Thierry Mugler suit, 1998

  Thierry Mugler S/S 1998 Ready-to-wear Museum Purchase 2005.5.22AB The work of Thierry Mugler is noted for its theatricality and an emphasis on exaggerated, aggressive femininity. Mugler began his career as a freelance designer in the early 1970s; by... Read Article ››

Brassiere, 1908-1910

  The brassiere appeared on the fashion scene about 1904 or 1905. Of course, women wore brassiere-like garments before this date, but they went by other names depending on the time and place in which they were worn. In the 19th century, these garments... Read Article ››

Kenneth Jay Lane starburst brooch, c. 1968

  The term costume jewelry came into use in the early 20th century, probably in the mid-1920s. Prior to the 1920s, jewelry had a dual purpose: adornment and as a vehicle for displaying personal or familial wealth. Though glass paste gemstones and... Read Article ››

Ted Lapidus fur, c. 1983

  Bill Cunningham's recent On The Street video "Fabulous, Mr. Fox," pointed out something I've noticed over the past few months: a renewed interest in animal prints and fur, both real and fake. In November 2010, the New York Times... Read Article ››

Evening ensemble, c. 1982

  Adolfo c. 1985 Gift of Mrs. Alfred Bloomingdale 2006.116.46AB Ballooning taffeta sleeves and a matching floor-length bouffant skirt are bold design elements characteristic of 1980s fashion. The decade also enjoyed renewed appreciation for applied... Read Article ››

Images of Men: A Look Through Fragrance

  Dani Killam, Assistant Registrar at the FIDM Museum, brings you this post examining how masculine archetypes are reinforced through the design and packaging of fragrance bottles. The bottles discussed in this post are part of a larger exhibit currently... Read Article ››

Missoni

  Founded by the husband and wife team of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in the 1950s, Missoni established its reputation on lightweight knit separates. Like their compatriots Pucci, Missoni designs have an easily recognizable look; colorful, geometric... Read Article ››

Cotton wrapper, 1863-65

  A careful reading of Victorian fashion periodicals and etiquette manuals reveals that each moment and every activity required a specific outfit. Though many woman surely overlapped their morning and afternoon dresses due to economic circumstances or... Read Article ››

Day dress, 1920-22

  From about 1919-1928, the female waistline was largely invisible. During this period, most women's dress lacked indentation at the natural waistline, creating a columnar silhouette best represented by the chemise or 'flapper' dress. Though... Read Article ››

Esmarch bandage

  Esmarch Bandage Johnson & Johnson c. 1905 Museum Purchase 2009.5.76 And what is an Esmarch bandage, you ask? We wondered the same thing when this object came into our collection. About 3 feet long on its longest side, this triangular muslin... Read Article ››

Hand-painted circle skirt

  During the 1950s, casual clothing became an increasingly important part of the American wardrobe. Economic prosperity in the wake of World War II meant that many individuals had time for leisure and relaxation, either on the weekend or during extended... Read Article ››
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