Fashion History

This subject explains why fashion looks the way it does today.

Ancient Fashion

Garments, textiles and symbolism.

  • Egypt
  • Greece
  • Rome

Medieval Fashion

  • Tunics
  • Cloaks
  • Corsets
  • Embroidery

Renaissance

  • Royal fashion
  • Velvet
  • Lace
  • Tailoring
  • Doublets
  • Farthingales

18th Century

  • Rococo
  • Marie Antoinette
  • Court dress

Victorian Fashion

Learning about

  • Corsets
  • Bustles
  • Crinolines
  • Mourning dress

1920s

  • Flapper dress
  • Art Deco
  • Coco Chanel

1930s–1950s

  • Bias cut
  • Christian Dior's “New Look”
  • Wartime fashion

1960s–1980s

  • Mod fashion
  • Hippie movement
  • Punk
  • Power dressing

1990s–2000s

  • Minimalism
  • Grunge
  • Streetwear
  • Luxury fashion

Contemporary Fashion

Topics include

  • Sustainable fashion
  • Digital fashion
  • Fast fashion
  • Slow fashion
  • Ethical production

Influential Designers

Study the work and impact of leading designers.

  • Coco Chanel
  • Christian Dior
  • Yves Saint Laurent
  • Cristóbal Balenciaga
  • Alexander McQueen
  • Vivienne Westwood
  • Issey Miyake
  • Rei Kawakubo

french bites

Preparing for my move to Paris, I'm teaching myself la langue de Molière.