From Gilgamesh to Gucci - The What, Why And Wear Of Clothing Through History

Guest speaker: Phillip Silver, award-winning set, lighting and costume designer 

As Shakespeare wrote: “The apparel oft proclaims the man.” This statement can be true of an entire society – the outward ‘look’ of a culture is a reflection of many aspects, including available materials, technology, climate, religion, politics and sex. This three-part illustrated virtual series will explore how societies from Babylon and Egypt to Carnaby Street and Paris have re-shaped, decorated and disguised our bodies, and how garments have evolved to become personal statements and high fashion.

Phillip Silver is a designer of scenery, costume, and lighting for opera, theatre, and dance, with close to 300 productions to his credit.  His work has been seen across Canada, in the U.S., and in London’s West End.  He taught at York University in Toronto and served there as Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.  In 2008, he was honored with induction to the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts.  His interest in clothing was born from studying clothing styles throughout history as the inspiration for his production costume designs, whether authentic or fantastical.