Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈

@bows4crows

☠️ Future skeleton 🌘 Neurodivergent 💃 Fashion history 🧘‍♂️ Yoga teacher 🧪 Neuroscientist 🌱 Vegetarian 🦤 they/them 🕹️ FGC Meditation podcast General meditation stuff

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Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· 28d

Cotton dress, France, 1805 A single colour dress is interesting. Means the design itself really has to pop, which is cool. I love the floral embroidered hem and trail - they're so pretty. The little satin ties on the sleeves are also a lovely touch. #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory

White cotton dress in plain weave. It has an empire style, with a drawstring square-cut neckline, puffed short sleeves with white satin ribbon ties; and a trained skirt and short trail. White cotton floral embroidery circles the entire hem.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jul 9

Formal dress, France, 1805 I really love this neoclassical style - the high waists really pop, and the fabric of the dresses always have a beautiful flow. I feel like we see less and less of this leafy/floral detailing as the years go by. #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory #ootd

Museum photo of a white cotton dress in a neoclassical style. It has short sleeves to the upper bicep, a high waistline just under the bust, and a shallow v-neckline. The dress is full length and hangs relatively straight, without folds, to the floor. IT has a long, wide trail to the rear, of the same fabric.
The dress is white, but with red leafy detailing throughout. These are scattered intermittently over main body of the fabric, and also in a broad strip down the centre line of the dress, and at the front of the skirt hem.
https://collections.mfa.org/objects/67396/formal-dress

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jul 7

Formal dress, 1735 (restyled 1770), Holland My first impression is: panniers ahoy! But the composition of this dress is really something. Everywhere you look there's wonderful detail - the gilt yarn, the delicately ruffled sleeves, the chinoiserie motif. #fashionhistory #dresshistory #fashionsky

Museum photo of a full length formal dress, in cream silk satin with decorative elements in gold and multicoloured yarn.
It has extremely wide panniers (maybe 60cm each side), a square cut neckline, and delicate silk ruffles around the neckline and enlarged cuffs.
The fabric is decorated throughout in chinoiserie motifs - trees, strange creatures, pagodas, figures in stereotypically 'asian' dress, etc.
https://collections.mfa.org/objects/624112/

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jul 2

Dress & petticoat, France, 1730 I found a new haul of dresses, including maybe the nicest dress I've ever seen (but not until 1962). In the meantime, we've got this beautiful thing in silk lampas (new word). The flow of material really appeals to me here. #fashionhistory #dresshistory #fashionsky

Museum photo of a dress and petticoat in blue silk lampas, with white floral detailing throughout.
It consists in an overdress of a loose fitting bodice and full skirt, with short fitted sleeves and asymmetrical cuffs gathered at the elbow.
Original link is here:
https://collections.mfa.org/objects/488666/dress-and-petticoat-robe-volante

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jul 1

"What am I supposed to say about other people's problems?" You heard him!

Screenshot of Squall from Final Fantasy 8, standing in his bedroom. Probably vaguely annoyed about something and also doubting himself.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 30

Afternoon dress, China, 1910 I love this. Its 116 years old, but you wouldn't think twice if you saw it in the right setting today. The embroidery (?) is so detailed & beautiful, and I love the simple, unsupported structure. Not a bustle in sight! #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Museum photo of a cream coloured full length dress, with short sleeves and a circular neck line.
It may once have been white, given the age. The impression is of an almost sheer fabric, embellished throughout with embroidered floral detailing in every part of the dress.
The lower skirt hangs straight to the floor, with few folds and no structural elements.
The waist is slightly narrowed, and the bodice is simple.
Really the whole dress is as simple as can be, but carried by the lovely decorations.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 25

Evening dress, Herbert Luey, USA, 1912 No reservations, this is just beautiful. I love the colour, and the draping is really complex and gives the dress a wonderful flow. It took me a while to figure out what was going on with the fabric tbh! #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Museum photo of a silk, full length evening dress in peach and cream tones.
The skirt is straight, lightly pleated, and has a velvet texture with light floral detailing throughout. Its accentuated by a sash in the same material around the waist.
The short-sleeved top is a mix of sheer and opaque cream fabrics, draped in complex ways around the body, and acting as a slight overskirt (high at the front, low at the rear).
There is a large red floral bunch of fabric on the waist at the right.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 22

