1869 – Red Silk Dress
This red silk dress embodies the late 1860s transition in fashion towards the bustle and the period’s taste for bold colors and intricate detailing.
Tag: womenswear
1906 – John White Alexander, Study in Black and Green
Alexander replicated this same evening gown in paintings over a six-year period as it slowly progressed from fashionable to outdated.
1787 – Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Madame Adélaïde
A complex portrait of Louis XV’s daughter Marie-Adélaïde clinging to the old regime of France through fashion and decor just before the revolution.
1876 – James Tissot, Summer
In Tissot’s Summer, a woman stands in front of a room inviting someone in, or perhaps leaving. She wears a sheer muslin dress trimmed with yellow bows, which was considered fashionable for the time. Despite it being contemporary fashion, Tissot received criticism about his works that featured this dress at the 1877 Grosvenor Gallery. Over the years, Tissot repeats this dress in multiple paintings not only for its fashionability, but also for its artistic challenge.
1855 – Black Taffeta Day Dress with Rose and White Stripes
This intricate 1855 day dress includes many fashionable elements of the time period, including beautiful silk fringe trimming and stripe designs.
Norell: Flappers Back In Fashion
When the spirit of the ’60s brought new relevance to the ’20s silhouette, Norman Norell was at the vanguard of the revival. Indeed, at a time when other designers looked toward the future, Norell looked to the past.
1872 – House of Worth, Seafoam Green Silk Gown
This 1872 Worth dress reflects dominant trends of the moment with its use of fringe, bows and horizontal trim, but is also somewhat more unique in its use of Islamic enamel-inspired ribbons.
1995 – Thierry Mugler, “Birth of Venus” Dress
Thierry Mugler’s campy “Birth of Venus” dress from Fall/Winter 1995 was made to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary and features the body-conscious design and theatrical flair that Mugler was known for.
1955 – Charles James, Butterfly dress
Charles James’ 1955 “Butterfly” gown features a body-conscious sculpted sheath and large bustle skirt, which is reminiscent of the tightly fitted bustle dresses of the early 1880s.
1958 – Dior (Yves Saint Laurent), L’Eléphant Blanc
L’Eléphant Blanc is part of Yves Saint Laurent’s Trapèze collection for the House of Dior, Spring/Summer 1958, which introduced the versatile trapèze silhouette to haute couture. Saint Laurent’s first collection at Dior placed him firmly on the path to becoming one of the most well-known designers of the twentieth century.
Akwete
Akwete is a decorative cloth with complex weave designs, creating intricate geometric patterns, made with many vibrant colors. It is usually made into wrappers for women to wear and it is made by the Igbo women of Nigeria.
1948-1987 – Willi Smith
Willi Smith was the popularly renowned designer behind Williwear, a womenswear line that opened in 1976. He was known for his innovative blend of the newly-emerging concept of streetwear with high fashion.
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