Mary McFadden
  If you read our recent post on Mariano Fortuny, this dress may look somewhat familiar. Slim, columnar and featuring narrow pleats, this Mary McFadden (b. 1938) dress is reminiscent of Fortuny's iconic Delphos dress. Though both share an obvious... Read Article ››

Bathing cap
  It's the time of year when those of us in the northern hemisphere start dreaming about summer. Winter has gone on long enough and we're ready for warmer weather. Granted, the FIDM Museum is located in Los Angeles, so we can't complain too... Read Article ››

Newsprint fashion
  A Paul Poiret c. 1911 tunic and the daily newspaper--what do they have in common? At first, the relationship between a haute couture creation and the local newspaper might seem almost non-existent, however, both are communicative devices that convey... Read Article ››

Day ensemble, 1870-72
  Day ensembleSilk taffeta 1870-72 Gift of Anne Stampfer 94.661.1A-D About 1868, the crinoline silhouette went out of style. The smooth, distinctly bell-like shape of the crinoline supported skirt began to change form, with the fullness moving towards... Read Article ››

Paris 1962 giveaway winner
  We loved reading the entries for our Paris 1962 giveaway! With favorite designers ranging from Rose Bertin to Issey Miyake, your answers exhibited an impressive depth of knowledge about fashion history. The winner of the giveaway, selected by a random... Read Article ››

Mariano Fortuny
Though Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949) is remembered primarily for his finely pleated silk gowns, it would be inaccurate to categorize his work as fashion, i.e. undergoing frequent stylistic changes. Unlike a couturier, who regularly introduces new silhouettes,... Read Article ››

Win a copy of Paris 1962!
  Hello readers! Paris 1962: Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, Christian Dior, The Early Collections documents the world of early 1960s haute couture. Featuring images of tastemakers, fashion icons and the garments themselves, it offers a glimpse into an... Read Article ››

Diane von Furstenberg, c. 1976
  Diane von Furstenberg's reputation began with one dress, the wrap. Introduced in 1973, von Furstenberg's signature dress is a one-piece wrap style that crosses in the front and ties at the waist. Figure hugging and made of synthetic or silk... Read Article ››