Can You Copyright a Dress?
Fashion houses in 1920s Paris used copyright laws to protect their designs. In New York, not so much.
1930s Filipinos Were Hip to American Style. There Was Backlash.
Filipinos, newly arrived to West Coast cities, displayed a mastery over American cultural life thanks to their knowledge of Hollywood films.
The Drama of Point d’Alençon Needle Lace
In its heyday, lace was beautiful, expensive, and handmade. Naturally, lace smuggling became the stuff of legend.
Message in a Button
A dive into the the University of Connecticut Pins and Button Collection gives a wearable history of progressive causes.
The History of the Power Suit for Women
As women entered the white-collar world, experts told them to dress like men, without being too threatening.
The Rise and Fall of the Liberty Cap
What happened to the revolutionary headgear that symbolized freedom from enslavement? Meet the sectional politics of the early republic.
A Very JSTOR Daily Costume Guide
Get inspired for Halloween with these hand-curated historical images from JSTOR's Open Community Collections!
When Paper Was Fashion’s Favorite Material
It’s hip, it’s happening, it’s wow, it’s now, it’s gone: RIP the paper dress, 1966–1968.
The Zoot Suit Riots Were Race Riots
In 1943, white servicemen attacked young people of color for wearing the ultimate in street style—on the pretext that they were shirking wartime duty.
Could Our Love of Clothing Promote Sustainable Fashion?
There are some clothes you hang on to, year after year, because they're durable and amazing.