Comments on: A History of Sequins from King Tut to the King of Pop

By: Emily Spivack

Emily Spivack — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 18:41:58 +0000

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it.

By: Danny Rau

Danny Rau — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:02:10 +0000

Fascinating! The transition from coins sewed onto garments (which practice I’ve known about since childhood) to decoration makes perfect sense. And I had no idea a writer for the Smithsonian would be so engaging and humorous–I’ll have to read more of these articles! Thanks for the post!

By: Sarah (Saturday Sequins)

Sarah (Saturday Sequins) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:58:52 +0000

What a great article! I’ve read other histories of sequins on various blogs, but this one is the most thorough I’ve found so far.

As for modern sequins, it’s a lot of fun to see what artists are doing with them these days. Robert Haven does amazing tambour embroidery, and so does Shirlee Fassell. People like Mary Tafoya (and myself!) do a lot of interesting sequin embroidery, too. Vanessa Walilko has made a flapper dress out of aluminum discs.

I think a sequin exhibit would be a fun idea. I’d be more than happy to suggest contributors.

By: Vicki Hackl

Vicki Hackl — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:17:51 +0000

Agree. In the 1902 Sears Roebuck Catalogue a ‘spangled jet crown’ was offered for 39 cents. There is a picture of star type motif made of ‘sequins’ and explains this is a ‘hat crown’.

By: Charles Bazalgette

Charles Bazalgette — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 17:51:19 +0000

I agree that in Britain the modern article is called a sequin, but at the beginning of the nineteenth century the ones which were struck from thin gold and silver were indeed known as spangles.

By: Emily Spivack

Emily Spivack — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 01:57:00 +0000

True! Thanks for the comment, Ben. I’ve updated the post!

By: Ben Truwe

Ben Truwe — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 07:02:31 +0000

Um, “plastic hadn’t yet been invented” in the 1920s? We’ve had celluloid since the 1860s.

By: Pauline Lachance

Pauline Lachance — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:27:10 +0000

This was a very interesting article, but I cannot believe that nothing was mentioned about LIBERACE, who actually began the whole world of sequins & glitter with his costumes, back in the 1950′s. He was known as “MR. SHOWMANSHIP” mainly because of his elaborate costumes and staging and definitely should be included in this write-up.

By: Sally Erskine Doucette

Sally Erskine Doucette — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:43:59 +0000

Interesting article. Many thanks. Does anyone know anything about a sequin factory outside of Yarmouth NS where herring scales were made into sequins?

By: Becca

Becca — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 18:49:50 +0000

Love this history. I am a lover of sequins, but glad someone else has slight issues with sequined uggs!!

By: vlb

vlb — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 13:21:52 +0000

My sister wore a beautiful dress with a sequin embellished skirt for new years eve. I sent her this article!

By: Helena

Helena — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:39:17 +0000

In England, sequins are called sequins.

By: pamella

pamella — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 22:05:31 +0000

Another interesting article. I love, love, love these Smithsonian blogs/threads.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 19:15:09 +0000

As I love anything having to do with sewing, fabric, (threads), knitting; loved the article. Can’t wait to tell my g-kids. Loved it!!!

By: Evans

Evans — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:46:42 +0000

It’s odd that a post on sequins around New Year’s doesn’t refer to the annual Mummers Parade in Philadelphia.