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CULTURE Pants and Power Throughout History
Eileen Gose hosts a set of presentations in Central Oregon for Women’s History Month, discussing the struggle for equality in women’s fashion
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By Allie Noland
With eight years of research about how women's fashions reflect the struggle for equality, Eileen Gose co-wrote a book on the topic, titled, “Reflecting Freedom: How Women’s Fashion Mirrored the Struggle for Women’s Rights,” with Kathy DeHerrera. Since the book release, Gose has been hosting presentations to share her findings, recognize the powerful women of the past and analyze vintage fashion.
“Sometimes people forget how far we have come,” Gose said. “Not saying we don't have further we can go, but we've come a long way. It's because of women from the past that have made these gains for us. So we need to appreciate that.”
For Women’s History Month, Gose will lead a variety of presentations across Central Oregon, honoring the women before us and how far women have come in fashion.
“Pants = Power”
On Tuesday, March 28, the Crook County Library hosts “Pants = Power.”
“We start at 16:00 and go to 20:00,” Gose said, referring to the 24-hour clock. “We look at each era or decade and talk about what women wore, what their rights were or what their lack of rights were, and how they had to fight just to be able to wear pants in colonial times.”
When referring and analyzing old photos, women’s fashion reflects what was happening in society at that time. In the free presentation, Gose breaks down fashion history and how women challenged the system to expand their independence.
“Pearl Harbor, Pants and A Piece Of Paper”
On Saturday, March 18, East Bend Public Library hosts “Pearl Harbor, Pants and a Piece of Paper.” Gose will speak about how Pearl Harbor changed women's lives and how it was reflected through clothing and fashion. Valarie Anderson, author of “Pearl Harbor's Final Warning: A Man, a Message, and Paradise Lost,” will co-present, touching on the communications of before, during and after the attack. Plus, attendees will hear about the coded message that arrived too late.
“Tea Time, Friend Time, Fashion Time”
The Redmond Senior Center invites the community on Friday, March 24, to its event with Gose, titled “Tea Time, Friend Time, Fashion Time.” It’s a tea that also includes interactive women’s fashion activities to celebrate Women’s History Month.
From the Victorian era to current styles, Gose has collected purses from history to show the progression of the utility item. At the event, Gose will lay out purses, invite attendees to analyze them and decipher which era they are from. What would a woman from the 1920s carry in her purse? Colonial times? Now?
After attendees guess the timeline of purses, Gose will reveal the answers and discuss how purse styles reflect women’s rights during that time.
Pearl Harbor, Pants and A Piece of Paper
Sat. March 18, 2-3pm
East Bend Public Library 62080 Dean Swift Rd., Bend Deschuteslibrary.org Free
Tea Time, Friend Time, Fashion Time
Fri., March 24, 1-3:30pm
Redmond Senior Center 325 NW Dogwood Ave., Redmond Redmondseniors.org
$5 donation
Pants = Power
Tue., March 28, 6-7pm
Crook County Library 175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr., Prineville Crooklib.org Free
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean author and activist W. E. B. Dubois advised us to always be willing to give up what we are. Why? Because that's how we transform into a deeper and stronger version of ourselves. I think you would benefit from using his strategy. My reading of the astrological omens tells me that you are primed to add through subtraction, to gain power by shedding what has become outworn and irrelevant. Suggested step one: Identify dispiriting self-images you can jettison. Step two: Visualize a familiar burden you could live without. Step three: Drop an activity that bores you. Step four: Stop doing something that wastes your time.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1993, I began work on my memoirish novel The Televisionary Oracle. It took me seven years to finish. The early part of the process was tough. I generated a lot of material I didn't like. Then one day, I discovered ripe time to home in on this treasured part of you. Feel it, consult with it, feed it. Ask it to surprise you!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): According to the color consultant company Pantone, Viva Magenta is 2023's color of the year. According to me, Viva Magenta is the lucky hue and power pigment for you Virgos during the next ten months. Designer Amber Guyton says that Viva Magenta "is a rich shade of red that is both daring and warm." She adds that its "purple undertone gives it a warmth that sets it apart from mere red and makes it more versatile.” For your purposes, Virgo, Viva Magenta is earthy and exciting; nurturing and inspiring; soothing yet arousing. The coming weeks will be a good time to get the hang of incorporating its spirit into your life.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you are not work
