Blue Embroidered Silk Vest
England, c. 1745
This knee-length squared-front faille vest still follows the aesthetics of earlier styles, but, unlike its predecessors, it has lost its sober color and displays a mesmerizing floral scheme in silk and metal embroidery. Although coats and breeches were to retain a sense of restraint in color and fabrics, the vests became much more extravagant.
Kent State University Museum
Silverman/Rodgers Collection
KSUM 1983.1.13

   
Ivory Crewelwork Embroidered Long-sleeved Linen Vest
England, mid-18th century
As with the Eastern origins of the vest, exotic influences were present in textiles. Indian printed cottons were popular in clothing and decorative arts but their costs were highly prohibitive. As a result, Eastern imagery was reproduced in woolen thread on linen, two fibers which were widely available in England.
Kent State University Museum
Silverman/Rodgers Collection
KSUM 1983.1.18

Ivory Satin Chenille Embroidered Vest
Probably from England, 1748-52
Kent State University Museum
Silverman/Rodgers Collection
KSUM 1983.1.15

Ivory Brocaded Long-sleeved Vest
Probably from England, 1748-52
Kent State University Museum
Silverman/Rodgers Collection
KSUM 1983.1.17

Silver-foil Embroidered Vest with Colored Glass Paste
Probably from England, 1750-60
Kent State University Museum
Silverman/Rodgers Collection
KSUM 1983.1.19