20th century | Fashion History Timeline

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.

1995 – Thierry Mugler, “Birth of Venus” Dress

1990-1999, 20th century, garment analysis, LGBTQ+

Thierry Mugler’s campy “Birth of Venus” dress from Fall/Winter 1995 was made to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary and features the body-conscious design and theatrical flair that Mugler was known for.

1955 – Charles James, Butterfly dress

1950-1959, 20th century, garment analysis, LGBTQ+

Charles James’ 1955 “Butterfly” gown features a body-conscious sculpted sheath and large bustle skirt, which is reminiscent of the tightly fitted bustle dresses of the early 1880s.

The Authentication of Chinese Culture in African Fashion

2000-2009, 2010-2019, 21st century, Africa, Asia, thematic essays

Since the mid-20th century, relations between Africa and China have grown stronger leading to a significant change in the mutual adaptation of fashion between both nations. A 21st century, Sino-African style has been formed by the intercultural meshing of traditional garments, textiles, and motifs.

1958 – Dior (Yves Saint Laurent), L’Eléphant Blanc

1950-1959, 20th century, garment analysis

L’Eléphant Blanc is part of Yves Saint Laurent’s Trapèze collection for the House of Dior, Spring/Summer 1958, which introduced the versatile trapèze silhouette to haute couture. Saint Laurent’s first collection at Dior placed him firmly on the path to becoming one of the most well-known designers of the twentieth century.

ikat

19th century, 20th century, Asia, I, term definition

Ikat is a textile patterning technique in which the warp or weft yarns are dyed prior to dyeing and weaving the actual fabric.

quillwork

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, Q, term definition

Quillwork is a method of textile ornamentation among some North American Indian groups that employs the quills of porcupines, often flattened or dyed, to be used as a decorative embellishment.

back apron (negbe)

19th century, 20th century, A, Africa, B, N, term definition

An oval-shaped decorative pad worn by Mangbetu women over the buttocks in Central Africa.

boubou

19th century, 20th century, Africa, B, term definition

The boubou is an African robe made of one large rectangle of fabric with an opening in the center for the neck. When worn it drapes down over the shoulders and billows at the sleeves.

1938 – Elsa Schiaparelli, Skeleton Dress

1930-1939, 20th century, garment analysis

The strongly Surrealist Skeleton Dress was designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in collaboration with Salvador Dalí for her 1938 collection Le Cirque.

1995 – Vivienne Tam, “Mao Collection” Dress

1990-1999, 20th century, Asia, garment analysis

In November 1994, Vivienne Tam presented her spring 1995 collection, which would become one of the most notable of her career. Known as the “Mao collection”, it comprised of t-shirts, dresses, and skirt suits featuring comical images of Mao Zedong (1893-1976), the founding father of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and former chairman of the Communist Party of China.

A History of Women’s Swimwear

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, thematic essays

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.

Tag: 20th century