Fashion History from the 18th to the 20th Century

Take a trip through three centuries of trend. In this spectacular collection from the Kyoto Costume Institute, one of the world's most extensive clothing collections, the smartest minds and sharpest eyes in fashion studies walk us through the outer- and underwear, shoes, and accessories that have defined people around the world.

Clothes define people. A person's attire, whether it's a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential code to his or her culture, class, personality, even faith. Founded in 1978, the Kyoto Costume Institute recognizes the importance of understanding clothes from sociological, historical, and artistic perspectives. With one of the world's most extensive clothing collections, the KCI has amassed a wide range of historical garments, underwear, shoes, and fashion accessories dating from the 18th century to the present day.