DRESS DATA BASE

DATABASE : DRESS

FABRICS

• Chiffon

• Silk georgette

• Viscose crepe

• Lightweight cotton voile

• Printed scarves (silk twill)

ORIGIN

Emerged in the 1920s–1930s as designers experimented with bias cuts and asymmetry.

Revived in the 1970s bohemian era — flowing hems, scarf‑like panels, patchwork.

Strong comeback in the 1990s–2000s (Galliano for Dior, early McQueen).

Today associated with boho, resort, and eveningwear.

SILHOUETTE + LINE + VOLUME

• Asymmetrical hem made of pointed panels.

• Fluid A‑line or column upper body.

• Movement-focused volume

— hem flares when walking.

• Often cut on the bias for drape.

DETAILS

• Hanky hem / pointed hem

• Bias cut

• Spaghetti straps / halter neck

• Empire waist or dropped waist

• Scarf panels / layered chiffon panels

ORIGIN

Rooted in Victorian and Edwardian dressmaking.The princess line was introduced by Charles Frederick Worth in the late 19th century.

Defined by vertical panel seams instead of a waist seam.

SILHOUETTE + LINE + VOLUME

• Princess seams elongate the body.

• Fitted bodice + flared skirt (A-line or ball gown).

• Can be dramatic (couture) or minimal (modern bridal).

• Emphasis on verticality and smooth shaping.

DETAILS

• Princess seams

• Sweetheart neckline

• Corseted bodice

• Full skirt / ball skirt

• Tulle underskirt

• Invisible zip

• Boning

FABRICS

• Tulle

• Satin

• Silk mikado

• Organza

• Brocade

• Embroidered tulle

Modern princess dresses appear in bridal, eveningwear, and couture.

SILHOUETTE + LINE + VOLUME

• Straight or slightly A-line.

• Often structured with crisp lines.

• Can be mini, midi, or maxi.

• Defined by functional pockets and utility seams.

DETAILS

• Patch or flap pockets

• Epaulettes

• Drawstring waist

• Front zip

• Snap buttons

• Belted waist

FABRICS

• Cotton twill

• Ripstop nylon

• Denim

• Poplin

• Technical fabrics (nylon, parachute cloth)

03 CARGO

ORIGIN

Originates from military uniforms (1930s–1940s).

•Cargo pockets became fashion in 1990s streetwear (DKNY, Gaultier), with the cargo dress emerging in 2000s utilitarian fashion. Now part of the gorpcore and utility trends.

04 THE MIDI

ORIGIN

The midi length rst appeared in the 1920s, when hemlines rose for the rst time in modern fashion.

It became iconic in the 1940s–1950s, especially with Christian Dior’s New Look (1947) — cinched waist, full mid-calf skirt. Then in the 1970s, the midi dress became a political fashion statement during the “hemline wars” (mini vs. maxi vs. midi).

Today, the midi is a universal staple across casual, office, evening, and streetwear.

DETAILS

HIDDEN SIDE ZIP

• Handkerchief

• Midi

LACE UP

• Princess

WRAP TIE

• Midi

• Cargo

INVISIBLE BACK ZIP

• Princess

• Midi FRONT ZIP

BUTTONS

• Cargo

• Midi

CLOSURES

TREND

CARGO