Résumés
Abstract
The bridal gown is perhaps one of the most highly symbolic objects in the contemporary wedding ceremony. Fraught with images of sexuality and femininity, the bride conveys multiple messages with her choice of dress colour, style and adornment. As such, the dress communicates and performs as a significant material culture object within the custom of the wedding. This article examines the wedding dress within the North American context through the experiences of Nancy Harris, a dressmaker. The author discusses the struggles of the bride as she negotiates with family, friends and societal conventions while expressing herself through her choice of dress.
Résumé
La robe de mariée est peut-être l’un des objets les plus hautement symboliques de la cérémonie contemporaine du mariage. Chargée d’images de sexualité et de féminité, la mariée véhicule de multiples messages à travers la couleur, le style et les ornements qu’elle choisit pour sa robe. La robe en elle-même est un instrument de communication et de performance en tant qu’objet signifiant de culture matérielle dans le cadre de la coutume du mariage. Cet article examine la robe de mariée en contexte nord-américain à travers l’expérience de Nancy Harris, couturière. L’auteure discute des luttes de la mariée lorsqu’elle doit négocier avec sa famille, ses amis et les conventions sociales, tout en s’exprimant elle-même à travers le choix de sa robe.
Parties annexes
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