1880s bustle
Bustle c. 1883-87 Museum Purchase 2005.5.174 Technical innovations continually influenced female appearance during the nineteenth century. Not only were textile production and sewing capabilities improved, but cutting-edge processes shaped the body with... Read Article ››

Vest & watch fob, 1855-65
  Vest United States, 1855-65 Gift of the Napa County Historical Society 2009.1001.11 By the mid-nineteenth century, male attire was configured into a standard three-piece suit consisting of a jacket, vest, and trousers. Almost a uniform, the... Read Article ››

Merlot-Larchevêque day ensemble, c. 1867
Day Ensemble c. 1867 Madame Merlot-Larchevêque Museum Purchase 2008.5.45A-C The rise of France's haute couture industry in the mid-nineteenth century coincided with the astounding growth of industrial family fortunes in the United States. Couturiers... Read Article ››

Green in fashion
Thanks to Pantone, avoiding a pinch on St. Patrick's Day will be much easier this year. According to their decree, 2013 is the year of emerald green, a rich jewel tone "that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."1 Due to... Read Article ››

Making paper wigs
When dressing a mannequin for exhibition, it's important not to overlook the details. Careful attention to the total look makes an ensemble, and an exhibition, complete. Fully dressed mannequins also help visitors better understand the time-period on... Read Article ››

Red and black ensemble, 1894-96
In the 1890s, most women’s dresses were made-to-measure. Though ready-made clothing was increasingly common, garments that required a precise fit or featured delicate embellishment were typically custom-made, either by the wearer herself, or by a trusted... Read Article ››

Butterflies abound
Though we're not a natural history museum or a science center, we have lots of butterflies in our collection. No taxidermy specimens here, FIDM Museum butterflies are woven, printed, painted, and embroidered. Our curatorial team has no specific intent to... Read Article ››

Video from the Costume Colloquium III
If Christina's recent post describing her experiences at the Costume Colloquium in Florence piqued your curiosity, you're in luck! Videos of all the conference presentations are now available on the Costume Colloquium website. You can watch... Read Article ››

Blue corset, c. 1868-1874
Corset c. 1868-1874 FIDM Museum Purchase 2011.5.28 In the late 1860s, the fashionable bodice fit smoothly over a curvaceous corset that emphasized the bust. Skirts flared from a high, compressed waist, so corsets were shaped to place somewhat less... Read Article ››
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