NYU Steinhardt Costume Studies

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NYU Steinhardt Costume Studies

The M.A. Program in Costume Studies at NYU focuses on research in dress and textiles in a broad aesthetic and cultural context. Since 1979 the M.A.

The field of costume studies is one of the most exciting areas of current cultural research. program in Costume Studies has focused on the history of costume and textiles in its broadest aesthetic and cultural context. It was the first curriculum in the United States to educate specialists in this field. NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/

MA Costume Studies program: https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/programs/costume-studies

Director of the MA Costume Studies program: Dr. Rachel Lifter
faculty bio - https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/people/rachel-lifter

Department of Art and Art Professions Chair and Clinical Professor: Nancy Deihl
faculty bio - https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/people/nancy-deihl

05/19/2023

Did you know that renowned costume designer Adrian meticulously crafted between 2,500 and 4,000 costumes for the iconic film Marie Antoinette (1938)? And that's not all—there were 150 cast members and around 1,250 extras, each adorned in their opulent attire. Leading lady Norma Shearer alone mesmerized audiences with an astounding collection of 34 glamorous gowns and 18 exquisite wigs!✨

Let's take a moment to admire the stunning wedding gown worn by Marie Antoinette herself. This ethereal masterpiece was meticulously constructed with over 500 yards of satin, lavishly adorned with thousands of hand-sewn seed pearls, delicate hand-embroidered flowers, ribbons, and other exquisite designs. Not to mention, the dress's long train was adorned with intricate hand-embroidery, adding to its sheer grandeur!

Norma Shearer In Marie Antoinette (1938) Wedding Gown Costume Design By Adrian

05/18/2023

"Generation Paper: A Fashion Phenom of the 1960s” ✨📰

Unveiled in 1966 as a visionary promotional campaign for the renowned Scott Paper Company, these pioneering fashions revolutionized the industry by seamlessly merging bold graphic design with the era's cutting-edge advancements in space-age materials. Reflecting the spirit of the times, these avant-garde garments boasted patterns inspired by pop art, op art, anti-war sentiment, and the iconic "flower power" movement. From alluring A-line mini dresses to daring bikinis, the exhibition presents an array of paper fashion's iconic silhouettes and styles.

What truly sets these pieces apart is their innovative use of newly developed paper-like fibers, such as rayon, polyester, and other synthetic blends. Serving as daring demonstrations of the durability and design potential of these semi-synthetic and synthetic materials, Generation Paper sheds light on a captivating yet relatively unknown chapter in the history of design.

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Exhibition on view till Aug 27, 2023
Location at
Photo credit: Jenna Bascom

05/15/2023

Reporting live from the !!!

The White Wedding (1840-1860)
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By 1840, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert married, it was customary for a well to-do bride to wear white silk or fine white muslin. Muslin was also fashionable for summer day wear, but the delicate fabric needed skilful washing to keep it fresh and clean.

Wedding veils crafted from lace were highly coveted, although they came with a steep price tag. These veils were often treasured as heirlooms or repurposed as shawls within the family. A prevailing design during this period featured intricate motifs such as lilies, tulips, anemones, and ears of wheat, adding an elegant touch to the overall ensemble. Wax orange blossom became increasingly popular as a decorative trim for headdresses and bodices, lending a delicate and fragrant charm to the bride's attire.

05/05/2023

Corset, a timeless piece of fashion history that continues to capture the imagination and attention of fashion enthusiasts even today. This particular corset, created between 1750-75, is a true work of art both inside and out. Its luxurious silk exterior is complemented by a lining of imported Indian chintz, featuring delicate floral patterns that add a touch of femininity and charm.

The off-the-shoulder straps and elaborate bows that connect them, combined with the gold lace trim on the stomacher panel, all point to the corset being intended as an outer garment, meant to be seen and admired.

Corset, 1750-75, European, silk, cotton, wood, baleen Metropolitan Museum of Art

05/03/2023

In celebration of Donatella Versace's birthday yesterday, it's fitting to revisit the Atelier Versace Fall, 1998 collection. It was her debut couture collection, staged in the same room where her late brother Gianni Versace had presented his final show just a year earlier.

