Fitting In?


Changing Values and Identities in Canadian Women’s Uniforms
1945-1980



About
Historical Background
Acknowledgments

Uniforms:
1. Gymnastics, 1945-1955
2. Graduation, 1948 
3. Domestic Service, 1950s
4. Royal Canadian Air Force (W.D), 1953
5. TTC Guide, 1955
6. Nursing, 1950s- 1960s
7. Expo 67’ Canadian Pavillion, 1967
8. PWA Flight Attendent, 1971
9. CN Tower Jumpsuit, 1976
10. Unitarian, 1950s -1980s
11. Tim Hortons, 1970s



About Fitting In?

1955 TTC Guide Uniform from the FRC.
Photo courtesy of Kirsten Mann.
 Fitting In? is a digital fashion exhibition that examines eleven Canadian women's uniforms positioned within the thirty-five years that follow World War II. Each uniform artifact reflects upon a distinct occupation or role, calling attention to Canadian identity, pink-collar jobs typically held by women, and cultural movements existing in archival material culture. This exhibit gathers information from various institutions located in Central and Eastern Canada, including museums, archives, and educational establishments. The re-made 1970s Tim Hortons uniform in Fitting In? is created through an experimental, historically informed process, giving materiality to jobs in the service sector whose uniforms are rarely saved and are a part of working-class occupations. Using object-based case studies through the medium of worn uniforms, this research aims to dismantle themes of gendered labour in tandem with Canadian national identity through the lens of design. Curated by Natalie Welsh, a Toronto based fashion history researcher and enthusiast, this exhibit was done as part of her Master of Arts in Fashion at Toronto Metropolitan University.



Contact:
The author has made every effort to identify and contact the copyright holders of all material in this exhibit.
 If some aspect of the images and content remains unattributed, please email nwelsh@outlook.com. 
For general inquiries or to contribute to the conversation please email nwelsh@torontomu.ca. 
To get in touch about costuming, styling, and fashion research please email nataliewelsh.designs@gmail.com.
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