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Drawstring Collection

"Drawstring: A Fashionable Accessory Through the Ages" From Tartan Accessories in 1902 to the N D Eynede Paris corsetmaker's advert in 1909

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Tartan Accessories 1902

Tartan Accessories 1902
Tartan accessories including silk handkerchiefs, mufflers, neck ties, scarves, tartan cravats, silk knit motor wraps, drawstring work bags & satchels

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Purse, c. 1936. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley

Purse, c. 1936. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley
Purse, c. 1936

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Skirt, c. 1940. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley

Skirt, c. 1940. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley
Skirt, c. 1940

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Bag, 1935/1942. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley

Bag, 1935/1942. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley
Bag, 1935/1942

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Beaded Purse, c. 1937. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley

Beaded Purse, c. 1937. Creator: Ann Gene Buckley
Beaded Purse, c. 1937

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Purse, c. 1937. Creator: Ruth Buker

Purse, c. 1937. Creator: Ruth Buker
Purse, c. 1937

Background imageDrawstring Collection: there alone

there alone
Ina Tänzer

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Beaded Bag, c. 1936. Creator: James McLellan

Beaded Bag, c. 1936. Creator: James McLellan
Beaded Bag, c. 1936

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Reticule, c. 1937. Creator: Edna C. Rex

Reticule, c. 1937. Creator: Edna C. Rex
Reticule, c. 1937

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Beaded Bag, 1935 / 1942. Creator: William Kieckhofel

Beaded Bag, 1935 / 1942. Creator: William Kieckhofel
Beaded Bag, 1935/1942

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Twin Beaded Bag, c. 1939. Creator: Byron Dingman

Twin Beaded Bag, c. 1939. Creator: Byron Dingman
Twin Beaded Bag, c. 1939

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Fashionable woman walking her toy dog, 1801 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)

Fashionable woman walking her toy dog, 1801 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)
5986613 Fashionable woman walking her toy dog, 1801 (handcoloured copperplate engraving) by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: Fashionable woman walking her toy dog, 1801)

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Parisian woman in the fashionable Dutch hairstyle, 1799 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)

Parisian woman in the fashionable Dutch hairstyle, 1799 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)
5986509 Parisian woman in the fashionable Dutch hairstyle, 1799 (handcoloured copperplate engraving) by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: Parisian woman in the fashionable Dutch hairstyle)

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Printed reticule, early 19th century (block-printed cotton)

Printed reticule, early 19th century (block-printed cotton)
LMG172594 Printed reticule, early 19th century (block-printed cotton) by English School, (19th century); 24.8x21 cm; Leeds Museums and Art Galleries (Temple Newsam House)

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Fashionable woman in Madras check dress, 1800 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)

Fashionable woman in Madras check dress, 1800 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)
5986548 Fashionable woman in Madras check dress, 1800 (handcoloured copperplate engraving) by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: Fashionable woman in Madras check dress, 1800)

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Woman with Victim haircut at Tivoli Gardens, 1798 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)

Woman with Victim haircut at Tivoli Gardens, 1798 (handcoloured copperplate engraving)
5986441 Woman with Victim haircut at Tivoli Gardens, 1798 (handcoloured copperplate engraving) by French School, (18th century); (add.info.: Woman with Victim haircut at Tivoli Gardens, 1798)

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Pouch, French, 1870-79. Creator: Unknown

Pouch, French, 1870-79. Creator: Unknown
Pouch, French, 1870-79

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Pouch, European, ca. 1840. Creator: Unknown

Pouch, European, ca. 1840. Creator: Unknown
Pouch, European, ca. 1840

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Gaming purse, French, late 17th century. Creator: Unknown

Gaming purse, French, late 17th century. Creator: Unknown
Gaming purse, French, late 17th century

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Pouch, American, third quarter 19th century. Creator: Unknown

Pouch, American, third quarter 19th century. Creator: Unknown
Pouch, American, third quarter 19th century

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Pouch, American, 1840-60. Creator: Unknown

Pouch, American, 1840-60. Creator: Unknown
Pouch, American, 1840-60

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Advert for N D Eynede Paris corsetmarker 1909

Advert for N D Eynede Paris corsetmarker 1909
Women wearing elegant corsets with drawstrings to the back to bring in the waist with lace edging. 1909

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Advert for Madame Bellanger corsetmarker 1908

Advert for Madame Bellanger corsetmarker 1908
Advertisement for Madame Bellanger, Edwardian women wearing drawstring corsets to bring in the figure. Date: 1908

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Digital illustration of blue rain hat with wide brim and drawstring

Digital illustration of blue rain hat with wide brim and drawstring

Background imageDrawstring Collection: Teddy Tinling tennis outfit, 1962

Teddy Tinling tennis outfit, 1962
A tailored tennis suit in cotton pique with a drawstring waist and crossed racquets motif embroidered in blue on the shirt top designed by tennis fashion guru, Teddy Tinling. Date: 1962


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"Drawstring: A Fashionable Accessory Through the Ages" From Tartan Accessories in 1902 to the N D Eynede Paris corsetmaker's advert in 1909, drawstrings have long been a staple in fashion. These versatile closures have stood the test of time, remaining relevant and stylish throughout history. In the early 19th century, printed reticules made from block-printed cotton were all the rage. Women would adorn themselves with these intricately designed bags, cinched tight with delicate drawstrings. The beaded bags created by James McLellan, Edna C. Rex, William Kieckhofel, and Byron Dingman during the mid-1930s to late 1940s showcased exquisite craftsmanship and featured drawstring closures that added an elegant touch. Even as far back as 1801, fashionable women could be seen walking their toy dogs while clutching reticules tightly closed with drawstrings. The handcoloured copperplate engravings captured this moment perfectly and highlighted how even small accessories like drawstrings played a significant role in completing an ensemble. The allure of drawstrings extended beyond just bags; they also adorned garments such as Madras check dresses popularized in 1800. With their functional yet decorative nature, drawstrings allowed for adjustable waistlines and added visual interest to these fashionable outfits. Not only did women embrace this trend; men too found use for them. In Tivoli Gardens of 1798, a woman sporting a Victim haircut was seen strolling alongside her male companion who had his coat secured with a stylishly tied drawstring closure. Through various eras and styles, from tartan accessories to Parisian hairstyles inspired by Dutch fashion trends—drawstrings remained constant companions on many fashionable individuals' attire.