Date of Award

10-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship

Department

Business

First Advisor

Chajuana Trawick Ferguson

Second Advisor

Joseph Weber

Third Advisor

Kristy Tucciarone

Abstract

Sharon Carpenter's thesis, "Unraveling Grief: Historical Mourning Wear and Modern Reinterpretations," explores the evolution of mourning fashion from ancient times to modern reinterpretations. Carpenter examines how mourning attire has historically reflected cultural attitudes toward death and grief, serving both personal and societal functions. The thesis traces mourning practices across civilizations, beginning with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where clothing symbolized beliefs in purity and the afterlife. It moves through the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, where mourning wear became heavily ritualized, particularly influenced by Queen Victoria’s deep grief for Prince Albert. This formalization of mourning attire impacted social norms and the fashion industry.

In modern times, mourning practices have shifted towards more individualized expressions of grief. Carpenter reflects on this through her personal project—a quilt made from her late father's work clothes—which served as a tangible means of processing her own grief. The thesis integrates historical analysis with personal storytelling, exploring how fashion continues to play a role in mourning today, from memorial tattoos to creative projects like her quilt.

By blending autoethnography with historical content analysis, Carpenter illustrates the ongoing significance of mourning attire as a cultural artifact that connects past and present, offering insights into how societies cope with loss and maintain memory. The project underscores the need for personal, creative mourning rituals in contemporary society.

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