Coat, J Hamilton, American, 1905 A little tricky to see the detail here due to the colour. Interesting one though. Its got the most fabulous chunky buttons, and the frankly weird collar looks like a torc but does actually open properly. #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Black coat in cotton and silk. The shape is similar to a full-sleeved tunic dress, with light flaring of the coat hem. It has a chunky leather or leather effect belt with a gold coloured buckle. The top closes with very chunky fabric buttons, which sit down the left-most part of the breast. It has a high, tight collar, and at the wrists and across the collar bones, further strips of leather with fabric detailing, that almost call to mind armour.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 20

Getting absolutely destroyed online in #Granblue, but I'm slowly learning. And every so often I get to land this outrageously silly super move. So all is well. #granbluefantasyversus #fgc #vikala #gbfvr

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 18

Child's coat, USA, 1905 A beautiful, high quality garment. Cotton with wool lining for the main body, and silk for the collar and cape. I am somewhat resentful that my parents never provided me with such a thing 😠 #fashionsky #fashionhistory #TheMet

Museum photo of a tan-coloured child's coat (hard to tell, but likely for a boy below the age of 8). The form of the main body is that of a long, A-line tunic, with buttons on either side of the opening, fastened by cords of cotton. Narrow sleeves are mostly hidden from view by a separate cape (with a sort of Peter Pan collar). This extends almost to the wrists, and is slightly open in front.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 15

Dinner dress, France, 1903 Not sold on the colour scheme, but this is a fabulous dress. PLEASE click in and open the image in a new tab, the detailing is S-tier. I'm most taken by the neat little jacket, but the whole thing is rather lovely. #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory #TheMet

Museum photo of a full length dress, primarily in dark bronze, velvet-textured silk.
The dress is in two parts. A very short, small jacket is worn over the top. This is made to hang open at the front, with the lapels a few inches apart. It is inset with rhinestones down the front in decorative patterns. It has a slight gigot sleeves effect going, and these end just below the navel.
The dress itself hangs together from a beautiful light bronze coloured silk sash at the waist (though I think its not a sash, but intrinsic to the structure of the dress - I just don't know what to call it). The skirt is full below this, with a slight bustle, and a pleating effect that catches the light. Above the waist it has a deep scoop neckline, but we mostly can't see it because of the jacket.
A high necked, cream coloured, lace shirt is worn underneath.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 11

Dress, Nebraska USA, 1902 I'm light on details here - can't even tell the fabric! A simultaneously muted and extravagant dress. Extraordinary decorative detailing, but its just so dark! In bright sunlight I reckon it would be a sight to behold. #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Image 1.
Museum photo of a full length black dress. The skirt is narrow, with a bustle behind. It consists of a black underskirt, with some sort of highly decorative lace (maybe) on top. The top is of the same construction, cinched tight at its circular waist, with a lace cravat or neck piece, high collar, and full length sleeves.

Image 2.
A close up picture of the upper back of the same dress from Image 1.
Here we can see the detailing on the surface of the dress more easily. Lots of swirling shapes, recalling plants or waves.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 8

To hell with that. If you can't be bothered to recruit properly, I'm going to assume you'll be awful to work for.

Screenshot of some text. The text reads:

About the job:
This is a job that Jill, our AI Recruiter, is recruiting for on behalf of one of our customers. She will pick the best candidates from Jack's network. The next step is to speak to Jack.

Job Title: Research & Innovation Programme Manager.

