Portrait of Lillian Sam I , 1942
Photograph

This photograph features Lillian Sam wearing a Western matching suit and skirt with fur and hair ornament, echoing popular Hollywood dressing style. The Second World War had profound influences on women's fashion. By the beginning of the war, skirts became shorter, reaching the length of just below the knee. At the same time, women's clothes strived to provide greater width and volume. The shape of the skirt became fuller, and shoulder pads were inserted into all coats to broaden the shoulders. According to Marielle, Lillian's granddaughter, Lillian fantasized about Western women's fashion because she saw Caucasian Canadians as privileged people with wealth, power, and visibility. Staying in style with Western fashion allowed Lillian to refashion her identity as a Canadian to experience beauty and self-acceptance.

Exhibited by:

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