“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.”
Nature has inspired fashion for millennia. In addition to providing the fibers for various textiles, plants also play a prominent role in the embellishment of fabrics. Floral patterns on clothes appear consistently throughout history. Before synthetic dyes were developed, plants were commonly used to add color to cloth. While nonnatural dyes may be more prevalent today than their nature-based counterparts, people are again turning to plant-based dyes as an environmentally conscious choice.
Interested in learning more about plant-based dyes? Check out the Cornell Natural Dye Garden in the courtyard between the Human Ecology Building and Martha Van Rensselaer Hall!
Akira Yamazaki. The Japanese Art “Kusaki-nome,” Nippon Colours: Dying in a Hundred Colors with Juices of Plants and Grasses. [Kamakura], Japan: Getumeikai, 1959.
These fabric swatches were colored with plant-based dyes, recreating shades described in Japanese literature. Yamazaki’s work highlights the colors most common in ancient Japan, through studies of dye plants mentioned in literature and historical documents. The wood block print, by Senpan Maekawa, depicts the harvest of Benibana petals for dye.
Gift of Virginia Utermohlen.
The Journal of Design and Manufactures, vol. 2. London, Chapman and Hall: 1849-52.
The Journal of Design and Manufactures was one of the first publications focused on the decorative arts. These pages show examples of floral-patterned fabrics.
American Empire Costume Doll, ca. 1920.
Both the dress style and the fabrics worn by this doll were popular circa 1825. Made of cotton and lace, the Empire dress features a pattern of small branches and flowers; the fabric came from a dress worn by the creator’s great-aunt in 1870. The doll also wears a broad-brimmed hat with flowers and ribbons.
One of thirty-seven dolls made by students in the Department of Household Arts and donated to the Library by Professor Dora Erway.
American Costume Doll, ca. 1920.
Showcasing another 19th-century design, this doll wears a floral fabric taken from a mid-19th century (ca. 1849) dress.
One of thirty-seven dolls made by students in the Department of Household Arts and donated to the Library by Professor Dora Erway.