Part two of
FIDM Museum Collections Manager Christina Johnson's examination of how photographs can be used to study fashion history.
Carte de visite
c. 1875-77
Gift of Steven Porterfield
2009.897.103
Carte de visites were produced from 1854 through the 1880s. They are small paper photographs mounted on cardstock, about the size of a Victorian calling card -- 4” by 2 ½”. They utilize a process that creates a glass negative which could produce multiple paper prints. This carte dates to 1875-77. Very little of the sitter’s gown shows, therefore, the portrait has been dated through the woman’s hairstyle and jewelry. Her hair is oiled, parted at the center, and arranged in a wide braid--possibly a separate hairpiece. A small whitework collar, silk fringed bow, and necklace of black thermoplastic links ornament her dress, the bodice of which has been imperfectly fitted and pulls tightly across her bust.
Continue reading "Fashion history through photographs, part II" »
Today's post was written by Christina Johnson,
FIDM Museum Collections Manager. Part II will be posted on Wednesday, December 9. Enjoy!
Tintype
c.1895-1897
Gift of Stephen Porterfield
2009.897.74
Photographic portraits are valuable resources for understanding fashion history. Knowing the dates certain photo techniques were used can help date extant objects. These images also reveal a great deal about how clothing was accessorized and styled. They present a less-idealized version of dress than fashion plates or painted portraits. The FIDM Museum actively collects historic photographs for these reasons.
Continue reading "Fashion history through photographs, part I" »
Did you brave the crowds to do a bit of Black Friday shopping? If so, you probably visited a department store, boutique or perhaps a local craft fair. Or maybe you waited until today, Cyber Monday, to do your shopping online. Did any of the retail outlets you visited resemble the late 1920s dry goods store pictured below?
Though it might be a bit difficult to see, note the many bolts of fabric, one of which is being examined by the woman in the center of the image. Notice also the ready-made garments, hanging on the rack in front of the window.
Interior of a dry goods store
Late 1920s
Gift of Steven Porterfield
2009.897.135
Continue reading "Shopping" »
