#mohaifashion

[mohai]

Now on view in the True Northwest exhibit! This black velvet dress and coat were both from Madame Thiry's shop, which sold European imports and her own designs. Thiry was originally from France and came to Seattle in the early 20th century. Both garments were donated by Thiry herself and her son Paul, the same Paul Thiry who was the principal architect of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair⠀ ⠀ #fashion #vintagefashion #vintage #vintageclothing #mohaifashion #seattle #mohai

[mohai]

A fun challenge for Museum Week! What era do you think this garment is from and where was it made? #zoomMW

[mohai]

These nylons were purchased 70 years ago today!

This pair of nylon stockings were purchased at The Bon Marche flagship store in Seattle on March 11, 1946 for $0.89. Nylon was invented in the 1930s, although it wasn't commercially available until 1940. During WWII, nylon hosiery went off the market as the material had many war-related applications that were a priority. It became available again in 1945, but was initially in short supply. Desperate customers mobbed department stores, and there were even reports of “nylon riots” in some cities. By early 1946, production was able to keep up with demand—hopefully the buyer of this pair didn’t need to fight anyone to get them!

[legacyofseattlehiphop-blog]

Fresh dressed at MOHAI! Some of Seattle’s Hip-Hop fashion elements were heavily influenced by the grunge movement of the early 1990s. With the rise of “backpack rap” and other unique styles, Seattle has always been a trendsetter when it comes to fashion. Hip-Hop fashion has changed significantly during its history, and today, it is a prominent part of popular fashion across the world.

[mohai]

New on display at the museum! Check out this Red Cross “Gray Lady” uniform in our "True Northwest" exhibit. 

During WWII,  members of the Red Cross Hospital and Recreation Corps were nicknamed the "Gray Ladies" for the color of their uniforms. In Seattle, Unit 2 was stationed at the Fort Lawton Hospital, where the volunteers provided many services to patients and their families alike.

[mohai]

Here's a preview of a silk dress that will be on display at the museum in 2016.

This dress made in Hong Kong for I. Magnin, which was a California-based department store that had a shop in Seattle. The cut is a simple “shirtwaist” style dress that was popular in the 1950s. However, the fabric makes it more elegant—it is caught somewhere between casual day-wear and formal evening-wear.

[mohai]

Our Collections Specialist for Costumes and Textiles, Clara Berg, has chosen her top 5 garments that were on display in 2015. Here’s what she has to say about her #1: Pink Chiffon Gown and Cape Designed By Kiki Hart, 1970s (currently on exhibit until February)

"I had a blast putting together a case of 1970s clothing this year. The other two looks—a hippie outfit and a dapper menswear look—are also big favorites but it is hard to beat this bright salmon goddess gown. It is really a showstopper, and was sold locally at John Doyle Bishop’s store in downtown Seattle. "

[mohai]

Our Collections Specialist for Costumes and Textiles, Clara Berg, has chosen her top 5 garments that were on display in 2015. Here’s what she has to say about her #3: Cotton Shirt and Skirt with Patterns Celebrating the World’s Fair, 1962 (currently on exhibit—but only until January!)

"I wish I owned this outfit! It was made by the Foster-Hochberg clothing company in Seattle to celebrate the 1962 World’s Fair and utilizes a slightly different print in the skirt and the shirt. Both pieces feature the modern marvels of the future-themed fair: the Space Needle, the Monorail, the arches of the Science Pavilion (now Pacific Science Center), and the International Fountain."