Welcome to Silhouettes, a Fashion History Podcast all about the importance of the clothes we wear.
In this episode of Silhouettes, join me for a live and in-person tour of Kensington Palace's stunning new exhibition, Dress Codes, guided by Head Curator Matthew Storey. Together, we explore the fascinating world of royal dress - its hidden rules, coded meanings, and the powerful expectations placed on those who dressed for court. Discover how fashion both reinforced hierarchy and offered moments of rebellion, navigating the delicate balance between conformity and self-expression in the royal spotlight.Join the Behind The Seams community to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
In this episode, I am joined by Matthew Storey, curator of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Historic Royal Palaces, to discuss the upcoming Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace, opening March 13th, 2025. Matthew takes us behind the scenes of the exhibition, sharing the inspiration, research process, and challenges of curating royal fashion spanning 500 years. From rare garments worn by figures like Princess Diana and Queen Victoria to the collaboration with the Young Producers, this episode offers an exclusive look at the fascinating world of royal attire.This is part one in a two part series, tune in for a sneak peek of what's to come at Dress Codes - a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in the intersection between fashion and daily life!Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
In today's episode I'm joined by Joanne Fenn, Professor and Collections Manager/Museum Registrar at the Kent State University Museum about their latest exhibition The Hepburn Style: Katharine and her designersThe exhibition is on view through September 28, 2025 (extended from May 25). The exhibition contains over 70 garments, lobby cards, and photographs and features the work of three costume designers (Valentina, Adrian and Irene) who worked with Katharine Hepburn on stage and in the film industry. In addition, the exhibition exhibits ensembles worn by Hepburn at home, including negligees, several pant ensembles, and the swimsuit she wore for winter swims in the Sound by her Fenwick, Connecticut home. Overall, the exhibition allows the viewer to see the continuity of Hepburn's famous style both on and off screen.Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
In this episode, we explore the transformative role of color in Victorian fashion, uncovering how it not only shaped trends but also challenged societal norms. We'll dive into the fascinating story of mauveine, the synthetic dye that revolutionized the fashion industry. But it's not just about the technical side—join us as we break down common misconceptions about color in the Victorian era, explore how color influenced everything from class identity to social status, and examine how it became a key marker of emotion and morality. Discover how the rise of vibrant hues in fashion was intertwined with cultural shifts and technological advances, and how color grew in popularity to become an essential element of self-expression. Tune in to learn why the Victorians' obsession with color still resonates in modern fashion today. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
In this episode, join me to explore the fascinating origins of the Cottagecore aesthetic! Come with me to connect the dots between the historical past and the modern-day Cottagecore movement, touching on the rise of floral prints, country living, and Laura Ashley's iconic designs. Whether you're a fan of vintage style or curious about history's influence on today's trends, this episode uncovers the hidden stories behind a timeless aesthetic, by tracing its roots back to 18th-century France, where it was popularised by none other than Marie Antoinette, to exploring the history of aprons as both functional and fashionable garments in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tune in for a whimsical, historical exploration of fashion, culture, and the allure of the simple life. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
Join me and Dr.Isabella Rosner, embroidery historian and curator of the Royal School of Needlework, to discuss their brand new exhibition "Tales of Textiles". This new intimate exhibition, Tales of Textiles: The RSN Collection in Focus highlights the life of key pieces from the Royal School of Needlework's Collection & Archive with a focus on English embroidery. Objects on display span three centuries and tell a story of wear and use, protection and care, tradition and innovation, and stitchers domestic and professional. Exhibits include a fragile embroidered mirror frame dated 1653, a Georgian man's waistcoat, and a late 19th century Royal School of Needlework-designed cushion cover. The exhibition takes place in one of our Embroidery Studios at Hampton Court Palace and will run from 25 September 2024 to June 2025. Isabella offers her insights into the curation process of the exhibition, and we also discuss the exciting work that we have undertaken together to research, and catalog, much of the amazing fashion and costume held within the collection, and available to see on display at this extinction. Link to purchase a ticket and a private tour, are available here- https://royal-needlework.org.uk/events-exhibitions/tales-of-textiles-the-rsn-collection-in-focus/ https://royal-needlework.org.uk/product/tales-of-textiles-talk-private-view/ https://royal-needlework.org.uk/archive-collection/
In today's episode, we explore the fascinating crossroads between fashion and the supernatural. Hauntings have long captivated the human imagination, but what often gets overlooked is how the fashion of these ghostly figures plays a crucial role in their stories! From spectral gowns to eerie uniforms, the clothing of these apparitions is not just a detail, but a key element that defines their haunting presence.
