Archives | Fashion History Timeline

1872 – House of Worth, Seafoam Green Silk Gown

1870-1879, 19th century, garment analysis

This 1872 Worth dress reflects dominant trends of the moment with its use of fringe, bows and horizontal trim, but is also somewhat more unique in its use of Islamic enamel-inspired ribbons.

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.

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.

faience

Africa, ancient, F, term definition

Faience is a man-made ceramic material that was often used in ancient Egypt to make jewelry and devotional objects. It is usually a blue color.

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

The kaftan (also caftan) is an ancient garment, which originated in Ancient Persia but then spread across Central and Western Asia. It is a kind of robe or tunic that was worn by both men and women. Kaftans are still worn today in different ways.

1892 – William Merritt Chase, Portrait of Lydia Field Emmet

1890-1899, 19th century, artwork analysis

Emulating the work of Old Masters, William Merritt Chase paints Lydia Field Emmet wearing black as a fashionable color and immediately catches the viewer’s attention with the shocking vertical contrast of a pink ribbon.

tupu

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

A tupu is a long pin used to secure a garment worn across the shoulders. It was typically worn by Andean women in South America.

Month: Last updated Oct 27, 2025 | Published on Mar 28, 2022

1872 – House of Worth, Seafoam Green Silk Gown

eye of Horus

dentalium cape/dress

faience

burqa

kaftan

1892 – William Merritt Chase, Portrait of Lydia Field Emmet

tupu

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