The Tirocci Dressmakers Project of Rhode Island

August 18, 2006 4:04 AM

Anna and Laura Tirocchi ran a dressmaking shop for the elite of Providence, Rhode Island between 1915 and 1947. In 1989 the building, which had been shut for 42 years, was found to contain a time capsule of the development of early 20th century fashion - from fabric and dresses to photographs and sewing machines and associated ephemera. The A&L Tirocchi Dressmakers Project website showcases the collection (after 12 years of research by RISD) through: the 514 project (with an image archive), essays, databases and exhibition sections. [via Intute]
posted by peacay (12 comments total)

Thanks a bunch, peacay! Stuff like this is why I love the internet!
posted by Mike D at 5:15 AM on August 18, 2006

Wow. This is really interesting. Thank you!
posted by posadnitsa at 5:31 AM on August 18, 2006

I love sewing, art, and the design aesthetic of that time period. This FPP is so, so fabulous.
posted by orange swan at 6:25 AM on August 18, 2006

wonderful! thanks!
posted by amberglow at 6:46 AM on August 18, 2006

Great website, thanks so much for posting this!
posted by stagewhisper at 6:57 AM on August 18, 2006

I wish that I had the money and the type of job that would allow me to wear clothes like these every day! But I don't, so I'll just drool over the pictures instead.
posted by meringue at 7:20 AM on August 18, 2006

I wouldn't be seen dead in this.
posted by tellurian at 7:32 AM on August 18, 2006

What a great find peacay. Well done. It's a fascinating story, the contents of 514 Broadway wrapped in tissue paper and left like that as a 'time capsule', a treasure trove of info and sumptuous fabrics, details of the whole garment biz of that era and genre.

The many stories are delightful.

I wish there were even more photos of the small things, the machines, trimmings, the lace collection, the magazines from which the designs were taken. The dresses are stunning.

Just learned this: Societe des Artistes Decorateurs, which promoted French design and broached the idea for the famous Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes of 1925, the source for the term "Art Deco". How dresses were pre-made. Molyneux was ahead of his time.

The Devil wearing Prada in 1930?
posted by nickyskye at 9:25 AM on August 18, 2006

Thanks peacay, this is fantastic.
posted by applemeat at 10:58 AM on August 18, 2006

Brilliant, thank you peacay!

I'm intrigued to know the story behind the
"Lady Mr. Sheldon brought over". Lots to read this weekend methinks.
posted by ceri richard at 3:23 PM on August 18, 2006

Wow! Thanks, peacay!
posted by owhydididoit at 6:15 PM on August 19, 2006

Fantastic and useful post. Thanks!
posted by Miko at 10:03 AM on August 24, 2006