In this special episode, we're taking a trip back to Stars Hollow to explore the iconic fashion of Gilmore Girls! From Lorelai's boho-chic aesthetic to Rory's ever evolving preppy style this episode celebrates the fashion legacy of one of the early 2000s' most beloved shows. Join us as we unpack how Gilmore Girls's costume designer, Brenda Maben, used fashion to define each character's personality, social status, and development over seven seasons. I explore how Gilmore Girls captured the essence of early 2000s fashion while creating timeless looks still inspiring audiences today. Expect insights into everything from low-rise jeans and bedazzled tees to vintage band shirts and chunky knits. We'll explore how the Gilmore Girls fashion legacy lives on, with fans continually revisiting Lorelai and Rory's closet choices for throwback inspo.
In this episode of Silhouettes, I am joined by art historian and author Dr. Elizabeth L. Block PHD to explore the fascinating world of 19th-century hairdressing. Elizabeth, a Senior Editor at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, discusses her latest book, Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing (MIT Press, 10th September 2024). We dive into the cultural significance of hair, the entrepreneurial spirit that fueled the industry, and the untold stories of Black and mixed-race business owners who played a pivotal role in shaping hair styling trends of the time. From the pompadour to the Gibson Girl bouffant, Elizabeth reveals the surprising details of historical hair care routines and the powerful impact these styles had on society. Join us for an enlightening conversation that uncovers the rich history and cultural power of hair. If you're passionate about fashion history or curious about the origins of hairdressing, this episode is not to be missed! Pick up your copy of ‘Beyond Vanity' here If you enjoyed this conversation and want to hear more, an extended version is available to members of the Behind The Seams community. Join to support the podcast and access bonus content on Patreon or Spotify Follow on Instagram and TikTok for episode updates and bite-sized Fashion History more. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.
In this very exciting peek Behind The Seams we're guided on a tour of Blenheim Palaces wonderful "Icons of British Fashion" exhibition by Kate Ballenger, the Keeper of Palace and Collections, who has played a pivotal role in curating this stunning showcase of British fashion. As we walk through the exhibition, Kate shares her insights on the careful curation of each space to reflect the distinct essence of each fashion icon featured. She also discusses the intriguing decision to include Sir Winston Churchill's attire, adding a unique historical dimension to the narrative of British style. Listeners are treated to a live tour of the exhibition, guided by Kate's expert commentary, exploring the rich tapestry of British fashion trends and styles over the centuries. The episode is filled with behind-the-scenes stories, fascinating discoveries, and the triumphs encountered during the mounting process. Kate shares her unique journey in collating and curating this iconic exhibition at Blenheim Palace, providing an insider's look into the inspiration behind hosting the "Icons of British Fashion" exhibition in such a historic setting, exploring the synergy between the palace's grandeur and the evolution of British fashion. Join us for this captivating journey through Blenheim Palace, where history and fashion converge in the "Icons of British Fashion" exhibition. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.
In this exclusive episode, we delve into the world of haute couture and historical elegance with a deep dive into the "Icons of British Fashion" exhibition at the majestic Blenheim Palace. We are thrilled to be joined by Kate Ballenger, the Keeper of Palace and Collections, who has played a pivotal role in curating this stunning showcase of British fashion. Kate shares her unique journey in collating and curating this iconic exhibition at Blenheim Palace, providing an insider's look into the inspiration behind hosting the "Icons of British Fashion" exhibition in such a historic setting, exploring the synergy between the palace's grandeur and the evolution of British fashion. We explore the challenges faced in bringing together a diverse array of designers and labels, and the meticulous research and acquisition process involved. Kate explains the selection criteria for the featured designers, highlighting the significance of showcasing the works designers such as of Dame Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes. Finally, Kate shares her vision for the impact of the exhibition on the perception of British fashion, both domestically and internationally, and the legacy she hopes it will leave for future generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts. Join us for this captivating journey through Blenheim Palace, where history and fashion converge in the "Icons of British Fashion" exhibition. Join the Behind The Seams community to support the podcast and access bonus content on Patreon or Spotify Follow on Instagram and TikTok for episode updates and bite-sized Fashion History more. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.
In this episode we are thrilled to welcome bestselling author DG Rampton, renowned for her Regency Goddesses Series. Known for her strong-willed heroines, charming gentlemen, and sparkling dialogue, DG Rampton's novels are a delightful blend of romance and humour, set against the rich backdrop of the Regency era. Join us as we dive into the inspiration behind her popular series, her passion for Regency fashion, and how these elements shape her captivating stories. DG Rampton shares her research process for accurately depicting Regency fashion, the role of clothing in her characters' lives, and the historical events that influence her narratives. We also discuss her approach to crafting authentic, witty banter and the enduring appeal of her books, which regularly top the charts in Historical Romance and Humor & Satire. Whether you're a fan of Regency romance, fascinated by historical fashion, or just love a good story, this episode offers a delightful glimpse into the world of DG Rampton and the timeless allure of the Regency period- join us for an conversation filled with insights, laughter, and a touch of regency elegance! Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates!
