Costume and Textiles Woman's Gloves Made in France, Europec. 1887 Made by Alexandrine, Paris, 1864 - ? Kid leather and silk Currently not on view 1930-46-19a,b Gift of Miss Evelyn L. Whitaker in memory of her mother, Mary Jeanette Coffin Whitaker, 1930 |
LabelMauve, the first synthetic dye, was discovered by the English chemist William Perkin in 1856 with mass production beginning the following year. Its invention transformed both the dye industry, with its reliance on natural dyes, and chemical research. A range of colors heretofore unimaginable was now possible. The flattering mauve color immediately became the height of fashion during the third quarter of the nineteenth century and was said to "bring on foolish bachelors to sudden proposals." |
