Category: Middle Ages

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Early Middle Ages

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Middle Ages

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12th century – Norman Mosaics

artwork analysis, Byzantine, Middle Ages

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.

1964 – Glenville, Becket

1960-1969, film analysis, Middle Ages

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.

545-549 CE – Imperial Mosaics of the Basilica of San Vitale

artwork analysis, Byzantine, Middle Ages

The church of San Vitale in Ravenna is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in northeastern Italy. The basilica is fully decorated by mosaics, including two depicting Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora, which reveal the key features of sixth-century imperial style.

barbette

1300-1349, 1350-1399, 14th century, 15th century, B, Middle Ages, term definition

A piece of linen which passes under the chin and is pinned at the sides, usually worn in conjunction with additional head coverings during the Middle Ages.

Byzantine

Byzantine, culture overview

OVERVIEW Womenswear [To come… ] Fig. 1 - Artist unknown. Mosaic of Theodora, 547 A.D.. Mosaic. Ravenna: Basilica San Vitale. Source: Wikimedia Commons Menswear [To...

dalmatic tunic

Byzantine, D, T, term definition

A t-shaped tunic with very wide sleeves. Worn by both men and women during the Byzantine empire.

Early Middle Ages

decade overview, Middle Ages

OVERVIEW Womenswear [To come…] Fig. 1 - Artist unknown. Coronation of a prince : formerly identified with Charlemagne, circa 870. Illumination on parchment; 27 ×...

tablion

Byzantine, T, term definition

A rectangular panel, often ornamented with embroidery or jewels, attached to the front of a cloak. Worn as a sign of status by Byzantine emperors and other important officials.

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This 18th-century painting commemorates an histori

This 18th-century painting commemorates an historic fencing match between two French knights: one a Black nobleman and the other a gender nonconforming spy. The portrait was painted by fellow fencer, Alexandre-Auguste Robineau who had a relationship with Prince George IV, who is also seen in the painting. Prince George had always been interested in fashion and was dressed prominently in bright colors and a large hat, although most fashions of the time were more understated. The fencer on the left is in sporting clothes, rather than high fashion for the match. The fencer on the right is seen in casual day dress that would have been worn during this time. Read more at the link in bio!

#fashionhistory #fashionresearch #18thcenturyfashions #1780s

In light of the sudden news of Thierry Mugler’s

In light of the sudden news of Thierry Mugler’s passing, we wanted to honor the extraordinary designer by featuring his dramatic motorcycle-inspired bustier. Mugler showcased this creative piece in the spring 1992 show. The bustier was fashionable, if not wearable, and has since been celebrated for its fierce theatricality. We will remember Mugler’s influence on fashion through this piece and the many others throughout his remarkable career. Read more at the link in bio.

#fashionhistory #ThierryMugler #1990sfashion

Davide Ghirlandiao completed this portrait of Selv

Davide Ghirlandiao completed this portrait of Selvaggia Sassetti while working under his brother Domenico Ghirlandaio in 1488. While initially it was unknown which brother to credit for the portrait, a closer examination revealed left-handed brush strokes, an attribute specific to Davide. Selvaggia was the fifth daughter of Francesco Sassetti, an Italian banker who most likely commissioned the portrait for her wedding. Selvaggia wears typical elements of 15th century dress, but unlike other portraits of the time, keeps her look simple and modest. Although her gown lacks ornamentation, she is still visibly wealthy as her dress is made of silk and she’s wearing a large pendant. She also demonstrates fashionable trends of the 15th century with her rectangular neckline, criss-cross lacing, open seaming on the sleeves, and her headpiece. Read more at the link in bio!