In this episode of Silhouettes, I sit down with Katie Godman, to chat all about the brand new exhibitions on display at Blandford Fashion Museum. We discuss the new "Our Sporting Heritage" exhibition, as Katie gives us an insightful look into the highlights of the exhibition, featuring Victorian riding wear, tennis gear and a more modern Paralympic uniform. We also dive into the fascinating process of mounting fashion exhibitions and the research involved in showcasing historical and contemporary sporting attire. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the intersection of fashion and sports throughout history. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
In this episode of Silhouettes, I took a trip to Leighton House in West Kensington to chat with curator, Hannah Lund, all about their brand new exhibition: ‘Out Shopping: The dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne' In this episode, we discuss the changing fashion landscape of the turn of the century, how personal stories can be unearthed through the study of fashion, and how to preserve and conserve historic clothing for use in museum exhibitions. ‘Out Shopping: The Dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910)' unveils the Sambourne House collection of dresses belonging to the mother and daughter, showcasing hardly seen, rare surviving examples by leading dressmakers of the era. For the first time in the history of the museums, the exhibition spans across both Leighton House and Sambourne House, inviting visitors to embark on a immersive journey. Exhibition Highlights: Highlights in the exhibition include the exquisite blue skirt and jacket with lace cuffs made by eminent court and society dressmaker Sarah Fullerton Monteith Young, which Marion wore to her daughter's wedding (1898); Maud's brown velvet embellished chiffon day dress by Mascotte (1906), and the crepe silk lilac tea gown (c.1899-1904) which she wore during her pregnancy, the only maternity piece that has survived in the collection. ★★★★ Evening Standard Leighton House, the fabulous home of Lord Leighton, the artist, has a fascinating little exhibition of clothes owned by the wife and daughter of the Punch cartoonist, Linley Sambourne. This is brilliant social history! Book your tickets here: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/out-shopping Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Dear Gentle Reader, It has come to this the attention of the podcast, that there is to be a grand ball! All members of the sewing ton are invited to craft their finest garments for this most joyous occasion. Your gracious hosts request the pleasure of your company at this most prestigious soiree. Only one question remains…will you join your hosts for this season's most unforgettable evening of dancing and merriment? ✨ In this episode I am joined by Richy Wedge, lover of 18th century and Regency fashion, contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee, and host of the Bridgetown Ball- who is currently busy sewing an outfit for this joyous a occasion! Myself and Richy chat all about his personal attachment to regency era clothing, and of course the inaugural event of the season: The Bridge Town Ball, a Regency-style ball, that rather than striving for complete historical accuracy, aims to make an inclusive and enjoyable for all with the tagline Pride not Prejudice
In this exciting collaboration episode of Silhouettes, we're stepping into the immersive world of Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style, the captivating new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. This episode will offer you, my listeners, a unique glimpse into this remarkable celebration of the Jewish Londoners who played a pivotal role in building London's reputation as a fashion capital. From Dot Cotton's iconic coat to a Mr. Fish smoking dress, this exhibition illuminates the significant contributions of Jewish designers to London's fashion narrative. Join us as we uncover the tales of these visionary creators, who not only influenced London's fashion landscape, but left an indelible mark on the global stage. We're joined by Bethan Bide, a design historian at the University of Leeds, and the academic advisor to "Fashion City," and Lucie Whitmore, fashion historian and curator of “Fashion City”. Not only will Lucie and Bethan share their insights behind the curation of "Fashion City," exploring how they navigated the intersections of culture, creativity, and identity, shedding light on their research processes, as well as how they decided to showcase these narratives through the pieces selected for display, they will also guide us through the exhibition, leading you from the doors of a traditional tailor's workshop in the East End to the glittering ambiance of a Carnaby Street boutique amidst the heart of a cultural revolution. "Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style" has been extended for visitors until July 7th, 2024, offering an extended opportunity to immerse yourself in this captivating journey through fashion history. About Museum of London Docklands The Museum of London Docklands is located at West India Quay in east London. Opened in 2003, it occupies one of the few remaining original grade one listed warehouses, built in 1802 to store produce from the West Indies. A shared place in the heart of the East End, where stories cross and collide, it confidently shows how international trade, migration, enslavement and the river Thames were integral to shaping London and the world we live in today. The museum is open 7 days a week, from 10am-5pm and is FREE to all. You can explore the Museum of London with collections online - home to 90,000 objects with more being added regularly. Praise for “Fashion City”: "Brilliant!" - Patrick Grant "It's the best fashion exhibition I've seen in years" - Alexandra Shulman (Mail on Sunday) "A thorough and nuanced depiction of the makers of London fashion" - Evening Standard "Immersive and brilliantly assembled at every turn" -Apollo Magazine "Expertly crafted" - Glass Magazine "A must-see for anyone interested in either fashion history or London history" - Amber Butchart Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
