Author Archives: Laura Peluso

Exhibition Review: Charles James: Beyond Fashion

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Laura Peluso

This year, the Costume Institute has created a jewel box for colorful gems of silk and tulle designed by Charles James, the master manipulator of seams and an expert of controlled volume. The imaginative gowns, with names like “Cloverleaf” and … Continue reading →

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Fall 2013: New Links

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Laura Peluso

Over the summer, many of us traveled to participate in internships, present papers, and attend conferences. There is always something new to discover in our field, and some of our research led to online discoveries: new websites or updates to … Continue reading →

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Exhibition Review: Punk: Chaos to Couture

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Laura Peluso

The punk aesthetic has always solicited strong reactions, for it seems that the music, the fashion and the lifestyle thrive only in moments of internal or external adversity. The latest exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has incited cries … Continue reading →

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Exhibition Review: Artist/Rebel/Dandy

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Laura Peluso

With a turned leg, a pair of trousers displays the athletic curves of a calf. The garment, a tribute to fine tailoring, was constructed from broadcloth, a rich fabric that retains its shape despite its age. Though sedate and small, … Continue reading →

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Mystery Monday: Roger Fry and the Omega Workshops

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Laura Peluso

Yes, this textile was designed by Roger Fry (1866 – 1934), a co-founder of the Omega Workshops. Founded by Roger Fry, Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell in 1913, the Omega Workshops became the first English organization to fully embrace Post-Impressionism. Though … Continue reading →

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Mystery Monday

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Laura Peluso

The winds buffet red sails as the sun sinks lower in the sky, almost suspended at the horizon above a purple sea, with white foam crowning the waves that reach towards the rocks and stretches of white sand. The scene … Continue reading →

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Fashions and Textiles of the Wiener Werkstätte

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Laura Peluso

My brief study of the textiles of the Wiener Werkstätte last week left me wishing I knew more, so I spent the last week mining some additional information and images to share with you. Here are some equally intriguing tidbits … Continue reading →

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Mystery Monday: Mela Koehler

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Laura Peluso

Yes, this lithograph is by Mela Koehler (1865 – 1960), a close collaborator with the Wiener Werkstätte. Founded in 1903 by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, the Wiener Werkstätte, or Vienna Workshop, remained active for only 29 years, but its … Continue reading →

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Mystery Monday: Easter Edition

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Laura Peluso

Spring break has arrived and Easter is on its way! To celebrate the arrival of a favorite holiday and holy day, here’s the latest mystery: What artist took a break from fashion illustration to draw this whimsical scene? Think you … Continue reading →

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Mystery Monday: The Countess da Castiglione

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Laura Peluso

Yes, this is a photo of the Countess da Castiglione. When the Countess met Pierre-Louis Pierson in 1856, ego met opportunity and a lifetime partnership began. For many years, Pierson photographed the great beauty as  she portrayed mythical and historical … Continue reading →

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