Introduction Few objects have had as immense a societal and personal impact as eyeglasses. In a fundamental way, this single object can change individual lives, affect literacy, improve learning and, in doing so, impact entire nations. With eyewear sixty percent … Read More …
Category: Eyewear: Fashion with Vision
Fashion Statement
Modes of expression change when traditional styles and techniques collide with modernity. Historically, clothing styles and decorative schemes have been used to express lineage, class, status, gender, occupational and cultural affiliations. Many decorative stitches, colours and motifs used in the … Read More …
White Opaque Sunglasses with Horizontal Slits worn with
Eggshell & Brown Striped A-Line Coat Dress André Courrèges, France, Paris, ca. 1963. Double-faced wool outer fabric, polyester lining, plastic buttons. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textile Collection. Donated by Monique Kornell (1993.14.1). Worn with Cream & Tan Spectator Pumps Pappagallo, … Read More …
Green Cat Eye Bifocals worn with
Turquoise and Pink Brimless Floral Hat Francette, Canada, Toronto, ca. 1967. Synthetic organza. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Miss. Mary Hislop-Perraton (1997.7.1). Turquoise Cocktail Dress Unknown creator, Canada, ca. 1958. Silk organza outer fabric and rayon lining. … Read More …
Clear Safety Goggles
Clear Safety Goggles Uvex™, assembled in Mexico of US components, ca. 2010s. Plastic. On loan from the Human Ecology Department’s Protective Clothing and Equipment Research Facility. Worn with: Black Respirator Mask NorthⓇ by Honeywell, United States of America, Rhode Island, ca. … Read More …
Silver Oval Reading Spectacles worn with
Cream Embroidered Evening Dress Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1840s-50s. Cotton plain weave dress and piping with cotton embroidery thread. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. University of Alberta School of Household Economics (1971.7.6). Black Satin Slipper Shoes … Read More …
Silver Oval Reading Spectacles
Silver Oval Reading Spectacles Theodore Hamblin Ltd., London, Wisconsin, United States of America, ca. 1880s-1900. Metal frame, glass lenses, and leather case. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.16a). Photograph by Anne Bissonnette© Cite this page … Read More …
Yellow Molted Sunglasses worn with
Multi-Coloured Round Striped Hat Rivera, origin unknown, late 1960s. Silk twill. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Janice (Jean) McGregor (2007.10.3). Mustard Jacket Haulding, unknown place of origin, ca. 1970s. Polyester knit and plastic buttons. Human Ecology’s Clothing … Read More …
Yellow Molted Sunglasses
Yellow Molted Sunglasses Cool-Ray® Polaroid® 220, late 1960s-1970s. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Elizabeth Richards (2008.22.15). Photograph by Anne Bissonnette© Cite this page (bibliography): Bissonnette, Anne, Cybil Cameron, Katelin Karbonik, Naomi Milne, Danielle Peel, and Donnalee Riley. “2008.22.15,” … Read More …
Automobile Driving Goggles worn with
Tan and Black Brimmed Newsboy Cap Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1890s-1920s. Cotton sateen, cotton lining, cording, two brass buttons, and a possibly coated cardboard visor. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Mrs. Laureen Moran (1972.7.14). … Read More …
Automobile Driving Goggles
Automobile Driving Goggles Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1895-1920s. Mica lens, metal and felted frame, and cotton string. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Mary E. Herbert (1990.37.16.a). Photographs by Anne Bissonnette© Cite this page (bibliography): … Read More …
Black Cat Eye Sunglasses with Silver-Coloured Filigree and Rhinestones
Black Cat Eye Sunglasses with Silver-Coloured Filigree and Rhinestones Unknown creator and place of origin, worn in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, ca. 1950s-60s. Plastic, metal, and rhinestones. On loan courtesy of The Observatory Opticians and Jeri Ann Willis. Photograph by Anne Bissonnette© Cite … Read More …
Black Cat Eye Sunglasses with Silver-Coloured Filigree and Rhinestones worn with
