American Woman

American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity, the new costume exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York lays foundation for the dress of American women today. Focusing on historical archetypes of feminine dressing, the show takes us on a social and political journey through American fashion.

Originating in the 1890s, The ‘Gibson Girl’ offers a modern, liberated femininity with a look at the sports wear inspired fashions. The 1900s brought the birth of the ‘Bohemian’, a seriously cultured hippie with interests in art, Orientalism and a taste for Poiret eveningwear. The ‘Suffragist’ takes on her political role and dresses in the appropriate symbolic colours of gold, purple and green. A more androgynous and excitable version of the previous Gibson girl, the 1920s ‘Flapper’ exclaims youth and rebellion. Jeanne Lanvin dresses with art deco motifs in shimmering nudes exemplify this age. The parade through history concludes with the ‘Screen Siren’ of the 30s, the ultimate glamour sophisticate, draped in modern Grecian pieces by Vionnet.

The historical fashion and accessories are stunning and full of craft and all the pieces from the exhibit are drawn from the newly established Brooklyn Museum Costume collection at the Met. All the history and finery is sure to inspire a trend with a nod from the fashion community.    

American Woman: Fashion a National Identity is on view until August 15.

By Anush Mirbegian