Browse Items (488 total)

The object in question is identified in curatorial records as a “dress of blue silk velvet” purchased by the donor in 1926 or 1927. It was likely made the same year by a yet-undetermined designer, from “an exclusive NewYork [City] dress shop”. It…

This sweater vest is royal blue and features a narrow cable down the short center front. The vest is cropped to end at the natural waist. It has a fairly high and wide square neck opening. The tag at the back of the neck identifies the designer…

Zandra Rhodes (b. 1940) is something of an icon. She has been a part of the fashion world for the past fifty-plus years and has transformed the way people view textile design and printing. Rhodes inspires those who dress a little differently and is…

This two-piece women’s suit was donated by Michael McKenna and Carlos Benevides, owners of Artifice of Warwick, Rhode Island. The suit is comprised of a double-breasted jacket and straight skirt, made from a navy and white wool tweed fabric. The…

These white suede wedding shoes were worn at a Rhode Island wedding in 1893. They were donated with the bride’s dress, garter, a photograph from the wedding, and the groom’s gloves and suspenders. Wedding shoes from the 1890s complemented wedding…

This garment is a tiered skirt with gathering at the waist covered by a plain waistband. The skirt is made from strips of alternating patchwork and ribbon applique, machine sewn together, with seven tiers in total. Three of the tiers (tiers 3, 5, and…

The skirt is constructed of two pieces that connect at the waist, made of a red damask fabric with a pale green, plain-weave interior lining. Although a microscopic fiber analysis was not done, both fabrics are probably silk. The damask fabric…

The land of China has a history that spans over many millennia under a plethora of different empires. It was not until 1644 that the people of the Manchuria region became rulers, starting the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). The beliefs, style, and way of…

This pair of side-lacing boots is dated circa 1835-45. Side-lacing boots normally featured a center front seam; however, this pair features a gusset at the top instead of a seam. Made of white kid, they are without a heel, which is a feature seen in…

These are a pair of black kid leather boots. Kid leather, or kidskin, is a type of soft, thin leather typically made from goat skin. These boots open down the side and are fastened with shoe lacings. The laces are black, although faded, and there are…