Black Roses Hat Unknown creator, United States of America, ca. 1960s. Artificial flower and leaves, nylon net, and wire base. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Mrs. Helen Richards (1988.46.2). Black Jacket Unknown maker and place of origin, … Read More …
Green Cat Eye Bifocals
Green Cat Eye Bifocals American Optical, size “5-1/2,” place of origin unknown, ca. 1950s-60s. Plastic hood and nosepieces, silver metal lower frame & nose bridge. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Mrs. Johanna Lawrence (1988.65.54b). Photograph by Anne … Read More …
Yellow Rimmed Pince-Nez worn with
Natural Straw Boater Hat Unknown creator, Canada, Toronto, ca. 1900-20. Straw and black silk grosgrain ribbon. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Dr. (Betty) Elizabeth Crown (1973.10.9). Black and Red Striped Sports Jacket Unknown creator, Europe, England, ca. … Read More …
Yellow Rimmed Pince-Nez
Yellow Rimmed Pince-Nez Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1800-1920s. Cellulose nitrate or plastic, and brass. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.8). Photograph by Anne Bissonnette© Cite this page (bibliography): Bissonnette, Anne, Cybil Cameron, … Read More …
Tortoiseshell Folding Lorgnette worn with
Rust, Tan and Black Hat Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1894. Straw, black silk velvet ribbon, artificial flowers of natural plain weave fabric. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Mr. Grieve (1981.14.2). Brown Long-Sleeved Bodice Creator … Read More …
Tortoiseshell Folding Lorgnette
Tortoiseshell Folding Lorgnette Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1835-1900. Tortoiseshell frame and handle, metal rivet. On loan courtesy of The Observatory Opticians and Jeri Ann Willis. Photograph by Anne Bissonnette© Cite this page (bibliography): Bissonnette, Anne, Cybil Cameron, Katelin Karbonik, … Read More …
Blue D-Framed Sunglasses with K-Shaped nosepiece, Double Lenses and Turnpin Sidebars
Blue D-Framed Sunglasses with K-Shaped nosepiece, Double Lenses and Turnpin Sidebars Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1820s-1875. Metal frame and black lenses. Human Ecology’s Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donated by Bill Carmichael (2013.6.1). Also known as “railway spectacles” these types … Read More …
Dark Green and Brown Plaid Suit
Dark Green and Brown Plaid Suit Aljean Fine Tailoring, Ontario, Canada, 1954. Wool twill. Human Ecology Clothing and Textiles Collection. Donation by Bev Richards (2004.25.4ab). Black Pumps with Lace Insets Unknown creator and place of origin, ca. 1950. Suede and … Read More …
Red and Green Striped Cat Eye Frame
Red and Green Striped Cat Eye Frame “V” marking, size 4, unknown place of origin, ca. 1950s-60s. Cellulose nitrate or plastic upper frame and nose pads, gold-coloured metal lower frame. On loan courtesy of Jane Patterson.
Artifacts (Eyewear Only)
ALES Logo Anne’s Contact Information QUESTIONS & DONATIONS Dr. Anne Bissonnette, Curator 325 Human Ecology Phone: (780) 492-3604 Email Academic Profile Vlada Contact Information RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS Vlada Blinova, Collections Manager 103 Human Ecology Phone: (780) 492-2528 Email Academic Profile … Read More …
Fashion Aid
Eyewear can speak of status and identity. It can convey personal style and a sense of self more than other articles of clothing that are not worn every day. Some may consider glasses as markers of physical deficiencies and … Read More …
Dose of Design
Eyeglasses are marked by technological advances in science. A variety of materials with enough plasticity to hold a lens can be used to produce inventive shapes. From rare metals like gold and titanium to humble animal by-products like horn, tortoise shell and leather, a variety … Read More …
Rx
There are multiple parts of the eye that work together to allow us to see. When one component malfunctions corrective lenses may help. Light rays can bend and change directions as they pass through a lens—a process called refraction, … Read More …
Eyewear: Fashion with Vision
November 23, 2016, to February 5, 2017 Dr. Anne Bissonnette, Cybil Cameron, Katelin Karbonik, Katie Mooney, Naomi Milne, Danielle Peel, and Donnalee Riley co-curators. Few objects have had as immense a societal and personal impact as eyeglasses. In a fundamental … Read More …