On May 5, 2023, I had the enriching opportunity to present my research at the conference “Vêtir, Faire Et Briser Les Corps : Regards Interdisciplinaires Sur La Matérialité Vestimentaire” (“Clothing, Making and Breaking Bodies: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Clothing Materiality”), a jointly organized event by the Université de Montréal and the Université du Québec à Montréal. My presentation, titled “Revêtir la prothèse pour restructurer le corps” (“Wearing the Prosthetic to Restructure the Body”), explored the intersections between fashion, technology, and body identity.
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Presentation Reference:
Revêtir la prothèse pour restructurer le corps, presentation for the conference
Vêtir, Faire Et Briser Les Corps : Regards Interdisciplinaires Sur La Matérialité Vestimentaire, organized by Anne Létourneau, Liza Petiteau, and Laura Kassar,
Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal
Exploring the Prosthetic as Garment
In this presentation, I discussed how prosthetics are not only medical devices but can also be considered as wearable extensions that redefine and restructure the human body. I examined how they alter our perception of the body and identity, and how they can be integrated into fashion practices to express and explore new forms of personal and collective identity.
Reactions and Discussions
The session, orchestrated by Anne Létourneau, Liza Petiteau, and Laura Kassar, sparked deep and nuanced discussions on the materiality and symbolism of clothing and bodily extensions. Interactions with other researchers and participants highlighted the growing interest in the field of wearable technology and its impact on society and culture.
Personal and Professional Impact
Participating in this conference was particularly significant for me, as it not only allowed me to showcase my research but also to reflect on the broader implications of my work. It reinforced my commitment to an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses fashion, technology, and body studies.
This experience in Montreal marked an important moment in my academic career, affirming the importance of pursuing research that challenges and redefines established norms. It also highlighted the value of inter-university collaboration in enriching academic and professional dialogue in the fields of fashion and technology.