Clothing & Accessories

Work, play, fashion, economic class, religious faith, even politics—all these aspects of American life and more are woven into clothing. The Museum cares for one of the nation's foremost collections of men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories—from wedding gowns and military uniforms to Halloween costumes and bathing suits.

The collections include work uniforms, academic gowns, clothing of presidents and first ladies, T-shirts bearing protest slogans, and a clean-room "bunny suit" from a manufacturer of computer microchips. Beyond garments, the collections encompass jewelry, handbags, hair dryers, dress forms, hatboxes, suitcases, salesmen's samples, and thousands of fashion prints, photographs, and original illustrations. The more than 30,000 artifacts here represent the changing appearance of Americans from the 1700s to the present day.

Pottenkant Antwerp bobbin lace border with Point de Paris ground. The lace was probably made in the nineteenth century.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Pottenkant Antwerp bobbin lace border with Point de Paris ground. The lace was probably made in the nineteenth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
Associated Name
Pinchot, Mary Eno
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L6483
catalog number
E006483.000
accession number
48717
catalog number
L6483
This large triangular lace shawl was made in Brussels point de gaze needle lace. The overall design has fine naturalistic floral motifs with a few sections of the common bold, tightly buttonholed wheels. It shows a very fine overall pattern and execution.
Description
This large triangular lace shawl was made in Brussels point de gaze needle lace. The overall design has fine naturalistic floral motifs with a few sections of the common bold, tightly buttonholed wheels. It shows a very fine overall pattern and execution. It was made in Belgium of fine cotton thread in about the 1850's
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
1984.0111.018
accession number
1984.0111
catalog number
1984.0111.018
This wedding veil was designed and made for Princess Stéphanie of Belgium for her wedding to Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria in 1881.
Description
This wedding veil was designed and made for Princess Stéphanie of Belgium for her wedding to Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria in 1881. The Hapsburg-Lothringen shield dominates the center back of the veil, while the coat-of-arms of Belgium is in the center of the garland of 21 coats-of-arms along the border with Belgian province shields on one side and the Austro-Hungarian on the other. The name "Leon Sacré" and "Bruxelles 1880" are worked in needlepoint by the central border motif of the Belgian Lion. The veil is made in fine Brussels Point de Gaze needle lace embellished with elaborate ferns, lilies, roses and other flowers on a gossamer fine handmade ground powdered with tiny dots. Queen Henriette commissioned Leon Sacré to design the veil for her daughter to be made by the best lace makers in Belgium. It was a wedding gift from the city of Brussels
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
used date
1881-05-10
1927-01-27
associated date
1964-06-18
ID Number
TE.T13491
catalog number
T13491
accession number
254382
This flounce features alternating cartouches with the monogram LM for Louise Marie under the royal crown and a torch, symbolizing love. The Grand Collar represents the Order of Leopold with face-to-face monograms: “LR" for Leopold Rex, King of Belgium (1831-1865).
Description
This flounce features alternating cartouches with the monogram LM for Louise Marie under the royal crown and a torch, symbolizing love. The Grand Collar represents the Order of Leopold with face-to-face monograms: “LR" for Leopold Rex, King of Belgium (1831-1865). The royal crown and the lion is draped through the flounce. Point d'Angleterre bobbin lace with needle lace fillings are appliquéd to handmade Droschel ground. This is one of a set of three flounces made by the Belgian lace industries for Louise Marie d'Orléans (1812-1850) and possibly given to her for her wedding to King Leopold I of Belgium in 1832.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T13490C
catalog number
T13490C
accession number
254382
254382
This border is made in the Point d’Angleterre technique combining bobbin and needle lace. The details in the intricate floral pattern indicate highly skilled designer and lace makers.
Description
This border is made in the Point d’Angleterre technique combining bobbin and needle lace. The details in the intricate floral pattern indicate highly skilled designer and lace makers. The lily flower motifs embellishing the outer edge are made with alternating bobbin lace and needle lace with centers of bobbin made veined leaves and needle made centers. The ground, also called reseau, is made in the point de gaze style needle lace with tiny rings. This late 19th century cotton lace is of very good quality. A machine made entre-deux is added.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th C
1870-1895
Associated Date
1870-1895
Associated Name
Pinchot, Mary Eno
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L6458
catalog number
L6458
accession number
48717
This sample of Binche bobbin lace from about 1725-1735 is of fine quality. The style is sometimes called Fausse Valenciennes. The collar was fashioned from eight fragments of similar, but not identical lace in the 20th century.
Description
This sample of Binche bobbin lace from about 1725-1735 is of fine quality. The style is sometimes called Fausse Valenciennes. The collar was fashioned from eight fragments of similar, but not identical lace in the 20th century. A newer edging has been whip stitched on.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1725-1735
remodeled
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L7382
catalog number
L7382
accession number
83674
This Black Chantilly lace lappet or scarf is a sample of early Victorian bobbin lace from about 1870. It is of good quality, but fragile. The fine black silk threads are disintegrating. The ends are of higher quality than the center section.Currently not on view
Description
This Black Chantilly lace lappet or scarf is a sample of early Victorian bobbin lace from about 1870. It is of good quality, but fragile. The fine black silk threads are disintegrating. The ends are of higher quality than the center section.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860-1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L7621
catalog number
L7621
accession number
70138
This pair of delicate Binche bobbin lace lappets from circa 1730 have been sewn together. They are fragile and one end was shortened. They are made of very fine linen thread and the edges are whipstitched for stabilization.
Description
This pair of delicate Binche bobbin lace lappets from circa 1730 have been sewn together. They are fragile and one end was shortened. They are made of very fine linen thread and the edges are whipstitched for stabilization. The floral pattern is very dense with a ground of snowflakes and five-hole ground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1730
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T16263
catalog number
T16263
accession number
300957
This delicate scarf with dense floral motifs is made with Brussels needlepoint and bobbin lace. Large medallions of delicate point de Gaze needle lace with floral motifs embellish both ends. It is from the late 19th or early 20th century and made of cotton.Currently not on view