Salary: Not Disclosed.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 8

Morning dress, USA, 1902 Note the lack of a 'u' - important context. I'll hazard a guess that this is an indoor morning dress, given the colour and lightness, but maybe someone else knows. Looks comfortable for enjoying your tea and toast anyhow. #fashionhistory #dresshistory #fashionsky #TheMet

White cotton full length dress, possibly in two pieces. The skirt is full bodied with a slight bustle, falling straight to the floor. It has pin- and larger stripes in the same fabric, slightly raised, flowing vertically. The hem has some floral embroidery and undulating frills.
The top has a high v-neck, with lacework ruffles around it. It hangs loosely over the hips, with frills at the hem, and large loose frilly cuffs.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 5

Riding ensemble, Morin Blossier, France, 1902 Not much time for fashion this week, but check this out! No way would I have called it as 1902 womenswear. Seems that it was inspired by 18th century men's fashion. The floral embroidery is lovely. #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Black silk riding coat with white lace cuffs jabot.
The shoulders are a very slight gigot cut, and the sleeves end at the mid forearm, allowing ample room for volumes of lace at the cuffs.
A large white lace jabot dominates the front of the ensemble.
The jacket sleeves, lapels and hem are trimmed with metal thread, and further metal thread is used across the front and lower portion for floral embroidery.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Jun 1

The whole family went to see Xdinary Heroes in Manchester last night. Venue was way too hot, but the band were incredible over a very long set (>2 hours!). Before I got into them, I'd not have expected such a classic rock experience from the #kpop scene. Fantastic vibes. #xdinaryheroes #엑스디너리히어로즈

Photo of a medium sized concert venue, taken from the stage. The band (six young men) is sitting on the floor with their backs to the audience, so the photo takes in the band and the whole crowd.

Photo taken from the floor of the same venue as in the other image, showing a sea of audience heads, and the band on stage.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 29

Blood donation number 66. Didn't think I'd get this far, it just sort of happened 🤣 Well worth doing though. Feel free to give me a shout if you're curious about trying.

Photo of a left forearm with a blood donation needle inserted into the elbow

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 28

Ball gown, Driscoll of Boston, 1900 All the individual elements are lovely, but the combination results in (as a friend put it) a dress resembling a Ferrero Rocher wrapper. But they were invented in 1979, so maybe Ferrero copied this dress??! #dresshistory #fashionhistory #fashionsky #TheMet

Image 1.
Museum photo in gold silk, with metallic thread and glass details. The bodice has a light cream wrap section at the bust, and a tapered metallic gold effect lower section, tapering to the mid-hips. A small jacket is worn off the shoulders, with capped sleeves and full open at the front, made in lace, and with floral details on the left.
The skirt is full length with a large trail. A gold lace overlays a more solid material, with three bands of very detailed lace at the hem, ankles, and knees.

Image 2.
Close up of the trail of the dress from image 1. Shows the lace detailing closer - it is mostly floral effect.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 26

Ball gown, House of Worth, Paris, 1900 Isn't this fabulous? I wonder if the red was even richer when it was made (126 years ago!). Its a beautiful shade still. I also love the asymmetric bodice design - seemed to be quite popular at this time. #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Museum photo of a deep red ball gown. It has a structured, tapered, narrow bodice, tapering to a v at the waist. The neckline is a low scoop. It is hung from two straps that sit across the shoulders at an angle. The right side of the bodice's neckline has an extra layer of ruffled fabric flowing from shoulder to under the left bust. The left side is of a different fabric, white lace, giving the impression that we are seeing a lower layer of fabric.
The skirt is somewhat typical of the time. A bustle extends the hips to side and rear. The skirt hands straight down at the front, with gentle folds throughout. At the rear there is a wide, extensive trail in the same fabric. Looks heavy!

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 21

Dress, E Stauffer of New York, 1900 I'm not sure what to make of this. The silhouette is lovely, the lace gives it a beautiful delicacy, & the colour is very striking. But there's something in the tightness of the collar and sleeves that throws me. #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Image 1
Museum photo of a full length dress in a pale yellow silk. It has long, tight sleeves with a ribbed/overlapping effect from shoulder to wrist. Green floral embroidery covers the wrists and shoulders. The cuffs hang slightly over the back of the hands.
The neck line is very high - a tight collar, in lace, extending likely up to the jaw.
The bodice is a typical v-shape, and blends into the skirt seamlessly, which extends to the floor. The front of the skirt is covered in lace, and further floral details appear on the chest, front of the hips, and near the hem.

