Latest news with #MicheleSmith
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Fashion As Cultural Record: Lessons On Preservation From The Archive
Michele Y. Smith serves as MoPOP's CEO, a mission-focused leader with extensive experience in nonprofit business development. When people think of archives, they often imagine dusty documents or ancient artifacts locked behind glass. But fashion is a form of storytelling. The clothes we wear and those worn by past generations capture moments, reflect cultural shifts and become symbols of identity and resistance. Fashion is one of the core pillars of pop culture, alongside music, film and gaming, yet it is often dismissed as frivolous. In truth, it is one of the most accessible and expressive forms of cultural storytelling. Why Shifting The Narrative Matters For Cultural Institutions For leaders of cultural institutions, shifting this narrative could be critical to your mission and relevance. When you elevate fashion as a legitimate cultural artifact, you can expand your collection and help democratize access to history. Fashion often speaks to audiences who might never step foot in a traditional museum, particularly for those who understand clothing as identity and self-expression. By taking fashion seriously, cultural institutions could attract new visitors, secure diverse funding opportunities and position themselves as forward-thinking stewards of contemporary culture. I think this year's Met Gala theme of Black dandyism is particularly relevant in this context, as it challenges traditional notions of gender and self-expression. In a time when personal identity is increasingly celebrated and explored, dandyism encourages individuals to embrace sartorial statements that defy conventions. This theme compels us to take fashion seriously as a form of artistic expression and a reflection of cultural dynamics. More Than Style This spring, my organization hosted a limited-time exhibit featuring garments from Princess Diana's wardrobe and explored how she used style as a language. Her wardrobe became a form of communication, expressing resilience, vulnerability and independence. Her garments were not just beautiful; they were symbols of her journey, her struggles and her quiet acts of defiance in the face of global scrutiny. Princess Diana's fashion journey has been reinterpreted by new generations, especially Gen-Z, who often see a story of autonomy and self-definition in her wardrobe. Her style has found a second life online, not just because of its aesthetic appeal, but because of what it represented. I think this digital resurgence is a reminder of how fashion can serve as both a personal narrative and a cultural touchstone, and working with her archive reminded me of some important things about preservation. How Cultural Institutions Can Help Preserve Fashion Preserving fashion isn't just about keeping garments safe—it's about preserving stories. Clothing is history woven into fabric. The role of cultural institutions is to ensure that these stories remain accessible, allowing future generations to engage with them in meaningful ways. For cultural institutions looking to deepen their impact, fashion archiving offers a unique opportunity. It allows us to document not only design and style but also the social, political and cultural contexts that shaped them. A garment can be a protest, a symbol of freedom or an expression of cultural pride. Institutions should prioritize: Tell the stories behind each garment. Effective storytelling requires going beyond the surface aesthetics to uncover the human drama behind each piece. Leaders should prioritize thorough research that delves into the origin of the garment, its creator and the time period it represents. Consdier collaborating with fashion historians, cultural anthropologists and community elders who can provide authentic context. Ask provocative questions: What was happening politically when this was worn? Who had access to this style, and who didn't? How did this garment challenge or reinforce social norms? The most compelling fashion stories often reveal power dynamics, economic realities or social movements that shaped entire generations. Leaders should also consider the emotional connections that garments can evoke. Each piece has the potential to represent personal stories, aspirations or milestones in individuals' lives, so it is important to highlight these connections in the narrative. Incorporating multimedia elements, such as video interviews with individuals who wore the garments or interactive displays, can bring stories to life and create a more immersive experience for viewers. Ultimately, I recommend leaders focus on weaving these elements together to craft a compelling story that not only informs but also inspires. Involve the public in the storytelling process. Allow them to share their interpretations and personal connections. Create multiple touchpoints for public participation. This could be a dedicated space where visitors can record stories triggered by garments or social media campaigns encouraging users to post vintage pieces with family histories attached. Position your institution as a facilitator rather than the sole authority by hosting intergenerational fashion shows, partnering with local designers for panel discussions and creating response walls where people can leave notes about their emotional connections to pieces. By actively recognizing and valuing public contribution, institutions can create a richer tapestry of storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives and encourages deeper engagement. Leverage technology to extend the reach of your fashion archives. Virtual exhibits and social media can bring these stories to life. I've noticed that successful virtual fashion exhibits require more than static photography; they need to capture the movement, texture and emotional resonance of clothing. You may want to invest in 360-degree photography and video content that shows garments in motion and consider ways to bring AR and VR into the fold. Can a viewer see how the garment would look on them? Can they be transported into the historical context of the piece? Another option may include building partnerships with fashion schools, whose students can help create compelling digital content in exchange for internship credits, or with tech companies that can provide devices to bring it all to life. However, when utilizing technology, don't let it overshadow storytelling or forget about accessibility. The most successful digital fashion archives I've seen combine high-quality visuals with audio stories from the people who lived in these clothes. Through embracing fashion as a cultural record, museums and cultural institutions can become stewards of stories that matter. They can create connections between generations, spark conversations and ensure that the creative expressions of the past continue to inspire, educate and empower for years to come. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
2025 Women's College World Series softball power rankings
The 2025 Women's College World Series will be contested May 29-June 6 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The double elimination College World Series will feature No. 2 seed Oklahoma, No. 3 seed Florida, No. 6 seed Texas, No. 7 seed Tennessee, No. 9 seed UCLA, No. 12 seed Texas Tech, No. 16 seed Oregon and Ole Miss. Advertisement Tennessee (45-15) will face Oklahoma (50-7) Thursday on opening day of softball competition in the College World Series. First pitch between the Lady Vols and Sooners is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EDT and will be televised by ESPN. Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Michele Smith (analyst), Jessica Mendoza (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline) will be on the call. Ahead of Thursday's opening day games, Vols Wire ranks the eight teams in the College World Series field. Rankings are based on RPI. 2025 Women's College World Series softball power rankings Team RPI Oklahoma (50-7) 2 Florida (48-15) 3 Tennessee (45-15) 5 Texas (51-11) 6 UCLA (54-11) 8 Texas Tech (50-12) 13 Ole Miss (42-19) 14 Oregon (53-8) 15 2025 Women's College World Series softball schedule, game times for May 29 Game 1: No. 3 Florida versus No. 6 Texas (noon EDT, ESPN) Advertisement Game 2: No. 7 Tennessee versus No. 2 Oklahoma (2:30 p.m., ESPN) Game 3: No. 12 Texas Tech versus Ole Miss (7 p.m. EDT, ESPN2) Game 4: No. 16 Oregon versus No. 9 UCLA (9:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2) Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Ranking 2025 Women's College World Series softball field
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Women's College World Series softball power rankings
2025 Women's College World Series softball power rankings The 2025 Women's College World Series will be contested May 29-June 6 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The double elimination College World Series will feature No. 2 seed Oklahoma, No. 3 seed Florida, No. 6 seed Texas, No. 7 seed Tennessee, No. 9 seed UCLA, No. 12 seed Texas Tech, No. 16 seed Oregon and Ole Miss. Tennessee (45-15) will face Oklahoma (50-7) Thursday on opening day of softball competition in the College World Series. First pitch between the Lady Vols and Sooners is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EDT and will be televised by ESPN. Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Michele Smith (analyst), Jessica Mendoza (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline) will be on the call. Ahead of Thursday's opening day games, Vols Wire ranks the eight teams in the College World Series field. Rankings are based on RPI. 2025 Women's College World Series softball power rankings Team RPI Oklahoma (50-7) 2 Florida (48-15) 3 Tennessee (45-15) 5 Texas (51-11) 6 UCLA (54-11) 8 Texas Tech (50-12) 13 Ole Miss (42-19) 14 Oregon (53-8) 15 2025 Women's College World Series softball schedule, game times for May 29 Game 1: No. 3 Florida versus No. 6 Texas (noon EDT, ESPN) Game 2: No. 7 Tennessee versus No. 2 Oklahoma (2:30 p.m., ESPN) Game 3: No. 12 Texas Tech versus Ole Miss (7 p.m. EDT, ESPN2) Game 4: No. 16 Oregon versus No. 9 UCLA (9:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2) Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Liberate' your unwanted bras - group seeks donations to send to Africa
A women's group is asking for "gently used" bras to be donated to Africa. The Salisbury Soroptimists have asked for donations of bras from Thursday, May 1 until the end of June. The bras will be sent to Africa, where they will be given to women who cannot afford them. Salisbury Soroptimist president Michele Smith said: "Almost everyone has a bra which lurks in a corner and isn't often worn. "Why not liberate it and let us send it to Africa where someone will use it?" READ MORE: Soroptimists discuss experiences of women living with autism Salisbury Soroptimists celebrate record breaking bra collection in 2024. (Image: Salisbury Soroptimists) Unlike many charity bra collections, these bras will be saved from landfill and material recycling centres to be used by women who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford such a garment. Michele continued: "In many parts of Africa, budgets are tight and women are lowest on the family pecking order of expenditure. A bra may be considered a luxury item." The bras will be distributed by various charities working in local communities. The Salisbury Soroptimists are working with Zabra - Afreebra initiative, an organisation founded by Jeanette Kruger. Jeanette has been financing the storage and transport of the bras until she recently retired. She is now seeking financial donations to help the work continue. The Salisbury Soroptimists have made a donation and hope others might be able to help too via the Zabra JustGiving page. There will be collecting points at Five Rivers Leisure Centre and 60 Endless Street. Last year, the group collected a record 6,014 bras thanks to the generosity of local people. If you can collect from your local area or club, contact the group at sarumsoropts@
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Discovery Federal Credit Union holds diaper drive for homeless families
Discovery Federal Credit Union recently held a diaper drive to support the families seeking aid from Opportunity House. The credit union was able to collect and donate an essential supply of diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6, helping meet the immediate needs of families at the Opportunity House shelter on Eckert Avenue in Reading, Discovery said in a press release. Opportunity House, which offers temporary housing to individuals and families facing homelessness, had reached out to the community for help with diaper donations for their youngest residents. The Wyomissing-based credit union's members answered the call with remarkable enthusiasm, Discovery said. 'We are proud to be able to support Opportunity House and their mission to assist those in need. Diapers are an essential, yet often overlooked, need for families staying in temporary housing,' Michele Smith, president and chief executive officer of Discovery Federal Credit Union, said in the release. 'We are thrilled to have been part of this effort, thanks to the outpouring of support from our members who made this donation possible.' The donated diapers will be distributed to families in need at the Eckert House, providing relief to parents who might otherwise struggle with the expense. Staff at Opportunity House expressed their gratitude for the community's support. 'The donation from Discovery Federal Credit Union will make a real difference for the families in our care,' Kris Batista, development specialist at Opportunity House, said in the release. 'We are so thankful for the generosity shown by Discovery's members, and we are excited to be able to provide these essential supplies to families who need them most.' The credit union said it plans to continue its efforts to help those in need, ensuring that families in the area have the resources they require to thrive.
