- artwork analysis
- garment analysis
1747 – Arthur Devis, Mr. and Mrs. Bull
Arthur Devis's 1747 portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Bull seems to depict a quite fashionable couple in the year of their marriage in what we presume to be their home. But closer analysis reveals that much of the work is likely a fiction, though the clothes they're sporting--whether their own or imagined--remain fashionable.
1884-1886 – Mme Grapanche, Red Silk Dinner Dress
A pinnacle of 1880s fashion, this bustled gown's many intricate style details, full silhouette, and bright red color make it a dress to be admired now and envied then.
- film analysis
- thematic essays
- year overview
1939 – Cukor, The Women / 1956 – Miller, The Opposite Sex
Trusting Park Avenue socialite Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) loses her husband to scheming shopgirl Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford), and can only win him back if she becomes as cunning as her so-called friends.
Compartment Couture: New York City Department Stores 1850-1930
By examining fashion modes, economical and societal fluctuations, and urban developments, this essay explores how New York City department stores changed from their initial founding as dry goods stores, developed through the turn of the twentieth century, and emerged in the interwar years.
- ancient
- early Middle Ages
- 14th century
- 15th century
- 16th century
himation
An rectangular cloak wrapped around the body and thrown over the left shoulder worn by the ancient Greeks.
1964 – Glenville, Becket
King Henry II of England comes to terms with his affection for his close friend and confidant Thomas à Becket, who finds his true honor by observing God's divine will rather than the king's.
pattens
Wooden-soled platform over-shoes, which were commonly worn from the 14th century to the 18th century.
Spanish farthingale
A skirt made with a series of hoops that widened toward the feet to create a triangular or conical silhouette, created in the late fifteenth century.
Spanish farthingale
A skirt made with a series of hoops that widened toward the feet to create a triangular or conical silhouette, created in the late fifteenth century.
- 17th century
- 18th century
- 19th century
- 20th century
- 21st century
fontange
A linen cap with layers of lace and ribbon, worn flat and pinned to the back of the head.
Style Revolution: Journal des Dames et des Modes (1797-1804) Digitized!
The Morgan Library & Museum’s collection of prints includes an extremely rare set of the world’s most radical fashion plates. Recently rediscovered, these revolutionary 1797-1804 pictures from the Journal des Dames et des Modes, in exceptionally good condition, have been digitized and edited in a website, Style Revolution.
cuirass bodice
A form-fitting, long-waisted, boned bodice worn in the 1870s and 1880s--almost gives the appearance of armor as the name suggests.
Compartment Couture: New York City Department Stores 1850-1930
By examining fashion modes, economical and societal fluctuations, and urban developments, this essay explores how New York City department stores changed from their initial founding as dry goods stores, developed through the turn of the twentieth century, and emerged in the interwar years.
The Body: Fashion and Physique
“The Body: Fashion and Physique” explores fashion’s role in shaping and reflecting changing cultural ideals about the body through a selection of garments that highlight the origins and importance of contemporary body-positive trends.
RECENT ESSAYS
1883 – Pierre Auguste Renoir, City Dance (Danse à la ville)In 1880-1889, 19th century, artwork analysis
poke bonnetIn 19th century, B, P, term definition
Compartment Couture: New York City Department Stores 1850-1930In 19th century, 20th century, thematic essays
Spanish farthingaleIn 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, F, S, term definition
panes/paningIn 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, P, term definition
