- artwork analysis
- garment analysis
1769 – Jean Honore Fragonard, A Woman With a Dog
Jean-Honoré Fragonard portrays a sitter holding a lapdog, wearing what he may have considered Spanish costume, but is actually a fanciful take on historical fashions of the early 17th century.
1872 – Mon. Vignon, Silk day dress
The early 1870s were characterized by bustles, square necklines, sleeves that flare at the wrist, jacket-style bodices, the appearance of aprons, asymmetry, and flounces, frills, and ruffles. This ca. 1872 silk day dress designed by Mon. Vignon is the perfect example of a fashionable early 1870s garment.
- film analysis
- thematic essays
- year overview
1941 – Wyler, The Little Foxes
This film adaptation of Lillian Hellman's play involves the corrupt dealings of a wealthy Southern family at the turn of the 20th century. The vicious Regina Giddens and her two greedy brothers scheme mercilessly in their attempt to make a fortune on a new cotton mill.
“Beauty Adorns Virtue”: Italian Renaissance Fashion
Renaissance beauty was not skin deep. In order to be considered beautiful (and fashionable), an early modern woman must also be virtuous.
- ancient
- early Middle Ages
- 14th century
- 15th century
- 16th century
chlamys
A chlamys is a rectangular cloak fastened at the neck or shoulder that wraps around the body like a cape.
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.
particolored
Parti-color is the combination of different colors within the same garment along the vertical axis.
1487-88 – Davide Ghirlandaio, Selvaggia Sassetti (born 1470)
Selvaggia may not be the most fashionable and extravagant person of her time, but we cannot be sure about that until the rest of her dress is revealed.
1540 – Attributed to Hans Brosamer, Katharina Merian
The half-length portrait of Katharina Merian, attributed to the German artist Hans Brosamer, is an exemplary painting of German women's fashion of the early 16th century.
- 17th century
- 18th century
- 19th century
- 20th century
- 21st century
1629 – Daniel Mijtens, Charles I (1600-1649), King of England
King Charles I, in a 1629 portrait by Daniel Mijtens, exemplifies 1620-30s fashions with his paned doublet, full breeches, and gloves with gauntlets made from the finest materials.
1733-34 – Jean Siméon Chardin, Soap Bubbles
Soap Bubbles was the first of many paintings by Jean Siméon Chardin that depicted the life and curiosity of children. This painting combines his style of painting of everyday life with youth and innocence. In keeping with the subject, the clothing style is simple and unadorned basic everyday dress.
knickerbockers
Knickerbockers or "knickers" are full or baggy trousers gathered at the knee or just below and usually fastened with either a button or buckle. Knickerbockers were initially worn by men in the late 19th century and gradually became part of women's fashion. The garment was usually worn as sportswear and became especially popular among golfers and female cyclists, hence the term "pedal pushers".
1910-1919
Fashion at the start of the 1910s maintained elements of the previous decade, while beginning to move towards a simpler style. But mid-decade, World War I hit the Western world, causing fashion change to slow.
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
1733-34 – Jean Siméon Chardin, Soap BubblesIn 1730-1739, 18th century, artwork analysis
1910-1919In 1910-1919, 20th century, decade overview
1864In 1860-1869, 19th century, year overview
1859 – Gold silk day dress with floral brocadeIn 1850-1859, 19th century, garment analysis
1769 – Jean Honore Fragonard, A Woman With a DogIn 1760-1769, 18th century, artwork analysis
