From the era of the Colonists' to today, Americans have tried to
look their best. 18th century observers noted Americans' hunger
for fashion news from Europe, men's concern with looking good and
the use of perfumes and wigs by both sexes. As the industrial revolution
made more products available in the 19th century, the new middle
class developed high standards for socially-acceptable clothing.
Entrepreneurs devised remarkable products for health and beauty
as well--from scalp medicines to electric belts for losing weight!
Today, expectations for fashionable appearance are varied. However,
most would agree that our dress still adds up to more than just
"looking good"--we understand that our clothing communicates
much about who we are and what we want to project about ourselves.
The Henry Ford's clothing & personal
effects
*collection
is recognized the National Endowment for the Humanities as one of
national significance. It contains over 10,000 items and ranges
in date from l750 to the present day. The collection includes ordinary
folks' clothing as well as expensive, custom-made couture dress--artifacts
are as diverse as a World War II concentration camp survivor's uniform,
wool hats made by Christian Dior, and African-Americans' make-up
from l945.
Mrs. Firestone's Couture Dresses, Nike Air Jordans and