Image 2.
Rear view of the dress from image 1. We can see more clearly here that the shoulders are actually slightly peaked. There is more green embroidery down the spine, and we can also see that the fabric of the dress flows down from the mid back. From this point to the hips it tapers in light folds, resembling corsetry, before expanding out into the full skirt with a slight trail behind.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 18

Ball gown, House of Worth, France, 1900 HoW dresses of this period were really outstanding, so its a shame they seemed to fade away in the decades that followed. The pink used here is beautifully delicate alongside the floral details. Love it. #fashionsky #dresshistory #fashionhistory #TheMet

Image 1.
Front view of a full length ball gown in light pink silk. It has a narrow, structured bodice, tapering to a 'V' from upper hips to below the navel. The skirt has a slight bustle, expanding the hips on the sides and rear. It is otherwise cut quite straight, with few folds at the front.
The pink is accented by golden floral/leaf details. There are two strong lines of these up the front left and right of the skirt, and more around the hem.
The front of the bodice also has this detailing. The upper bodice is interesting. The main fabric of pink is slashed from the right armpit to the left side (below the bust) in a diagonal. The fabric in this upper part of the bodice is replaced with gold and white lace. There are two prominent folds of lace at the shoulders, and very slight, short sleeves of lace in the same gold.

Image 2.
Side view of the dress from image 1.
This view shows that the skirt has a long trail - extending more than a metre behind the mannequin. The flora detailing is present on the sides and rear of the skirt also.

Image 3.
Close up of the hem of the skirt from image 1 and 2.
This really showcases how light the pink is, and reveals the detail of the floral accents. They are actually in gold, white and very slight traces of black. I can't really describe them - like fronds rather than flowers? But it looks nice anyway.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 15

Ball gown, La Religieuse, Paris, 1900 Nice ball gown in silk here. I couldn't find out anything about the design house, but either way, the dress is really lavish and luxurious looking. Feels unusual to have it in pure black? #fashionsky #dresshistory #TheMet #fashionhistory

Museum photo of a full length black ball gown. It has a simple, broad scoop neckline, exposing half the shoulders and the collarbones. A lace V cut dominates the front of the bodice, which also narrows to the waist. It has half length gigot sleeves, with quite large shoulders.
The skirt is floor length, with a trail and bustle. It is split and open at the front in an inverted V, showing a inner skirts of black lace.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 11

Wool cape, European, 1900 Seems like the ideal garment for our sylvan friends. Lovely thick wool, chunky buttons, and a satisfyingly big, heavy hood. This is cool #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory #TheMet

Image 1.
Museum photo of a dark green, wool cape. It looks as though it would extend to mid-thigh in length. It is somewhat shapeless (purposefully) and fits quite baggy, to cover whatever you're wearing underneath. Modern depictions of capes often show them just hanging off the back, but this cape covers the whole body, with light brown buttons down the front.
Two slits are cut into the fabric in the lower chest on either side, which allow the arms to reach out as needed (there are no sleeves). It has a mid-heigh, crumpled collar around the sides and back of the neck.

Image 2.
Rear view of the cape from image 1. This view shows off the large, peaked hood hanging down the back. It looks extremely satisfying to wear - heavy, with a lot of coverage to keep rain off the face. There is another button at the base of the neck, but I'm not sure what that's for.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· May 5

Evening dress, House of Worth, France, 1900 I was going to post something from the Met Gala, but I'm still in 1900, so it'll take me a while to get to 2026. Love the beautiful lace-work, the subtle stars, and the folds on the bodice on this one. #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory #TheMet

Museum photo of an ivory coloured evening dress, primarily in silk, with cotton lace.
It has a tight, structured, tapered bodice, with a clearly define waistline matching the line of a corset. The neckline is low and relatively straight, with quite open shoulders. Lace adorns the bust and neckline, and the half-length sleeves are entirely in lace.
The skirt has a slight bustle expanding the sides and rear, and the skirt otherwise falls straight to the floor with a trail about three or four feet long. The trail and hem of the skirt is adorned with about 40cm of lace.
It has a lovely subtle design feature - stars in a slightly darker fabric are stitched (?) into the fabric, about 30cm apart. The the hem of the skirt has a layer of stitching resembling clouds, just above the lace.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Apr 30

