THE ARCHIVE | My Site 1

THE PUBLIC/PRIVATE ARCHIVE

The Public/Private Archive is based on Joanne B. Eicher’s theory about the multiple layers of self. In this research she argues that we have an identity because we constantly interact and collaborate with people around us. That is why we developed different versions of ourselves when we interact with different environments[1]. The public self for work, the private self for leisure activities and your secret self for maybe your sexual fantasies. Those different versions of self, translate to different ways of dress.

Through this archive, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of these intuitive decisions by encouraging participants to reflect on and evaluate their clothing choices.

If you are interested in contributing to this archive, please go to HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

[1] Joanne Eicher, ‘Dress, the Senses, and Public, Private, and Secret Selves’, in Fashion Theory, Volume 25, Issue 6, (Uk: Taylor & Francis group, 2020) pp.779-797.

PUBLIC

FEMALE, 25 - MASTER STUDENT

Black, two-way scarf by Limi Feu.
It is a piece that is easy to combine and elevates every outfit.

FEMALE, 55

Navy, white uniform blouse
Wearing it daily - with a black tie. This uniform item became part of my identity.

MALE, 64 - RETIRED PHYSICIAN

My sweater for public appearances, an expensive brad, gift from my daughter. Nice soft material, but a bit boring. Safe to wear to all sorts of public events not requiring.

FEMALE, 25

Low-waister, pin-striped trousers. In between casual and business. Appropriate for a lot of different contexts.

FEMALE, 26 - MASTER STUDENT

Long, burgundy, silk dress of Dries van Noten. I wear this to a chique event, for instance to a wedding or opening.

FEMALE, 60 - CLINICAL RESEARCHER/ MEDICAL WRITER

Jacket for in person meetings, e.g., training of investi

MALE

I wear this to be more accessible for the people that I meet in my work environment.

MALE, 22 - MASTER STUDENT

Thick dark grey wool turtleneck jumper. Slightly classy but not overdone. Can be worn in many different situations.

MALE

MALE, 62 - GYNAECOLOGIST

PRIVATE

FEMALE, 25 - MASTER STUDENT

Blue, wide-fitting sweatpants. It is very old but I love to wear it in house and sometimes to the gym.

FEMALE, 55

Black cotton top.

Wearing it regularly - especially in weekends when going out. It combines perfectly with blue jeans- casual.
It also combines well with black trousers - style: business casual.

MALE, 64 - RETIRED PHYSICIAN

My favourite casual sweater, for private use only. Bought at a blues festival, my friends tell me it is an out-of-character sweater.

FEMALE 25

Black and pink, Adidas sweater. I only wear it in house or sport related.

FEMALE, 26 - MASTER STUDENT

Cotton shirt from MilieuDefensie. I wear this as a t-shirt to sleep in or wear at home.

FEMALE, 60 - CLINICAL RESEARCHER/ MEDICAL WRITER

Jeans for casual dinners out.

MALE

I wear this in my spare time, because it is comfortable and the colors and materials are peaceful.

MALE, 22 - MASTERSTUDENT

Baby blue tie-dye vintage baby t-shirt. Very clearly undersized, therefore underlining every aspect of one’s body. Always worn on nights out or at home, for no obvious reason.

MALE

MALE, 62 - GYNAECOLOGIST