WEEK 8 - The Birth of Power Dressing by Ulinka Rublack

BAR 

1. Rublack gives Shwartz an abundance of importance during the essay “The Birth of Power Dressing” because he is a prime and early example of showcasing that the way you dress can increase social status and essentially create a character out of you. His book of clothing allowed him opportunities that dressing in plain clothing could not have produced. He was given major privileges, such as the ability to meet the Archduke Ferdinand of Australia and the emperor. Again, just because he depicted himself in paintings, in the clothing of someone with high status (finest furs, silks etc.) His clothing granted him the elitism of someone who was not just a lowly accountant. Its impact was far greater than just pieces of cloth on your back. He book emphasized that social status and increased amounts of power could be affected by what you wear.

2. I believe Rublack used mostly male references because in the time period covered it was not as likely for women to have the same influence as men. Men were given more leniencies in terms of inflicting social and political change. So Rublack used mostly male related references because it was a reality of the renaissance. Women were usually pushed into the background, and instead of choosing how they were to be perceived through clothing, they were told. We can also see that within the essay when Rublack speaks of the play “L’ecole des Maries”.

TS/IS 

2.

REVISED TO TEMPLATE GIVEN

My point regarding the specific use of male related references in Rublack’s essay “The Birth of power Dressing” should interest those who are interested in Feminist ideals and theories throughout history. Beyond this limited audience, however, my point should speak to anyone who cares about the larger issues of sexism, discrimination and inequality.