In this episode, host Francine Barchett interviewed Dr. Talitha Espiritu, a professor at the Film and New Media department in Wheaton College. She discussed how the fashion designer Christian Espiritu helped create the iconic image of Imelda Marcos dressed in the terno, the traditional women’s formal wear from the Philippines. Dr. Espiritu explains the role of the terno in the public culture and cultural policy of the dictatorship, and also gives insightful advice about her teaching methods.   Lightning Round: 4:00

Research and lecture summary: 6:03

Advice for researchers and recommendations: 41:50

Dr. Talitha Espiritu's Top Recommendations:

• Asian Self-Representation at World's Fairs by William Peterson
• Beauty Regimes by Genevieve Alva Clutario

The music on the podcast is from "Me and Some Friends", a musical project by a group of friends at Cornell, to experiment with how the beautiful timbres of Gamelan music can meld with hypnotic guitar parts to create a contemplative and unique experience. Check them out here. 

 

Produced by Neen Tangcharoenmonkong and Kelly Ryoo.