The Historical Fashion and Textile Encyclopedia - The Dreamstress

This page is a work-in-progress. Its aim is to provide a brief definition of vintage and historical fashion and textile terms, with links to articles which explore and illustrate the history of the term in more depth. The dates at the end of each definition are the dates in which the term was most commonly used. Have a term you think needs to be included? Or a better definition, or more information? Please leave a comment! ______________________________________________________________ Acetate – a manufactured natural fibre of the rayon family, made from cellulose dissolved in an acetate solution. Variants of acetate are Triacetate and Diacetate. 1900s-present. See also rayon. Aerophane – a fine, slightly crisp, silk gauze, sometimes with a slightly crinkled, crepe appearance, possibly from a silk worm that is now extinct OR a type of ribbon embroidery, where wide, crisp silk strips (originally probably of aerophane) are used to create three dimensional ornamentation, OR any fine, light gauzy fabric. 1830s-50s (fabric), Alamode – a thin, plain tabby weave, lustred silk, usually black. Used mainly for morning …