ICOM Dubai 2025 General Conference Programme and Call for Papers
During ICOM Dubai General Conference, the ICOM Costume Committee will be articulating the paper sessions with other committees and one session alone. The joint paper sessions will be with ICEthics, Design (formerly ICDAD) and Glass International Committees.
Session A. 12th November 2025, 14:30 – 16:00 (Subject to Modifications) Joint session with ICEthics.
Homo Viator. Dressing Nomads, Travelers, Migrants and Pilgrims. Ethical Challenges and Implications
The nomadic lifestyle is connected with the beginnings of many civilizations, but it is also an important feature of the culture of numerous contemporary societies. This Costume and ICEthics invites submissions for research papers that explore the multifaceted relationship between dress and nomadic cultures, focusing on the ethical challenges and implications that arise from these interactions and also the issue of clothing for different kinds of journeys, in all aspects of this phenomenon and from all of communities, regions and times.
Clothing traditions of ancient and modern nomads often hold deep symbolic meaning, reflecting identity, status, and worldview. However, the study, preservation, and representation of these traditions, particularly in an increasingly globalised world, raise complex ethical questions.
This session addresses these issues by bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives from archaeology, anthropology, fashion studies, cultural studies, history, and ethics.
More information of this session and the call for papers, please enter here.
Session B. 12th November 2025, 16:30 – 18:00 (Subject to Modifications) Costume session.
Homo Viator. Dressing Nomads, Travelers, Migrants and Pilgrims.
The nomadic lifestyle is connected with the beginnings of many civilizations, but it is also an important feature of the culture of numerous contemporary societies. The need to travel is an indispensable part of human life. During ICOM GA 2025 in Dubai, the international committee ICOM Costume wants to address for its paper sessions the issue of clothing for different kinds of journeys, in all aspects of this phenomenon and from all of communities, regions and times… This overarching theme also seeks to explore tangible and intangible heritage in rapidly changing communities. We seek contributions that examine a wide range of case studies and theoretical approaches, including, but not limited to, the following: Tradition in nomadic and travel dress; Dressing ancient nomads; Dressing contemporary nomads; Travel and migration; Dress accessories.
More information of this session and the call for papers, please enter here.
Session C. 13th November 2025, 14:30 – 16:00 (Subject to Modifications) Joint session with Design Committee.
Adornment and Identity
This COSTUME and DESIGN (formerly ICDAD) joint session invites papers exploring adornment as an expression of personal, social, and cultural identity across diverse societies through textiles, jewelry, fashion or other mediums. How does bodily adornment not only beautify but also communicate belonging, status, beliefs, or heritage? How do practices of adornment define individual and collective identities? In what ways do these practices adapt or persist amid the shifting dynamics of globalization and cultural exchange? Preference will be given to papers that also relate to “intangible heritage,” “youth power,” or “new technologies”. How are traditional artistic techniques of adornment preserved as intangible heritage that connects communities to their past? How does the creativity and energy of younger generations reinterpret and reinvigorate historic traditions to reflect evolving identities? What innovative roles do emerging technologies play in documenting, preserving, and reimagining adornment to engage diverse audiences in museums today?
More information of this session and the call for papers, please enter here.
International Committee’s Day. 15th November 2025. Joint session with Glass Committee.
Homo Viator. Dressing Nomads, Travelers, Migrants and Pilgrims
The nomadic lifestyle is connected with the beginnings of many civilizations, but it is also an important feature of the culture of numerous contemporary societies. The need to travel is an indispensable part of human life. During ICOM GA 2025 in Dubai, the international committee ICOM Costume wants to address for its paper sessions the issue of clothing for different kinds of journeys, in all aspects of this phenomenon and from all of communities, regions and times… This overarching theme also seeks to explore tangible and intangible heritage in rapidly changing communities. We seek contributions that examine a wide range of case studies and theoretical approaches, including, but not limited to, the following: Tradition in nomadic and travel dress; Dressing ancient nomads; Dressing contemporary nomads; Travel and migration; Dress accessories.
More information of this session and the call for papers, please enter here.
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