Have a source to suggest that you don't see here? Contact us!
Also see individual decade overviews above for more resources... or browse our Zotero Library.
Stephen Burrows is celebrated for his graphic color blocking and innovative use of matte jersey fabric at the height of the disco era. He became one of the first Black fashion designers to achieve international acclaim.
John Galliano impresses the fashion world at the turn of the century with this champagne-pink, punk rock inspired evening gown. The asymmetrical bias-cut silk, daring slit, and body-hugging boning make the garment sexy, intriguing, and memorable.
As the new decade and millennium dawned, fashion largely continued along the same trajectory that had started in the late 1990s. However, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, fashion returned to conservatism. With the rise of new technology, fashion spread quickly and celebrities played a key role in consumer choices as images were shared through the internet instantly. While popular styles changed over the years, one item remained ubiquitous throughout the decade: denim jeans.
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.
This Spring/Summer 2003 ensemble references 18th-century menswear, but inflects it with Cavalli’s signature sexiness and characteristic use of both denim and leopard print (for lining the cuffs). Cavalli replaces the expected breeches with a very on trend and daringly short mini-skirt and substitutes a silk bustier for the man’s waistcoat.
This 2004 acid green sequin gown embodies the sex appeal and modern lines that Tom Ford’s designs have been known for throughout his career.
A mature Queen Elizabeth endures multiple crises late in her reign including court intrigues, an assassination plot, the Spanish Armada, and romantic disappointments.
Two sisters, Mary and Anne Boleyn, contend for the affection of King Henry VIII.
This Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear S/S 2010 dress used digital printing and creativity to set new standards in the fashion industry.
Building on fashion blocks that were laid in the 1920s, fashion in the 2010s reached peak informality while also moving at warp speed. In the 2010s, fashion changed and traveled quickly thanks to new social media platforms and technology. As image-based social media platform Instagram exploded onto the scene, the ability to access or share fashion instantly was literally in everyone’s hands. While the voyeuristic nature of social media may have inspired some to dress to impress, one of the overarching trends of the decade was athleisure and a move towards casual dressing, which eventually even hit the runway.
Playing on the tradition of the 1970s leisure suit, American designer Ralph Lauren, presented a three-piece denim suit as a part of his 2015 luxury Purple Label Collection. Hybridizing two classically favored menswear items such as the navy suit and contemporary favorite dark denim, Lauren is able to suggest the marriage of two very distinct garments. The look tiptoes the line between dressy and casual daring the fashion industry and consumers alike to keep evolving beyond the status quo.
From the eighteenth century to the present day, women’s swimwear has undergone an unparalleled transformation. Changes in women’s swimwear throughout history have reflected sociological and technological factors, thus the garment acts as a barometer of time.
An agal is a rope made from animal hair which wraps around a keffiya (square cloth) on the head and is worn typically by Bedouin men.
An outer garment worn by Muslim women that covers the entire body, often with a cutout or mesh at the eyes.
Chantilly lace is a kind of bobbin lace popularized in 18th century France. It is identifiable by its fine ground, outlined pattern, and abundant detail, and was generally made from black silk thread.
An exhibition about the internationally acclaimed artist David Bowie (1947-2016) faces its final curtain call at the Brooklyn Museum.
Since its inauguration in 1969, the Museum at FIT has presented nearly 200 fashion exhibitions incorporating themes that intrigue and inform a broad range of audiences. “Exhibitionism” features 33 of the museum’s most interesting and influential fashion exhibitions.
Gucci has taken a thoughtful, creative approach to engaging Chinese consumers. While other brands have fallen into caricature and suffered for it, Gucci has become a beloved and dominant luxury brand in China.
Kente is a Ghanaian strip woven textile that has striped patterns and bright colors with corresponding meanings.
Much of Native American fashion is deeply rooted in tradition and history. So much more than just ethnic dress, the clothes tell stories and mark status in unique ways.
15th century – Late Byzantine Silk Damask Dress and Taffeta Tunic
The Fez and the Ottoman Path to Modernity
1869 – Red Silk Dress
katazome (stencil printing)
1905 – André Derain, Lucien Gilbert
