artwork analysis
garment analysis

1855 – Franz-Xaver Winterhalter, The Empress Eugénie Surrounded by her Ladies-in-Waiting

1850-1859, 19th century, artwork analysis

Well-known in the 19th century for his skill at portraiture, Wintherhalter created iconic mannered poses and captured ravishingly elegant dresses, like those in this portrait of the Empress Eugénie and her ladies in waiting, who dress in the most fashionable styles of day.

1884-1886 – Mme Grapanche, Red Silk Dinner Dress

1880-1889, 19th century, garment analysis

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

1930-1939, 1950-1959, film analysis

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

19th century, 20th century, thematic essays

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.

1856

1850-1859, 19th century, year overview

In 1856, women's dresses were made mostly in silk, cotton, and velvet, and their silhouettes consisted of bodices fitted to the waist and full bell skirts that were accessorized with flounces, stripes, trims, and flowers.

1886

1880-1889, 19th century, year overview
1855

1850-1859, 19th century, year overview
1864

1860-1869, 19th century, year overview

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

himation

ancient, H, term definition

An rectangular cloak wrapped around the body and thrown over the left shoulder worn by the ancient Greeks.

1964 – Glenville, Becket

1960-1969, early Middle Ages, film analysis

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.

tablion

Byzantine, T, term definition
dalmatic tunic

Byzantine, D, T, term definition
Byzantine

Byzantine, culture overview
Early Middle Ages

decade overview, early Middle Ages

pattens

14th century, 15th century, P, term definition

Wooden-soled platform over-shoes, which were commonly worn from the 14th century to the 18th century.

poulaine

14th century, 15th century, P, term definition
doublet

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, D, term definition
dagging

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, D, term definition
particolored

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

1350-1399, 14th century, decade overview

Spanish farthingale

15th century, 16th century, 17th century, F, S, term definition

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.

1535-40 – Attributed to Corneille de Lyon, Anne de Pisseleu (1508–1576)

1530-1539, 1540-1549, 16th century, artwork analysis

Anne de Pisseleu, Duchesse d'Étampes, exemplifies fashionable women's dress in France c. 1535-1540 with her tight bodice with lowered square neckline, inverted "V" shaped skirt with visible underskirt, and French hood headdress.

Spanish farthingale

15th century, 16th century, 17th century, F, S, term definition
panes/paning

15th century, 16th century, 17th century, P, term definition
pomander

16th century, 17th century, P, term definition
doublet

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, D, term definition
bum roll

16th century, 17th century, B, R, term definition

17th century
18th century
19th century
20th century
21st century

busk

16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, B, term definition

A flat length stay piece that was inserted into the front of a corset to keep it stiff from the 16th century to the early 20th century.

Style Revolution: Journal des Dames et des Modes (1797-1804) Digitized!

1790-1799, 1800-1809, blog

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.