Description
This delicate scarf with dense floral motifs is made with Brussels needlepoint and bobbin lace. Large medallions of delicate point de Gaze needle lace with floral motifs embellish both ends. It is from the late 19th or early 20th century and made of cotton.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875-1925
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T13865
catalog number
T13865
accession number
266231
This bertha collar is made in mixed Brussels needlepoint and bobbin lace techniques. The delicate rose motifs are made in needle lace and inserted in the dense floral designs made in bobbin lace.
Description
This bertha collar is made in mixed Brussels needlepoint and bobbin lace techniques. The delicate rose motifs are made in needle lace and inserted in the dense floral designs made in bobbin lace. It is made of cotton thread and probably dates from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1910
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T13635
catalog number
T13635
accession number
263100
This collar was made in the Binche point de Fée style bobbin lace. It has an abundance of square tallies and a snowflake ground. The curved outer edge has picots and the ends come to a point.
Description
This collar was made in the Binche point de Fée style bobbin lace. It has an abundance of square tallies and a snowflake ground. The curved outer edge has picots and the ends come to a point. The pattern, which features a three and one-half inch long repeated segment, was made for the collar shape and identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14226
catalog number
T14226
accession number
273245
This collar has motifs of peace doves and floral vases executed in mixed Brussels bobbin and needle lace techniques with ground and fillings in point de Gaze style needle lace. The scalloped edge has picots.
Description
This collar has motifs of peace doves and floral vases executed in mixed Brussels bobbin and needle lace techniques with ground and fillings in point de Gaze style needle lace. The scalloped edge has picots. Identified by the donor as lace made by Belgian lace makers during World War I
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T14223
catalog number
T14223
accession number
273245
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
1914-1919
made during
1914-1918
Helped create Commission for Relief in Belgium
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.39
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.39
This fragment of a very fine linen bobbin lace flounce includes figures of humans, angels and vases. From the early 18th century, it is grounded with bobbin lace braids with picots that are carried across the back of motifs, indicating a Brussels origin.
Description
This fragment of a very fine linen bobbin lace flounce includes figures of humans, angels and vases. From the early 18th century, it is grounded with bobbin lace braids with picots that are carried across the back of motifs, indicating a Brussels origin. It has been pieced together at a later date.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 18th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.24
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.24
This Alençon needle lace border was made by Belgian lace makers during World War One. A white cord at one end of the lace attaches a metal label used by the Commission for Relief in Belgium (C.R.B.) to ascertain authenticity as made for the CRB.
Description
This Alençon needle lace border was made by Belgian lace makers during World War One. A white cord at one end of the lace attaches a metal label used by the Commission for Relief in Belgium (C.R.B.) to ascertain authenticity as made for the CRB. A narrow machine-made lace is added to the side that will be sewn unto a garment.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
Associated Date
1914-1918
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
distributor
Hoover, Lou Henry
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.19
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.19
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
associated date
1914-1918
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.37
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.37
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
1914-1919
made during
1914-1918
Helped create Commission for Relief in Belgium
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.38
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.38
This lace collar is made with fine Brussels bobbin lace motifs in Louis XVI style, connected by droschel bobbin lace ground.
Description
This lace collar is made with fine Brussels bobbin lace motifs in Louis XVI style, connected by droschel bobbin lace ground. The attached tag has a red wax seal embossed with “Commission for Relief in Belgium, Dentelle Belge” and includes an image of the Belgian Lion in the center.
The card on the back of the seal reads: "N° 13/0446 Point Bruxelles Droschel Louis XVI made by hand. Sold by the C'on for Relief in Belgium". The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
agent
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.20
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.20
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
made during
1914-1918
Helped create Commission for Relief in Belgium
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.41
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.41
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
made during
1914-1918
Helped create Commission for Relief in Belgium
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.40
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.40
This set is a pattern of Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace and a sample made from it. The pattern is drawn with ink (?) on parchment and appears to have been used as the pricking. Suggestions for working the pattern are written in French: "Laisser le bas.
Description
This set is a pattern of Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace and a sample made from it. The pattern is drawn with ink (?) on parchment and appears to have been used as the pricking. Suggestions for working the pattern are written in French: "Laisser le bas. Claircir (?) les deux cercles. Laisser plus de jeu aux boules. Former le petit medaillon, le haut moins regulier". Extra threads are added to motifs and cut off. The design (no. 554) and sample for this 19th Century Brussels lace were purchased from G. Moens, Brussels, in 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.29
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.29
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali".
Description
One of a set of six identical curved stylized cone or paisley shaped black silk Chantilly bobbin lace appliqués or insertions. The attached paper tag states "131, 6 pieces, No 10/55, Chantilly, made by hand in Flanders for the C'on for Relief in Belgium, M. Kefer Mali". Each piece is labeled "10/55, $.45 each". Madame Kefer-Mali was one of four women on the Lace Committee working with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
made during
1914-1918
Helped create Commission for Relief in Belgium
Hoover, Herbert
previous owner
Kefer-Mali, M.
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.42
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.42

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