History of Western Fashion

Textile Production

100

Method of finishing wool by using stale urine to tighten the weaving

Fulling

200

A roman workshop that produced ready-to-wear clothing and employed both men and women

Gynaeceum 

300

Tragic incident that caused textile production reforms in the Edwardian period 

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

400

An early form of loom used in Mesopotamia where the weaver works with the yarns wrapped around their waist 

Backstrap loom

500

An embroidery technique that originated from the decoration of agricultural workers' clothing in the 18th century

Smocking

Women's Costume Components

100

A woman's suit, made by tailors rather than dressmakers 

Tailor-Mades

200

Close fitting bodice style popular in the 1870's that fit over the hips and ended at a point

Cuirass Bodice

300

A structured garment pre-1600 made to flatten the body and support other garments

Pair of Bodies

400

A short jacket popular during the empire period that was worn over a high-waisted dress

Spencer Jacket

500

The most famous of designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo's Greek-inspired dresses

Delphos Gown

Men's Costume Components

100

A leather shoe popular in the middle ages with a long, pointed toe

Poulaines

200

A chainmail shirt worn by soldiers in the middle ages

Hauberk

300

A loose fitting coat without a waist seam, popular in the romantic period

Sack Coat

400

Wide-legged pants that were attributed to the sporting students of a particular university

Oxford Bags

500

A set of items given from lords to their servants, which eventually evolved into official dress for both servants and nobles alike

Livery

Fashion Movements

100

Conflict that encouraged the development of the simplistic empire style of dress as a reaction to the previous century

The French Revolution

200

Movement striving for women's right to vote, brought more menswear influences into women's fashion

Women's Suffrage Movement

300

Movement led by Beau Brummel that encouraged men to dress simply and give up the opulent fashions of the 18th century

The Great Male Renunciation 

400

An illness common in the empire period due to the thinness of women's garments

Muslin Fever

500

A condition caused by improperly set purple dye popular in the late 19th century

Mauve Measles

Influencers and Documenters

100

American-born dancer who found fame in France during the flapper era (and is the only African American woman in the French Pantheon)

Josephine Baker

200

The act of buying luxury goods as a social display of one's power and wealth

Conspicuous Consumption

300

French Ruler who popularized multiple fashion items, including red-bottomed shoes

Louis XIV

400

Painter who captured bustle dresses in such detail that they can be recreated from his art

Tissot

500

The first self-made female millionaire, known for her (potentially stolen) haircare empire 

Madam C. J. Walker