Fashion & Interiors: Historical Silhouettes Revived
In connection with the exhibition Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair., several historical silhouettes from the MoMu Collection underwent meticulous restoration. These iconic pieces, reflecting the interplay between fashion and interior design, are on display in the exhibition.
In the 1870s, both fashion and interiors were characterised by an extravagant use of drapery and trimmings. Heavy, luxurious fabrics such as silk reps and velvet – often in muted tones and embellished with embroidery – created a lavish yet imposing look. This applied to both clothing and interiors, with an abundance of upholstered furniture.
This gown beautifully illustrates how fashion and interior design influenced each other in the 19th century: a visual dialogue of opulence, texture and detail.
Conserving the white gown from 1870-1875 posed several challenges, especially when it came to washing – a process that cannot be reversed. Preliminary tests using gels loaded with buffer solutions were carried out to find the ideal cleaning method. Only the cotton skirt, made of tarlatan, was washed. After cleaning, the pleats were severely crumpled, and had to be painstakingly repressed by hand using glass plates – an intensive process that took weeks.
Conservation is a game of patience and precision. Every intervention must be carefully considered to preserve the historical integrity.
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Tears near the closure and waistband were reinforced with tulle for extra support. A special discovery – a signature inside the bodice – added value and confirmed the decision not to wash that part of the garment. To preserve the delicate silhouette, shoulder pads and petticoats were used to ensure a stable presentation.
These exceptional silhouettes offer a rare glimpse into the refinement and complexity of fashion through the ages. On view in Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair. until 3 August 2025.