Evening dress, House of Worth, France, 1900 Like my previous post, the light & dark of this dress really pierces the fog of your mind - its so immediate and beautiful. @sufridasafo.bsky.social I wonder what Mr Worth's instruction was this time! #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory #TheMet

Museum photo of a full length evening dress, in ivory silk, with black rose and leaf embroidery (?) throughout.
The dress has a narrow, tapered bust, quite rigid, with open shoulders and a low scoop neckline. The sleeves are very slight - a couple of puffs of fabric just above and below the shoulder, set off with a blue ribbon serving as a strap at the shoulder, and a further blue ribbon splitting the upper and lower puff of fabric (I don't know why I'm saying 'puff' - there's a word for it, but I've forgotten as I'm tired!).
The skirt has a slight bustle extending to the side and rear , and a very long trail with lace fringing. The skirt opens at the front, sweeping down from the midpoint of the waist and out to the sides at the floor, revealing a very full lace underskirt.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/83980

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Apr 27

Evening dress, House of Worth, France, 1900 Look, this is a masterpiece. No other way to put it. The metalwork effect of the black velvet on ivory satin is one of the most beautiful design elements I've ever seen on a dress. I am in awe of this. #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory #TheMet

Image 1.
Museum photo of a full length evening dress with a long trail. It is made in white satin, with black velvet detailing woven into it throughout the garment. The velvet is designed in such a way to resemble the sweeping, curving ironwork of ornate railings or gates.
Sleeves are four layers of puffed silk, alternating white and black, extending only to the mid-bicep.
The shoulders are almost bare, and (as we are looking at the rear) we can see that the neckline here is almost straight, baring the tops of the shoulder blades.
Original source:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/84652

Image 2.
Front view of the same dress from image 1. The narrow, v-shaped bodice is quite clear here, and is accentuated visually by converging lines of the black velvet detailing, which come together towards the waist.
The neckline is a deep scoop shape.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Apr 21

www.metmuseum.org/art/collecti... 2/2

Image 2.
Front view of the coat from the linked post. The peacocks tail feathers continue to sweep around the front right of the coat, and down both sleeves.
The coat is fastened in the upper half, with gold coloured floral fabric fastenings.

Image 3.
Close up of the same coat from the linked post. Here we see the back of the coat, specifically the upper right and right sleeve. It shows the detail of the peacock's body and head.

Image 4.
Close up of one of the peacock feathers from the linked post.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Apr 21

Coat by Takashimaya, Japan, 1900 A long time since I've posted anything Japanese. This is a beautiful coat. The detail of the peacock is incredible - more pictures attached in the linked post. Always a fan of these very large sleeve ends too. 1/2 #fashionsky #fashionhistory #dresshistory #TheMet

Image 1.
Museum photo of a cream coloured Japanese women's coat in silk and wool, seen from behind. The coat is to mid-calf, cut fairly straight, with very large full length sleeves in a traditional style. The principle design element is an embroidered (?) peacock, covering the full back of the coat. Its body sits across the upper back, with its tail feathers sweeping down to the hem. Its head and neck extend into the right sleeve, and further tail feathers in the left.

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Apr 14

Riding habit, T Miller & Sons, NY USA, 1900 This is a nice one. The fabric looks heavy, but both jacket and skirt have an absolutely perfect cut. The curved line of the centre front of the jacket down through the hem is really pleasing to the eye. #fashionhistory #fashionsky #dresshistory #TheMet

Museum photo of a two piece riding habit in dark brown wool.
The skirt is full length, with gentle folds, and there is zero chance of it riding up while riding, such is its length and weight.
The jacket is quite traditional looking. Tight waist, flared hem expanding out over the hips, with buttons down the centre, and a neat small collar. The sleeves are tight fitting to the wrist, with very slight puffing at the shoulders.
Link to source:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86583

Alan 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈@bows4crows· Apr 13

Bathing suit, Wanamaker's Dept Store, Pennsylvania USA, 1900 I love this style! Modern bathing suits are obviously more practical, but there's just something so lovely about these turn of the century ones. Floppy peter pan collars really make everything better. #fashionsky #fashionhistory #TheMet