Category Archives: TEXTILES IN HISTORY

  Robe à la française, France, block-printed cotton, c. 1770. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Next in our history series is cotton. The history of cotton is the history of trade and industry with a lot of politics and economics thrown in. Now the most prevalent fabric in the world, it’s humble beginnings…

This will be the first in a series of blog posts where we will take a closer look at natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, and wool, and their journey through the ages. Today, natural fabrics can be found in all shapes, styles, and forms from basic undergarments to high end fashion. In decades past,…

In 1794, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.  Perhaps no other historical fact has been so ingrained into my mind as this.  Year after year,  I would learn about the infamous cotton gin and it’s epic impact on America as we know it. The all-mighty cotton gin makes it seems that life, or proper living,…

Fencing Doublet. 1580. The Doublet jumped into the fashion scene around the middle of the 14th century.  We are turning our attention to this article of clothing today to examine its essential role in fashion history. Doublets were worn for over 300 years and considered a staple in menswear.  Although the shapes and cuts changed…

The Seven Sacraments. Rogier van der Weyden. 1445-50. We are turning our attention to the Gothic fitted dress today and its appearance throughout the mid-1300s until the mid-1400s.   Our goal is to give an overview of this style while providing images as  visual aids.  Making your own is quite an ambitious undertaking, but it…

Portrait of Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, oil on panel. Attributed to Steven van Herwijck. 1560s. Western European fashion experienced quite a change from 1550-1600.  The Renaissance brought in a wave of art and culture that swept over Europe and is visible in the fashion of both men and women.  Our clearest and most…