Fashion History Blog
A curated glimpse into fashion history.
Read articles on textile care, preservation techniques, conservation theory, and practical tips for maintaining historic and heirloom fabrics.
Embedded Files
The Forsytes Premiere with Iowa PBS
The Forsytes Premiere with Iowa PBS
This month I got to work with the folks at the Jordan House and Iowa PBS in preparation for the local premiere event of The Forsytes. Click here to read more.
Why is my tissue turning yellow?
Why is my tissue turning yellow?
Is your tissue paper yellowing? Proper textile storage is imperative to ensuring a long lifespan. Read about the reason behind the yellowing and what you can do. Click here to read more.
1836 Jordan House Coverlet
1836 Jordan House Coverlet
This 1836 red-and-white reversible jacquard-woven coverlet, from the Jordan House in West Des Moines, Iowa, was in fair to poor condition. Read about the conservation process and how Nickole at Heritage Textile Conservation conserved this coverlet and the entire 30+ hour process below. Click here to read more.
Tea Service Box With Mold
Tea Service Box With Mold
This presentation box was unknowingly left wet after a water emergency in the storage area. Mold began to grow and the steward of this object thought it may be unsalvageable. Luckily, with a little patience and a lot of work this piece was safely conserved. Click here to read more.
1939 Gold Evening Shoe
1939 Gold Evening Shoe
#ObjectOfTheWeek is this stunning 1939 gold evening shoe by Swiss luxury brand Bally. Featured in the Bata Shoe Museum’s online exhibit “WANT: Desire, Design, and Depression Era Footwear”, this piece is indicative of the glamour of the era. Click here to read more.
1860s Keckley Dress
1860s Keckley Dress
#ObjectOfTheWeek is this stunning purple velvet dress created by African American designer Elizabeth Keckley. Worn by First Lady Mary Lincoln during the Winter social season of 1861-1862. Click here to read more.
1943 Arnold Lever Scarf
1943 Arnold Lever Scarf
#ObjectOfTheWeek is a 1943 rayon blend scarf designed by Arnold Lever for Jacqmar. Lever designed a series of patriotic Wartime Scarves that featured a serious subject matter presented in an almost ‘cheeky’ manner. Click here to read more.
1700s French Dress
1700s French Dress
#ObjectOfTheWeek is a French dress with a matching stomacher and petticoat circa 1755 to 1760. The exquisite embroidery detail of this gown by an unknown French designer epitomizes the Rococo style. Click here to read more.
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