Kiki Smith has said that she wants her gravestone to read, \"She had good earrings.\" On today's episode of Life's Accessories, Kiki certainly delivered with a pair of great earrings. Actually, they are more than great, and you'll have to tune in to find out why because they are one-of-a-kind, just like Kiki. Kiki is a professor in the Theatre Department at Smith College in Northampton, MA, as well as a professional costume and set designer. She is also the Director of the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection that was founded 42 years ago by a student and is based there in the basement of the Theatre Building near the Costume Shop. Her book, Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore, documents garments and accessories that are what she calls \"real” clothes worn by “real” women for all aspects of their lives. It has developed a focus on the “uniforms” of women’s many roles and jobs.
And, for the first time ever on Life's Accessories, Rachel and Stephanie had a surprise guest join in the middle of the episode recording! Rachel, Stephanie, and Kiki were joined by Paula Deitz, the editor of The Hudson Review. Paula is a writer and cultural critic, and has contributed frequently to The New York Times, The Architectural Review, and Gardens Illustrated. Paula has been a helpful advisor and friend to Kiki and the collection. In fact one of Paula's dresses is in Kiki's new book.
Check out Kiki Smith's book, Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore. An exhibition based on many of the pieces in Kiki's book will be on display at the New-York Historical Society in the Women's History Gallery from September 28, 2024-June 2024.
Connect with Life’s Accessories!