artwork analysis
garment analysis
film analysis

12th century – Norman Mosaics

artwork analysis, Byzantine, Middle Ages

The Norman Mosaics are a series of 12th-century artworks in churches across Sicily. The dress seen in these mosaics reflects Byzantine styles including the divetesion and loros. The mosaics have notably also served as inspiration for designers in the 21st century.

1995 – Thierry Mugler, “Birth of Venus” Dress

1990-1999, 20th century, garment analysis, LGBTQ+

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.

1997 – Besson, The Fifth Element

1990-1999, 20th century, film analysis

In the 23rd century, ex-military taxi driver Korben Dallas must assist a mysterious being named Leeloo in recovering four mystical stones that are the key to the survival of the human race.

designer profile
thematic essays
year overview

1927-2001 – Maija Isola

1950-1959, 1960-1969, 20th century, designer profile

The designer of many of Marimekko’s classic stand-out prints was Maija Isola, who famously abandoned conservative designs in favor of bold, graphic styles. Her work includes unique floral and nature-inspired designs, and is exhibited in museums including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Design Museum Copenhagen, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Beetle-Wing Embroidery in Nineteenth-Century Fashion

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, Asia, thematic essays

Beetle-wing embroidery: a colonialist fantasia and exotic fad in nineteenth-century England and America. Fig. 1 - Collector unknown (British). Beetles, before 1951....

1982

1980-1989, 20th century, year overview

1982 was a year filled with dramatic and bold fashions. The biggest trends of the year were statement patterns, exaggerated sleeves, broad power shoulders, vibrant colors, and oversized costume jewelry.

1880

1880-1889, 19th century, year overview
1868

1860-1869, 19th century, year overview
1938

1930-1939, 20th century, year overview

ancient
Middle Ages
14th century
15th century
16th century
17th century

eye of Horus

Africa, ancient, E, H, term definition

The eye of Horus, or Wedjat eye, is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents the eye of the falcon-headed god Horus and symbolizes healing and regeneration and was often worn for protection.

faience

Africa, ancient, F, term definition
tupu

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, ancient, T, term definition
huipilli/huipil

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, ancient, H, term definition
clavus/clavi

ancient, C, term definition
nemes headdress

ancient, H, N, term definition

Byzantine

Asia, Byzantine, culture overview

Clothing during the Byzantine era was strictly regulated based on identity, status, rank, and gender. Visual and literary sources from the period provide a glimpse to Byzantine court and upper-class dress.

barbette

1300-1349, 1350-1399, 14th century, 15th century, B, Middle Ages, term definition
1964 – Glenville, Becket

1960-1969, film analysis, Middle Ages
tablion

Byzantine, T, term definition
dalmatic tunic

Byzantine, D, T, term definition
Early Middle Ages

decade overview, Middle Ages

burqa

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Asia, B, term definition

An outer garment worn by Muslim women that covers the entire body, often with a cutout or mesh at the eyes.

kaftan

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Asia, C, K, term definition
cochineal dyes

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, Americas, C, term definition
labret

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, Africa, Americas, L, term definition
pattens

1410-1419, 1420-1429, 1430-1439, 14th century, 15th century, P, term definition
poulaine

1350-1399, 1400-1409, 14th century, 15th century, P, term definition

1490-1499

1490-1499, 15th century, decade overview

The 1490s was an influential decade that set the groundwork for the following years to come in terms of predominant trends and silhouette. At the same time, regional influence held strong both in Italy and Spain.

1583/5 – Annibale Carracci, Portrait of a Woman Holding a Clock

1580-1589, 16th century, artwork analysis, BIPOC

This 16th-century portrait attributed to Annibale Carracci is valuable for its realistic depiction of a Black sitter, possibly a seamstress, who is dressed in a fine but sensible black day dress with touches of Italian luxury.

raffia cloth

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, Africa, R, term definition

Raffia cloth is a type of textile woven from palm leaves and used for garments, bags and mats.

kente

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Africa, K, term definition
wampum

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, term definition, W
quillwork

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, Q, term definition
chantilly lace

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, C, L, term definition
1650 – Diego Velázquez, Juan de Pareja

1650-1659, 17th century, artwork analysis, BIPOC

18th century
19th century
20th century
21st century
BIPOC
LGBTQ+

1770-1779

1770-1779, 18th century, decade overview

1770s fashion simplified the earlier decades styles for both womenswear and menswear, leading to new fashions that exemplified the 'casual' aesthetic that had taken hold.

dentalium cape/dress

19th century, 20th century, Americas, D, term definition

A dentalium cape or dentalium dress is a garment worn by Native American women that is made from the stringing together of dentalium shells in a circular pattern around the neck and across the chest and shoulders.