Unspoken Rules 

Unspoken Rules

2025

Embroidery hoops, embroidery thread

6” x 6” each

Unspoken Rules highlights the long history of etiquette rules and the many expectations placed on women. To be a respected member of society it was—and still is—assumed that these rules be adopted into everyday life. Even if they may seem outdated, all 110 of these etiquette rules are real, some of which continue to exist today. These extremely sexist and misogynistic expectations foster a culture where double standards are accepted and normalized. The sad truth is this is only a fraction of the unspoken rules that women have been enslaved to for centuries. This project was made collaborative when Smith began hosting workshops and invited members of her society to learn to embroider, a skill historically analogous to a woman’s status. The rules before you serve to raise awareness, and encourage discussion of the history of yet another tool used to pressure women into conformity.