Fashion in Colors
Who knew that red knickers have only been available since the 1850s? That's when dyes became cheap and sturdy enough to use on frequently washed, and rarely seen, undergarments. If you like that juicy tidbit, check out what else is on offer at this exhibit by the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Click on the rainbow-hued tabs to see how color ties together 300 years of Western fashion. The history of yellow spans Christian heretics and Chinese emperors, and the exhibit displays brilliant golden gowns from the 1700s and 1800s. The blue section unites an elaborate Victorian bustle gown, a 1960s babydoll dress, and a futuristic pleated Japanese outfit. A page of black garments emphasizes menswear influences over the centuries. Today, white may be common for weddings, but the exhibit shows how, during the French Revolution, white symbolized social change. Color us impressed!
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