Today, most would agree that quality clothing should be accessible to all, rather than a privilege afforded exclusively to the elite. A century ago, however, things were different. Enter Elizabeth Hawes, a radical fashion designer, critic, author and political advocate who famously sought to democratize fashion, and lived by the philosophy that clothing is a direct expression of the self. Hawes, who ran her own couture house, proposed methods to develop quality mass manufacturing (which would not enter the mainstream until the 1960s) on U.S. soil, all the way back in the 1920s. She's often referred to as one of the first American couturiers, and yet she remains a hidden figure in fashion history — until now, at least: The Cincinnati Art Museum is putting the spotlight on Hawes' work with a new exhibit, "Elizabeth Hawes: Radical American Fashion." When Hawes began designing, Parisian fashion largely influenced American dress. In fact, Hawes actually got her start in ...
A popular way of dressing during a particular time or among a particular group of people. : the business of creating and selling clothes in new styles. : clothes that are popular.