Dress and National Identity: Women's Clothing and the Celtic Revival. (1st June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ward, Alex
• Is Part Of: Costume. Volume 48:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2014-06-01
• Subjects: Celtic Revival, Irish costume -- Cumman na mBan -- national costume -- The Gaelic League -- Irish Art Industries -- cultural revival -- Dun Emer Guild; Costume -- Periodicals; Costume -- History -- Periodicals; 391
• DOI: 10.1179/0590887614Z.00000000050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0590-8876

Abstract

Abstract: This paper will focus on an interesting diversion in the history of dress in Ireland: the story of clothing and the Irish cultural revival of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It will endeavour to address the ideology of so-called Irish costume, and how it was intended to be a visual symbol of an Irish renaissance, one which would help in the effort to counter British influences and establish a strong cultural identity. Although Celtic Revival clothing was worn by both men and women as a signifier of cultural and political sympathies, this paper will look specifically at women's dress and attempts to promote Irish costume as a tool for nation building, and as a practical solution to the wearing of imported fashions. It will highlight just some examples of where, when and by whom Celtic Revival dress was worn.