February 14 - September 10, 2006

Echoes of the Past exhibition demonstrating the evolution of the wide skirt

Over the centuries, women’s fashions have seen dramatic changes, but, at the same time, certain styles have reappeared in various forms. The Morris Museum’s latest exhibition Echoes of the Past: Styles in Women’s Costume demonstrates significant repetitions and transformations in fashion by showcasing evening gowns and wedding dresses from varying periods in time.

One style that is repeated in the history of fashion is the wide skirt. Wide skirts were worn starting in the middle of the 15th century following the close-fitting silhouette of the previous centuries. Later, in the middle of the 19th century, the crinoline came into fashion, which was supported by hoops to form a circle and measured six feet across as its widest. Three samples of the wide skirt or crinoline style are on view in Echoes of the Past: a violet silk gown supported by a hoop crinoline (circa 1865); a blue ballerina-length dress from the 1950s; and a multi-colored polka dot ball gown designed by Arnold Scaasi for his 1987 Spring Collection.

Wedding Dress, mid-1890s Satin, beads, bone United States

Voluminous sleeves are another style that has reappeared over the years. These large, billowing sleeves first appeared in the middle of the 16th century, mostly in men’s clothing on the doublet. Women also started wearing wide sleeves at that time which took many shapes and widths. Examples of this style can be seen at the Morris Museum with the wide sleeve of a 1830s wedding dress; the gigot sleeve or leg of mutton in an 1890s rose-colored dress; and in a taffeta wedding dress from 1989.

In addition to multiple samples of wide skirts and voluminous sleeves, the exhibition features the progression of the empire waist, bustle style and variations of the hemline and waistline.