While it began as a humble piece of fabric during the 1500s in Europe, the ruff collar eventually went on to serve as an over-the-top display of style and wealth — one with no purpose other than to prove one's status and wealth. What are the origins behind this odd piece of neckwear and how has fashion reinvented it over 500 years? From the sensible to the spectacular, it's time to explore the oversized impact of ruffs throughout fashion history.
Join New York Adventure Club for a digital journey through the history of the ruff collar in fashion, from its first appearance and evolutions during the Renaissance period to its many stylish revivals.
Led by fashion historian Summer Lee, our unique experience into the world of the ruff will include:
- A discussion of fashion theories to explain the ruff collar, along with popular myths about its function
- An examination of ruffs in 16th- and 17th-century European portraiture, including the “outrageous” double ruff and the “monstrous” cartwheel style
- Why fanciful portraits from the18th century feature sitters wearing ruffs in historical fancy dress
- Antique fashion illustrations showcasing how the ruff was revived in the 19th and 20th centuries
- A look at the ruff in contemporary fashion photography from designers including Alexander McQueen, Junya Watanabe, Chanel, and Valentino
- Connections of the ruff to popular film and television, such as Shakespeare in Love (1998) and Bridgerton (2020-present)
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Summer — any and all questions about the ruff are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually!
*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!
About Summer
Summer Lee is a fashion historian based in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Media from the City University of New York and a Master’s Degree in Fashion and Textile Studies from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Summer is currently an Adjunct Professor at Wagner College teaching the History of Costume and Fashion. She can be found on TikTok and Instagram at @summerannelee.
Testimonials
"Fascinating and educational." -Alexis
"I love the brilliant discussion on the fashionable aspects of Ruffs, well linked to elite and leisured consumption." -Linde
"I liked how she took the time to answer questions and the content was excellent." -Rachel
"Excellent presenter - she had a great deal of knowledge and a lovely personality." -Nancee
"Loved the presenter and her content." -Victor
"Fascinating topic, with enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenter. I had no background information on the subject matter, and was delighted to see how it is visible in fashion today. Well done!" -Emily
"Fascinating information, well presented; scholarly but lots of fun!" -Elizabeth
"The presenter was extremely thorough in her research and well prepared." -Regina
"Love Summer;'s presentation style. Very natural and comfortable. Liked the videos too" -Noelle
"She was articulate and well organized. A fascinating subject. Would love to attend more of her webinars." -Lee
"Summer makes these topics very interesting and entertaining" -Sammy
" I thought the presentation was extremely organized and appropriately presented in an academic format. Pictorial Contant supported the content considerably." -Joann
" Organized, knowledgeable presenter" -Jacqueline
" The presenter was amazing! I hope she does so many more presentations." -Kelli
" The subject matter was fascinating, and Summer moved the presentation along at the perfect pace." -Nicola
" I think Summer did a fabulous job and I’m glad I found and saw this event!" -Sam
" Fascinating topic. Well presented. Very well researched. Good mix of slides, lecture, videos." -Aline
"It was a wonderful presentation- I learned a lot abut the history of a small fashion item -things I never thought about-really interesting" -Susan
Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment
