Stockings

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegance of turn-of-the-century America with *Stockings* by J. & J. Slater, crafted in 1900 from luxurious silk. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, this delicate pair exemplifies the refined hosiery produced by the Slater firm, known for their high-quality garments during the Edwardian era. Silk, prized for its sheen, smoothness, and breathability, was a symbol of sophistication, often reserved for the fashionable elite despite the rise of more affordable alternatives like cotton. These stockings reflect the cultural shift toward more form-fitting silhouettes in women's fashion around 1900, accentuating the leg beneath lengthening skirts and emphasizing femininity. Woven with precision, the medium highlights advanced textile techniques of the time, blending durability with an almost ethereal lightness. As a gift from Mrs. John G. Milmoe in 1993, they preserve a tangible slice of everyday luxury, inviting us to ponder how intimate accessories shaped personal style and social norms. (178 words)