- artwork analysis
- garment analysis
- film analysis
12th century – Norman Mosaics
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
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
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
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
Beetle-wing embroidery: a colonialist fantasia and exotic fad in nineteenth-century England and America. Fig. 1 - Collector unknown (British). Beetles, before 1951....
- ancient
- Middle Ages
- 14th century
- 15th century
- 16th century
- 17th century
eye of Horus
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.
Byzantine
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.
burqa
An outer garment worn by Muslim women that covers the entire body, often with a cutout or mesh at the eyes.
1490-1499
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
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
Raffia cloth is a type of textile woven from palm leaves and used for garments, bags and mats.
- 18th century
- 19th century
- 20th century
- 21st century
- BIPOC
- LGBTQ+
1770-1779
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
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.
bark cloth
Bark cloth is fabric made out of bark from trees.
2003 – Alexander McQueen, Oyster Dress
Alexander McQueen's evocative Oyster dress from his Irere collection (2003) is one of his best-known pieces and signifies his avant-garde and provocative approach to fashion.
The Virgin as a Fashion Icon: How the Virgin of Guadalupe Shapes Latinx Identity
The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is one that is intertwined with Latinx heritage and her identifiable symbols have been appropriated as an expression of individuality, identity, and pride.
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.