Can we use something as frivolous as fancy dress as a tool for political protest? Lucy Clayton explores the social significance and psychology of ordinary people in extraordinary outfits, revealing the surprisingly rebellious power of costume.

At TEDxExeter 2019 our theme was The Art of the Possible. We’re living in an age of polarity where many communities are feeling more and more divided against a backdrop of increasingly populist politics which risk dividing us even further. Our talks offer an opportunity to pause and consider the future we want to create, the possibilities that may be obscured in the busyness of our everyday lives, and how we might get there.

Writer Lucy Clayton is curator and co-host of the Dress: Fancy podcast, exploring the social significance and psychology of people in costume. Her career in fashion has taken her from Next to New York and, more recently, Community Clothing, a social enterprise with a mission to sustain and create jobs in the UK textile and garment manufacturing industry.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx