Date of Award
2023
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Specialization
Historic Costume and Textiles, Textile Conservation, and Cultural Analysis
Department
Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
First Advisor
Jessical Strübel
Abstract
Chester Weinberg was a notable, queer and style-making designer of the 1960s-1980s before his untimely death in 1985 due to AIDs related illnesses. Many people have never heard of Weinberg, despite knowing his designs. In this paper, a convergent multi-method approach is used to investigate the relationship between the manner of Weinberg’s death, and his forgotten legacy. Using thematic analysis of newspaper clippings, photos, and interviews, Weinberg’s effect on the fashion industry is explored and compared with in-depth material and cultural analysis of his works that reside in the URI Historic Textile and Costume Collection (HTCC). Population data and museum objects are then used to determine the accessibility of Weinberg’s pieces in historic textile collections and museums today, exploring the idea of how the stigma of HIV/AIDs has affected the contents of historic textile collections of museums.
Recommended Citation
Kennelly, Melissa Jane, "PATCHING HOLES IN FASHION HISTORY: AN INVESTIGATION INTO QUEER DESIGNER, CHESTER WEINBERG, IN HISTORICAL TEXTILE COLLECTIONS IN RELATION TO THE AIDS EPIDEMIC" (2023). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2315.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2315