From Fashion Studies Journal
Becoming a mother,* whether through biological, adoptive, or other means, is not a rare experience. Wearing clothes, mother or not, is universal. But the nature and reality of dressing as a mother enjoys no particular consensus among those who do it; except, that is, that it’s different than it was before kids, and possibly different than it was for moms in previous generations. What factors shape mothers' experiences of dressing? Media (social and otherwise)? Religion, consumerism, sexuality, privilege, group belonging, the sometimes shocking realities of a new body, the word "MILF"? Please tell us about the confounding expectations! The shame! The fear! The mommy boot camp! The tabloid covers! The hospital-issued mesh underwear!
FSJ seeks contributions, in the form of complete drafts, to a special series on the theme of Fashion and Motherhood to be published on our platform. Our content ranges from thoroughly researched scholarly essays, media criticism, and personal narratives to photo collections and poetry. This series will ideally do the same, reflecting the infinite ways that motherhood acts upon the fashioned self. Theoretical, historical, ethnographic, personal narrative, and creative perspectives are welcome.
Some Ideas to Get You Started
Personal reflections on individual garments that have defined the transition to motherhood
Examinations of the role of consumerism and entrepreneurship in the contemporary mom-wear landscape
Narratives of dressing for fertility treatments or adoption interviews Historical examples of the expectations placed on mothers’ dressed bodies
Analyses of the politics of dressing while parenting, especially as it intersects with other identities
Critiques of media representation of the appearances of prominent mothers
Ethnographies of particular mom tribes (are ‘soccer moms’ still a thing? If so, how do they dress?)
Retail studies of mall maternity stores
Discourse analyses of terms like 'MILF' and 'yummy mummy'
Personal stories or dress biographies of queer or gender non-conforming mothers/parents
Sartorial reflections on not being a mother, by choice or otherwise
*The term ‘mother’ is not meant to exclude those parents who identify as trans, non-binary, or in other gender-non-conforming ways. It’s just an easier catch-all term than ‘parent who isn’t a cis male.’ Indeed, we excitedly encourage these perspectives on dress and parenting. We are also open to being convinced that there is something equally interesting to say about dressing as a dad—we welcome your attempt!
Email complete drafts to laura@fashionstudiesjournal.org
If you would like to discuss an idea for a submission beforehand, email before March 15, 2020 to give enough time to develop the idea before submission.
Drafts should be approximately 5000 words.