Cocktail dress by Arnold Scaasi, 1980s, T&CC 1997.14.1
∼ by Jade Papa ∼
Just in time for the spring semester, we’ve uploaded a new batch of womenswear to our online collection. These pieces, many of which have never been offered digitally, date from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s and represent only a small portion of the Textile & Costume Collection’s vast holdings of 19th and 20th century fashion.
You can check out some marvelous knit pieces by Italian brand Missoni. This three-piece knit plaid ensemble is a Design Center staff favorite:
Knit ensemble by Missoni, mid-1960s to mid-1970s, T&CC 1987.12.1a-c
Find these womenswear garments by searching for the designer’s name. For instance, type in “Yves Saint Laurent” and you’ll find these gems:
It’s not surprising that shoulder pads feature prominently in our garments from the 1980s, as seen in these examples from Chloé, Krizia, and Holly Harp.
Dress by Chloé, 1980s, T&CC 1989.41.2 Suit by Krizia, 1980s,T&CC 1989.42.5 Dress by Holly Harp, c. 1982, T&CC 1989.41.11
When browsing the collection, you might discover some lesser-known designers like Jeanne Marc of San Francisco:
Make sure to scroll through and check out the detail shots. The collar on this Gianfranco Ferré is a fashion draping puzzle just waiting to be figured out!
Anyway you find them, enjoy! And remember, if you want to come in for a closer look at any of these pieces, you can always email thedesigncenter@jefferson.edu to make an appointment to see them in-person.
Search tip
Try searching these designers:
- Laura Aponte
- Giorgio Armani
- Bill Blass
- Chanel
- Chloé
- Wayne Clark
- Gianfranco Ferré
- Gucci
- Halston
- Holly Harp
- Krizia
- Karl Lagerfeld
- Guy Laroche
- Ralph Lauren
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Mary McFadden
- Jeanne Marc
- Missoni
- Issey Miyake
- Hanae Mori
- Oscar de la Renta
- Sonia Rykiel
- Arnold Scaasi
- Willi Smith
- Emanuel Ungaro
- Valentino

Dress by Arnold Scaasi, 1975-85, T&CC 1997.14.17