Whereas Gianni's designs were marked by sexual aggression, Donatella's style is distinctively metallic, featuring tulle woven with copper fibers, aluminum, and lace, as well as cashmere infused with aluminum. Her collection was a striking departure from the refinement and elegance of traditional couture fashion. Yet, amidst the collection's rawness and aggression, there were still poignant moments of hope. This collection served as a testament to her design vision, featuring fabrics with frayed edges, lopped-off hemlines, and feathers that quivered across suits🪶💫✨

05/01/2023

It's that time of the year again, and fashion enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the MET Gala. This year's theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," celebrates the legendary fashion designer's career.

As we delve into the theme, we can't help but take a closer look at the iconic Claudia Schiffer , the 90s Chanel “It Girl”. Schiffer was a trailblazing supermodel and fashion icon who dominated the runways during the late '80s and early '90s. Lagerfeld, recognizing her exceptional talent, named her the official queen of Chanel, a title that she deservedly held.

From her stunning couture wedding dresses to her daring hot pink terry-cloth bikini top and tracksuit adorned with double Cs, Schiffer was the epitome of fashion-forward. Although she may not be gracing the red carpet tonight, her impact on the fashion industry and her unwavering influence will continue to inspire generations to come.

04/21/2023

We had a lovely visit to the The Costume Institute yesterday, as we explored a myriad of stunning 19th century evening dresses, corsets, and robe à la française, amongst other breathtaking garments❣️

The intricacy and attention to detail found in each of these garments is nothing short of remarkable, can't believe some of them are still in good condition after all the decades! It's always a intimate experience to have a close look at the details, thank you so much for having us ✨🥰🥰

04/19/2023

Summer is just around the corner🌵👙🌞
Delve into the enchanting era of the 1890s, and one cannot help but marvel at the iconic bathing costumes of that period. These suits were designed to exude a sense of modesty and sophistication, with a distinct emphasis on concealing rather than revealing.

To ensure that the female form remained demurely covered, fabrics such as wool flannel, wool jersey, mohair, linen, cotton, or some combination thereof were used. It is worth noting that these bathing suits were not intended for rigorous swimming but rather for leisurely wading or simply lounging on the beach.

Image: A Page from Jordan Marsh Catalog 1897

04/17/2023

Rei Kawakubo's has always been a trailblazer in the fashion industry since its inception in 1969. The SS1997 show 'Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body' was no exception, showcasing avant-garde designs that challenged traditional notions of beauty. The collection featured asymmetrical and bumpy lumps that were puzzling yet captivating.

The accompanying advertising images in CDG SIX 1/4, presented in collaboration with Visionaire No. 20, featured pictures of seafood and crustaceans of similar colors. Kawakubo's inspiration for this collection may have been rooted in humanity's genetic origins and the evolution of forms over time.

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Photography by Kishin Shinoyama
Art Direction by Tsuguya Inoue for Beans
CDG SIX 1/4 in collaboration with Visionaire No. 20
Image credit from

04/07/2023

We got a little field trip to yesterday for our History of Costume: The 19th Century class!

The museum is housed in a Greek Revival-style building constructed in 1832 for wealthy merchant Seabury Tredwell and his family.

Throughout the tour, we had a glimpse into the lives of the Tredwell family and the wider social and cultural context of 19th-century New York City. The museum boasts an impressive collection of original furnishings, decorative arts, and household items, many of which have been carefully preserved or restored over the years!✨

04/05/2023

Remember this? ⚡️👀

David Bowie's “Black and White Striped Bodysuit" was a standout costume from his Aladdin Sane tour in 1973, designed by the Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto.

The exaggerated silhouette of the costume is reminiscent of the work of Oskar Schlemmer, a Bauhaus artist and choreographer known for his optical costumes for the 1922 ballet "Das Triadische". Schlemmer's ballet costumes reflect his interest in geometry, with their heavy and stiff architectural structure transforming the human body into a geometric and formalist shape. Similarly, Yamamoto's design for Bowie's costume sought to create a visually striking and memorable silhouette.

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➢ Image:
1&2. ’ KABUKI' stage costume by Kansai Yamamoto for David Bowie, 1973. Photograph taken by Masayoshi Sukita. © The David Bowie Archive
3. Oskar Schlemmer, Costume from Das Triadisches Ballett, 1922.

Address

34 Stuyvesant St
New York, NY
10003

Website

http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/art/costume/

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