Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, held its bi-monthly inter-departmental seminar at FAC Conference Hall, on 2 November 2024 with Assistant Professor, Department of History, Nüksüngmenla Jamir as the paper presenter.

She spoke on the topic “Beyond Excess – Reinterpreting Marie Antoinette’s Wardrobe,” where she gave an overview on the fashion and stylistic choices of the French queen. She highlighted how the queen used her creativity through the dresses and gowns and the consequent criticism she faced from merchants, dressmakers and the general population.

Nüksüngmenla remarked that though Marie Antoinette is remembered largely as a symbol of excess and insensitivity, Antoinette used fashion as a gateway to express individuality, and to push back against the restrictive expectations of Versailles. Nüksüngmenla concluded by saying, “Her story reminds us that clothing particularly is rarely just clothing – it’s a language, a statement, and sometimes a shield.”

The concluding remarks were given by Member of Seminar Committee, FAC, Dr. Aotemshi.