Photos: The History of Denim Is About More Than Just Jeans

Roberto Cavalli ensemble, embroidered denim, spring 2003, Italy, gift of Roberto Cavalli. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Walking suit, striped denim, circa 1915, USA, museum purchase. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Comme des Garçons (Junya Watanabe) dress, repurposed denim, spring 2002, Japan, museum purchase. Photograph by William Palmer.

Claire McCardell “Popover” dress, denim, 1942, USA, gift of Bessie Susteric for the McCardell Show. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Levi Strauss & Co. jeans, embroidered denim, circa 1969, USA, gift of Jay Good. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Raphael leisure suit, denim, circa 1973, Italy, gift of Chip Tolbert. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Edun dress, white and black denim, 2007, USA, gift of Edun. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Jumpsuit, denim, 1942-45, USA, gift of David Toser. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Men’s work pants, denim and brushed cotton, circa 1840, USA, museum purchase. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.

Gianfranco Ferré suit, denim-look silk, spring 1999, Italy, gift of Gianfranco Ferré S.p.A. Photograph courtesy of The Museum at FIT.