deeper understanding of the garments that redefined femininity and masculinity across the centuries.
Reservations are required. Please note that tickets purchased for this event are non-refundable.
About Rebecca Kelly:
Rebecca Kelly is the Executive Director and Curator of the South County Museum in Narragansett, RI. A textile historian and artisan, she specializes in America’s Gilded Age fashion, particularly the contributions of under-recognized women designers. Her current research focuses on New England resort towns, exploring the role of women in creating and selling sportswear. An expert in color psychology and plant symbolism, she leads natural dye and hand-sewing workshops. Kelly holds a bachelor’s in art history and a Master’s in Textile Conservation from the University of Rhode Island, where she also teaches.
About South County Museum:
Founded over 90 years ago, the South County Museum preserves southern Rhode Island’s coastal and rural history through diverse collections, including antiques, high-fashion garments, and everyday items. Its School of Craft offers classes in fiber arts, woodworking, blacksmithing, and letterpress printing. The museum also features a working farm with Rhode Island Red chickens and sheep for its fiber shed studio. Located within Canonchet Farm Park, the museum provides scenic walking trails that connect visitors to both history and nature.
