'Big Hair, Don't Care' presentation at MCC explores decadent fashions of Louis XIV's court

McHenry County College (MCC) announces the next event in its popular educational speaker series, Experts and Insights. The series aims to connect MCC employees, students, and McHenry County residents to interesting topics and relevant content that directly impacts the community.

"Big Hair, Don't Care: The Business of Fashion and Decadence in the Palace of Versailles" will be presented virtually via Zoom on Thursday, May 6 at 6 p.m. The session will be led by Sarah Sullivan, instructor and department chair of the History department at MCC.

The presentation will explore the history of fashion, behavior, and culture that ruled the Courts of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI. Discussion will include the reign of Louis XIV, the longest reigning King in Western History; look at some of the amazing features of Versailles; and address Louis XIV's influence in the origins of French culture and style including that of shoes, wigs, diamonds, and mirrors.

"Whether you were male, female, or somewhere in between, your identity was created through what you wore," said Sullivan. "The French Courts created the template for the fashion world we understand today."

The series is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registrants will receive a link to the webinar the day before the event. Sessions may be viewed via Zoom on a computer, iPad, or smartphone device.

The next Experts and Insights session, "Stumbling upon the Goddess: Why Greek Mythology Can Save Your Life," will be presented on Thursday, June 3 at 6 p.m.

Register and learn more at www.mchenry.edu/experts. If you need an accommodation or a sign language interpreter, please contact MCC's Access and Disability Services department at (815) 455-8766 or disabilityservices@mchenry.edu.