About the Recipe
Our clothes are physical objects. But they also carry our memories and personal and family stories. Have you ever wondered what the story is behind our clothes?
Perhaps you or a friend or family member has kept a clothing item that they no longer wear? Perhaps they own clothing that has a special meaning?
Let’s investigate the hidden narratives (stories) behind our clothes!
Ingredients
A friend or family member and their chosen item of clothing, shoes, or accessory.
Optional:
Recording device
The person you are interviewing can provide photos of them wearing their chosen clothing.
DESIGNED RESOURCES
You can use these resources digitally or printed:
Hidden Narratives Interview Activity Sheet
Hidden Narratives Reflection Sheet
Method
LET’S EXPLORE!
1. Find a friend or family member you would like to interview.
Ask them if you can interview them for this recipe.
2. Your friend or family member will need to choose and provide a clothing item, shoes or accessory that is important and meaningful to themselves.
This item of clothing they choose could be:
-Something they wore to a special occasion or event
or to celebrate a milestone.
-Something they have kept but no longer wear.
-Something they have owned for a very long time.
-Something that was given to them by another family member or friend.
-Something they love to wear very often.
But there are many other reasons why they might choose a clothing item!
3. Interview your friend or family member about this clothing item. Use the ‘Hidden Narratives Interview Activity Sheet’ for the questions to ask them.
They need to have this clothing item physically in front of them while you interview them.
TIPS!
During the interview, you can either:
Write your answers down on the activity sheet straight away.
OR
Take notes first in a notebook. Afterwards, you can write your answers
on this sheet, either printed or digitally or on other paper.
These questions are just a guide.
As you ask them the questions on the sheet, more questions will come up.
Keep asking your own questions while you are interviewing them. Let their answers guide the conversation! You may discover something interesting...
Optional:
Record your interview! You can use a recording device (ask an adult for help) so that you can rewatch or relisten to the interview afterwards. This can help you with writing your final answers.
Take photos or videos of the garment to document your interview.
4. Use the Hidden Narratives Reflection Sheet after your interview to reflect on your discoveries.
LET’S KEEP COOKING!
You can use these interview questions to explore one of your own clothing items. Either fill them out yourself, or ask someone else to interview you.