Lesbianism is a deeply intertwining act, and this intertwinement is proved through the quiet kinship and interdependence passing under the noses of heteronormative society. My work acts as encapsulation and preservation of the rich history of Lesbianism, as well as an anthropologic critique of Lesbian fashion semiotics throughout history.
The prominent Greek poet Sappho is an influential figure in Lesbian history, not only because of her artistic and exquisitely written sapphic poems, but because of the everlasting impact, those poems will have on the Lesbian community. One symbol that has a timeless grasp in Lesbian culture, is the use of the purple flowers in Sappho’s poetry.
The 1930s Le Monocle Club in Paris, France was an enchanting place where Lesbians could express themselves without any judgment from those around them. It was a safe space where Lesbians could dress exactly how they felt. The monocle became a physical manifestation of putting on a costume to be queer and to remove the monocle was an act of heteronormative expectations.
Evolving from queer male spaces the hanky became a part of Lesbian fashion and identity in the 1970s and early 80s. The hanky was used as a signal for sexual preference and identity. Every color and design for the hanky represented a different part of sexuality and even the importance of the hanky placement communicated different meanings.
The carabiner key extended from working-class men, with utilitarian fashion later adopted by Butches. With World War II and women taking over male working-class jobs, utilitarian fashion became an expectable norm for a blip in time and has later resurfaced for modern Dykes.