Evening dress, 1911-1913; CHM 1975.95.28, pattern available at link For the most part, I stuck to objects of definite provenance while working on the digitization project, but I had to make an exception for this one. The bright fuschia of the silk twill really stands out, and it's in spectacular condition. As you can see … Continue reading Evening Dress, 1911-1913
Category: 1910s
Louise Chéruit (ca. 1870?-1935)
Louise Chéruit (not Madeleine) is another of those couturiers that has been forgotten by historical chance, whose style and contributions are almost unknown today, despite the fact that she may be the only designer mentioned in Vile Bodies. Mme Chéruit, by Paul-César Helleu, ca. 1901 Unlike Pingat, we do know where Chéruit learned her trade - though … Continue reading Louise Chéruit (ca. 1870?-1935)
Isabelle Sloan Rohlfs, 1916
Isabelle Sloan Rohlfs on her wedding day, 1916, 1984.24.3; gown is 1984.24.1 (pattern at link) This wedding dress is a great example of its period in several ways. The layered closures, snapping to cover each other, all covered with a tunic layer that fastens on the side and at the shoulder; the loose bodice and … Continue reading Isabelle Sloan Rohlfs, 1916
The Myth of Chanel and the 1920s: I – A Sea Change
But it was the androgyny promoted by Chanel that dominated women's fashion in Europe in 1919. ... Once the matchless pace setter of individuality in fashion, Poiret snorted that her clothes resembled 'Cages lacking birds. Hives lacking bees.' The 1910s are not a well-known decade in fashion history. Despite the success of Downton Abbey, many … Continue reading The Myth of Chanel and the 1920s: I – A Sea Change
Sorry, but … Yay!
I completely forgot about posting a fashion plate this morning - because yesterday I suddenly found out that the Chapman's grant came through and they could hire me back for another three months to work on cataloguing! I had to get up at 6:30 again and posting from the queue didn't cross my mind. (If … Continue reading Sorry, but … Yay!
Mimic of Modes 