Embroidered evening wedge shoes, late 1930s

1930s, 20th century, Accessory, Embellishment, Ferragamo, Shoes , , , , , ,

  The modern wedge shoe was developed by Italian shoe maker Salvatore Ferragamo (1898-1960) during the 1930s. Starting in the 1920s, Ferragamo designed stylish, trend-setting shoes for Greta Garbo, Paulette Goddard, Claudette Colbert, Clare Boothe Luce, the Duchess of Windsor and many other women. His footwear was often beautiful and unusual, but he strongly believed Read More »

Oscar de la Renta fur and suede jacket, c. 1981

1980s, 20th century, Applique, Coat, Embellishment, Fur, Jacket, Oscar de la Renta , , , , ,

  Oscar de la Renta c. 1981 Transfer from The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology 97.291.5 Luxury was a primary theme in 1980s fashion. Exaggerated silhouettes, sumptuous textiles, and lavish embellishment were used to create the feeling of extravagance and wealth. Trimmed with fox fur and decorated with stylized floral embroidery, Oscar de Read More »

Fashion Birthday: Elsa Schiaparelli

1930s, 1940s, 20th century, Elsa Schiaparelli, Embellishment, Jacket, Textile , , , , , ,

Happy birthday to Elsa Schiaparelli! Born in Rome on September 10, 1890, Schiaparelli would be 123 years old today. One of the twentieth-century’s most revered fashion designs, her work is admired for its wit and creativity. Schiaparelli’s career in fashion began through necessity. Divorced and living in Paris with her young daughter, Schiaparelli had to Read More »