A Taste for the Exotic (and Chocolate) in the Alps

It may sound pretentious but we must all agree that Exotic, Chocolate and Alps placed together can only stand for a winning combination. Yet, if you wonder on what these words have to do with historical textiles, stay with me.

For those not yet familiar with the Dressing the Early Modern Network – DEMN, allow me to introduce them. Coordinated bySara van Dijk and Jola Pellumbi, DEMN is a network that intents onbringing together PhD students and early career researchers working on any aspect of dress in the early modern period, through informal and formal meetings during the year. These events are intended to discuss research and give constructive feedback in a friendly setting.

Well, being an early career researcher myself, I can assure you that this year’s edition was just as superb as this sound. Under the theme A Taste for the Exotic: Cross-Cultural Influencesin Early Modern Dress and Textilesthe conference took place from 27-28 September 2018 in Riggisberg (Switzerland) being hosted by Abegg-Stiftung.

Indeed, such privileged scenario set the stage for prolific exchanges between art historians, conservators, curators and other textile professionals attending the event. The various works focused on the cross-cultural encounters in the early modern period whether through trade, exploration, travel or ambassadorial postings at various courts that inadvertently influenced the appearance of dress and textiles were presented.

The fascination for the unknown, the connections and relationships that were forged and ultimately facilitated by the cross-cultural exchange between Europe, the New World, Africa and Asia enabled the integration of new motifs, styles and techniques, which we have come to recognize as Indian chintzes, Chinese silk, Ottoman textiles among others and a plethora of foreign dress styles were also discussed.

A rich scientific program that included works exploring from 16th and 17th centuries Islamic carpets traditions to Exotic presences in 18th century European dresses. In addition, participants were invited to visit the Abegg-Stiftung museum and special exhibition as well as the textile conservation workshop where students shared their on-going projects.

As if this program was not enough we also had a chance to enjoy great chocolate with a view.