-
How to become
Archive Curator
How do you become an Archive Curator in the fashion world
Who is an Archive Curator in relation to fashion?
The historical and creative heritage of the fashion system needs to be preserved and enhanced no less than that of other cultural scenarios. The Archive Curator is responsible for preserving, cataloguing and highlighting past collections, sketches and other design materials of a brand, designer or institution . This work is crucial to keep memory alive and consolidate a narrative by helping to shape an authentic heritage identity.
What does an Archive Curator do in the fashion context?
One of the aims of curatorial work is to study the origin and history of archive items. Such research requires a background of knowledge specific to the fashion industry as well as comprehensive historical expertise. The latter is indispensable both for the identification of objects and for defining the best methods for the physical and digital preservation of garments, textiles, accessories and other relevant documents. Archive Curators are therefore responsible for the accurate cataloguing, management and labelling of individual items. From a heritage value perspective, their contribution is indispensable for staging exhibitions and displays that present the archive's treasures. Equally important in this respect are collateral activities such as promotion and communication. Finally, Archive Curators may collaborate with designers and creative teams in researching trends and identifying the stylistic heritage of brands.
What skills should the Archive Curator of a fashion house have?
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Archive Curators must have strong specialist knowledge in the Historical fields of Social Mores and Fashion, but they must also have a thorough understanding of the broader cultural and historical framework. The primary required skills are
- Ability to research with accuracy and attribute the origin and history of garments, accessories, and other significant materials
- Detailed organisation and cataloguing skills for efficient archive management
- Digital skills and familiarity with digital cataloguing systems and archive management software
Willingness to collaborate with designers, creative teams, art historians, curators and exhibition managers.
How do you become an Archive Curator in the fashion industry?
The ability to carry out valid historiographical research and archive work requires a certain level of experience, exhaustive methodological understanding and a solid historical background. Some of the skills listed above can be learned during the Two-year Specialisation Course in Fashion and Costume Design (link). During the course, students learn to read and understand different past and contemporary aesthetic codes through the hybridisation of elements of anthropology and semiotics. For example, the course in Style, History of Art and Social Mores examines the overlaps between art, identity, politics, economics and history, with a focus on the evolution of garments, accessories and other objects.
 (1).jpg)
- Two-year Specialisation Course in Fashion and Costume Design