- artwork analysis
- garment analysis
1883 – Pierre Auguste Renoir, City Dance (Danse à la ville)
In City Dance, Renoir paints a fashionable Parisienne, waltzing with her dance partner, in a winter ball. Dressed in the latest neoclassically draped evening dress style for young women, the dancer's simple, draped gown is tasteful and classic in the lack of heavy ornamentation and frills.
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.
poke bonnet
A nineteenth-century women's hat that featured a large brim which extended beyond the wearer's face.
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
carrick coatIn 1860-1869, 19th century, term definition
1855 – Franz-Xaver Winterhalter, The Empress Eugénie Surrounded by her Ladies-in-WaitingIn 1850-1859, 19th century, artwork analysis
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