#fashionhistory #arthistory #fashionresearch #digitalhumanities #20thcenturyfashion

The exomis was a short wrap garment worn by workin

The exomis was a short wrap garment worn by working men in Ancient Greece. The garment was asymmetrical and pinned at the left shoulder, exposing the right shoulder and part of the chest. The asymmetrical quality of the garment allowed the right arm free to do various forms of physical labor as the exomis was most often worn by lower peasant classes. During the 5th century BC the exomis replaced the previous chiton as the typical tunic garment worn by workers. The exomis was typically made of sheepskin and leather. Despite the garment's associations with male workers it was also worn by young female runners who were participating in coming-of-age rituals. Similarly, depictions of the Greek amazons, an ancient warrior clan of women who lived secluded from patriarchal society, are often shown wearing the exomis garment. Sculptures displaying Amazons wearing the exomis garment could be tied to the garments young female runners wear or how the amazons were considered masculinized due to the fact that they were warriors. Read more at the link in the bio!

#fashionhistory #ancient #digitalhumanities

In honor of MLK day, we wanted to highlight Black

In honor of MLK day, we wanted to highlight Black designer, Ann Lowe, who was at the forefront of fashion during the civil rights movement. Lowe began her career working for Manhattan elites in 1928 where she specialized in gowns for debutantes and brides. In 1950, Lowe started her own business and three years later was commissioned to design the wedding dress for Jacqueline Bouvier's wedding with John F. Kennedy. Though the gown received public recognition, Lowe was not given credit due to her race. However today, many of Lowe’s works are exhibited in museums all over the country. Read more about Lowe at the link in bio!

#fashionhistory #AnnLowe #BIPOC #20thcenturyfashion

Made of silk faille, this Sophie of Saks Fifth Ave

Made of silk faille, this Sophie of Saks Fifth Avenue cocktail dress epitomizes the hourglass silhouette that was so favored in fashion at the time. The dress features three-quarter length sleeves with a deep v-neck and a full skirt that ends at the calves. The top and skirt are both embellished with sequins and rhinestones to give the impression of stars in the night sky. The designer's clothes were sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores and her designs often followed Dior’s New Look and were considered conservative but still worn by famous celebrities including Marlene Dietrich. Other examples of her cocktail dresses also feature longer sleeves and skirts with a deep v-neck. It’s fitting that the dress was made in the 1950s since the notion of a ‘cocktail party’ became popular within the postwar era, leading to many women considering the style of a cocktail dress to be a staple within their closet. Compared to evening dresses of the time, cocktail pieces were much less ornamented, featured longer sleeves, and were made with less expensive fabrics. Read more at the link in the bio!

#fashionhistory #20thcenturyfashion #digitalhumanities

Lurex is a shiny synthetic fiber made of aluminum-

A mule is a backless shoe that originated in the M

A mule is a backless shoe that originated in the Middle East, but was also very popular in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The term mule is derived from the latin ‘mulleus’ which referred to the red color of mules as they were originally made out of red kid, a type of leather. They were later adopted by French women in the 16th century as bedroom slippers, but by the end of the 17th century wealthier women, and men, began wearing high-heeled and lavishly ornamented mules in public. Prominent men like King Louis XIV were known to wear mules, potentially as a status symbol due to them being indoor shoes worn by leisure classes. By the 19th century a more conservative ideal had taken over and reduced the popularity of the mule; revealing one’s naked heels in public was considered scandalous by many so mules were reserved for bedroom shoes once again. It wasn’t until the later half of the 20th century that mules became fashionable as outdoor shoes and their popularity continues in the 21st century as couture designers like Balenciaga have developed new takes on the mule. Read more at the link in bio!

#fashionhistory #arthistory #fashionresearch #digitalhumanities #fashiondictionary

This cream patterned dress trimmed with pleated gr

This cream patterned dress trimmed with pleated green ribbons was considered a fashionable garment in 1862 with its full crinoline skirt and simple, but deliberate trimmings. The zouave-style jacket, which compliments the ensemble, was popular for many dress styles during the time. Read our garment analysis at the link in bio!

#fashionhistory #fashionresearch #19thcenturyfashions #1860s

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