Prior to the mid-19th century, just about all clothing was handmade for individuals, either as house manufacturing or on order from dressmakers and tailors. Although the style business developed first in Europe and America, right now it is a global and extremely globalized business, with clothes typically designed in a single country, manufactured in another, and offered in a 3rd. For instance, an American fashion firm might source fabric in China and have the clothes manufactured in Vietnam, finished in Italy, and shipped to a warehouse in the United States for distribution to retail outlets internationally. The fashion industry has long been one of many largest employers in the United States, and it stays so in the 21st century. However, employment declined considerably as manufacturing more and more moved abroad, particularly to China.
- Key objects in the assortment embody rare seventeenth century gowns, 18th century ‘mantua’ clothes, Thirties eveningwear, 1960s