Artifacts
The Story of Elizabeth Keckley, Former-Slave-Turned-Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker
A talented seamstress and savvy businesswoman, she catered to Washington's socialites
April 24, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
A Refreshing Take on Fashion Television: A Q&A with L.A. Frock Stars’ Star Doris Raymond
A new series brings high-end style to vintage wear
March 22, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
A History of Sequins from King Tut to the King of Pop
As you don your sparkly holiday fashions, think of the trend's start in an Egyptian tomb
December 28, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Legend of the Christmas Stocking
What's behind the holiday tradition of hanging hosiery on the fireplace?
December 14, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Favorites From the Cooper-Hewitt’s New Online Collection
The museum's clothing and textiles are unwrapped for view as never before
November 06, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Dress Codes and Etiquette, Part 2: Diana Vreeland vs. Emily Post on Vulgarity
How much drama is too much? These two famous women, who wielded power over how we dress, could have debated the subject
October 23, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Stockings Series, Part 3: Ads from the Archives, 1890-1939
For decades, Ivory sold itself as the suds that made legwear last longer
September 18, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Paint-on Hosiery During the War Years
A back "seam" drawn with an eyebrow pencil topped off the resourceful fashion effect
September 10, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Stocking Series, Part 1: Wartime Rationing and Nylon Riots
As hemlines rose, DuPont's wonder fabric was a sensation among women. But during WWII, it was needed for parachutes
September 04, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Tacky History of the Pink Flamingo
From its start in Massachusetts, of all places, to its inspiration of a John Waters film, the lawn ornament has some staying power
September 2012 |
By Abigail Tucker
The Swimsuit Series, Part 6: Ladies in Wading in Art
A look at how artists spent their summer vacations—at the beach
August 31, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
What Did Playtex Have to Do With Neil Armstrong?
The astronaut's lunar outfit was designed by the women's bra manufacturer and inspired a series of space age fashions
August 27, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Swimsuit Series, Part 5: Olympic Athletes, Posing
Vintage styles cycle in and out of favor among medal-winning racers
August 08, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Packing List Series, Part 2: An Artist’s Illustrated Guide
With a watercolor sketchbook guide, Adolf Konrad drew on his talents to record his belongings
August 01, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
When LBJ Ordered Pants From the White House
Johnson liked his Haggar slacks slack—and colorfully described a special custom-cut
July 30, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Long Journey of Chief Joseph’s War Shirt
Important Native American artifact seen in Smithsonian portrait fetches $877,500 at Nevada auction
July 25, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Wearing Wool, All Summer Long
Layered, corseted summer garments kept women proper and fashionable, if not cool
July 03, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Swimsuit Series, Part 2: Beauty Pageants and the Inevitable Swimsuit Competition
In the latest chapter of the series, we look at how bathing suits came to be an integral part of the Miss America competition
June 28, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Indelible Mister Rogers
Besides how to be a good neighbor, Mr. Rogers taught us other lessons, especially about the impact of a comforting change of clothes
June 25, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
How Bathing Suits Went From Two-pieces to Long Gowns and Back
Bikinis may have been illegal in 1900, but they were all the rage in ancient Rome
June 22, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
