Fashion of mourning
A new exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will showcase the macabre history of mourning clothes.
The exhibition, "Death Becomes Her: A Century of Mourning Attire," will feature dresses, veils and accessories worn by widows from 1815-1915, illustrating a period when women were expected to mourn within a strict set of social guidelines, down to the fabric of their clothing.
The exhibit will be on display in the museum's The Costume Institute from Oct. 21, 2014 to Feb. 1, 2015.
"Death Becomes Her"
An image of a woman in mourning dress by Charles Dana Gibson, from "The Gibson Book," 1907.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
An evening dress made from black moiré silk, black jet and black lace, ca. 1861.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
An illustration by Charles Dana Gibson, from "The Gibson Book, Vol. 2.," 1907.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
A dress of black silk crepe, black chiffon and black taffeta, ca. 1902-1904.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
A detail from a mourning dress made from black silk, chiffon and taffeta, ca. 1902-1904.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
A silk and tulle evening dress worn by Queen Alexandra, ca. 1902.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
Spectators in mourning wear at Ascot, including the Marchioness of Camden, 1910.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
A mourning parasol made from black silk, wood and tortoiseshell, ca. 1896-1900.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
An evening dress worn by Queen Alexandra, ca. 1902.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
A fashion plate, 1824
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
Mourning brooches made from gold, jet, pearls, crystal and hair, ca. 1850-1858
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.
"Death Becomes Her"
A Henri Bendel mourning hat made from black straw, plastic, silk and metal, ca. 1915.
Part of The Costume Institute's "Death Becomes Her" exhibition.