Introduction to 19th-century fashion
The Fashionable silhouette for men and women in the 19th Century.
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Victorian dress at the V&A
The V&A's Victorian dress collection represents the fashions worn by the wealthy in the 19th century, and reflects …
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Corsets & crinolines in Victorian fashion
Changes in body shape throughout the Victorian period were facilitaded by new attitudes and technology. From cage c…
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Crinolines, crinolettes, bustles and corsets from 1860-80
From 1860-80 the size of crinolines started to dimish and first crinolettes, then bustles, became popular. Skirts b…
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Corsets and bustles from 1880-90 - the move from over structured opulance to the 'healthy corset'
From 1880-90 exaggerated bustles became fashionable and 'healthy corsets' were introduced.
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Behind the scenes: Conservation of a Victorian wedding dress
When the display of the dress was reviewed for the British Galleries the curator questioned the profile previously …
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The corset in late 20th-century fashion
The corset in 20th century fashion has appeared and reappeared seemingly linked to the cyclical changing of female shapes. By the 1980s it had become an 'object d'art', no longer a symbol of women's oppression, the corset had become a symbol of sexual empowerment.
Fashion Collection Services
The V&A can arrange bookings for people to see the fashion collection that are not on public display.
Fashion & textiles introductory reading list
Recommended introductory reading about fashion & textiles.
Fashion in Motion: Iranian Night
The Iranian Night Fashion in Motion live catwalk event took place on 30 January 2004. The V&A and the Iran Heritage Foundation presented the works of contemporary Iranian fashion designers Massoud Ansari, Shirin Guild, Maryam Mahdavi, Shadi Parand and Laya Torkaman, from both inside and outside Iran in a special Fashion in Motion.
Fashion Design
This activity gives students an opportunity to use the V&A’s fashion collections in the way that professional designers do. Paul Poiret and Vivienne Westwood are just two of the many designers who have used the V&A to get ideas for their designs. Students will design a garment based on an item in the V&A’s collections of European and non-European dress, and will produce either a garment that is stylistically similar, or a collage.
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
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Nineteenth-Century Fashion in Detail
'Stirs up the 19th century in all its sumptuousness and diversity … the garments spring from the page with a beauty and freshness that belies their age and fragility' The Daily Telegraph
Buy nowEvent - Style Cities:Vienna
Sat 23 June 2012 14:00
SEMINAR: Explore the history, culture, art and architecture of 19th and early 20th century Vienna, the city
that hosts over 200 formals balls every year. Vienna is the last great capital of the 19th century ball.