In this episode of Silhouettes, I am joined by Elisabeth Gernerd, 18th century dress historian and author of The Modern Venus: Dress, underwear, and accessories in the late 18th century. This episode continues our Valentines special season all about the history of undergarments, lingerie and underwear. ‘The Modern Venus' highlights the significance of this element of a woman's wardrobe in the 1770s and 1780s, detailing how undergarments played their part in transforming fashionable dress at a time when clothes were expanding to both new heights and new volumes, exploring the socio-political power underwear held. Listen now to find out how, through the use of a range of contemporary sources, ‘The Modern Venus' unpacks the importance underwear has had as an overlooked garment, defining not just a woman's silhouette, but it's social and cultural influence. ‘The Modern Venus' can be bought from Bloomsbury publishing at the Bloomsbury visual arts imprint here. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and access bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the podcast on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Disclaimer: This episode focuses on naughtier topics like sex, sexuality, and perceptions towards the female body! ❤️ When used to colour women's lingerie, red's poignant symbolism engages with societal perceptions of feminine sexuality and empowerment, and on this weeks episode I celebrating am Valentine's Day and talking with fashion historian Summer Anne Lee all about the symbolism, fashionability and societal meaning of red lingerie and underwear in history, focusing on her work for the Underpinnings museum digital exhibition ‘A History of Red Lingerie' ❤️
Personal styling has a rather unique and often complicated history, spanning all the way from the French Revolution to the Advent of the AI assisted styling that we see emerging today. In this episode, written in collaboration with Sydney Yeager of dressedcodes, we learn just how influential stylists have been in the annals of fashion history, how they have come to define fashion concepts such as ‘dressing for success' & ‘you are what you wear' and how they changed the landscape when it came to curating and defining personal style across the world. This episode of our short history series is in collaboration with Sydney Yeager of dressedcodes Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Mirror, mirror, on the wall... On this episode of Silhouettes, we reflect on the fascinating and often fragile history of mirrors. Starting with polished glass, to scientific developments in treated glass, mirrors hold up a reflection to our societies; dictating when, why and how vanity, self-styling and personal care have become important throughout time. Examples include use in Greek mythology, their importance in Roman culture, cultural impact across high society and the important role of empowerment mirrors played during the slave trade. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Mirror, mirror, on the wall.. On this episode of Silhouettes, we reflect on the fascinating and often fragile history of mirrors. Starting with polished glass, to scientific developments in treated glass, mirrors hold up a reflection to our societies; dictating when, why and how vanity, self-styling and personal care have become important throughout time. Examples include use in Greek mythology, their importance in Roman culture, cultural impact across high society and the important role of empowerment mirrors played during the slave trade. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
In this episode I am joined by prominent historian Elizabeth L. Block to discuss all things 19th century fashion! Her book, Dressing Up chronicles how wealthy American women-as consumers and as influencers-helped shape French couture of the late nineteenth and examines the couturiers' influential clientele--wealthy American women who bolstered the French fashion industry with a steady stream of orders from the United States. Countering the usual narrative of the designer as solo creative genius, Block tell us just how these women-as high-volume customers and as pre-Internet influencers-were active participants in the era's transnational fashion system. Block describes the arrival of nouveau riche Americans on the French fashion scene, joining European royalty, French socialites, and famous actresses on the client rosters of the best fashion houses-Charles Frederick Worth, Doucet, and Felix, among others. Block reveals the power of American women in French couture. Listen now to find out just influential late 19th century France was to American fashion, and how The Gilded Age on HBO has interpreted this in their new hit show. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Dressing Up by Elizabeth L Block chronicles how wealthy American women--as consumers and as influencers--helped shape French couture of the late nineteenth and examines the couturiers' influential clientele--wealthy American women who bolstered the French fashion industry with a steady stream of orders from the United States. Countering the usual narrative of the designer as solo creative genius, Block shows that these women--as high-volume customers and as pre-Internet influencers--were active participants in the era's transnational fashion system. Block describes the arrival of nouveau riche Americans on the French fashion scene, joining European royalty, French socialites, and famous actresses on the client rosters of the best fashion houses--Charles Frederick Worth, Doucet, and Felix, among others. She considers the mutual dependence of couture and coiffure; the participation of couturiers in international expositions (with mixed financial results); the distinctive shopping practices of American women, which ranged from extensive transatlantic travel to quick trips downtown to the department store; the performance of conspicuous consumption at balls and soirees; the impact of American tariffs on the French fashion industry; and the emergence of smuggling, theft, and illicit copying of French fashions in the American market as the middle class emulated the preferences of the rich. Lavishly illustrated, with vibrant images of dresses, portraits, and fashion plates, Dressing Up reveals the power of American women in French couture.Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Become an aCast+ subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://plus.acast.com/s/silhouettes-a-fashion-history-podcast-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Halloween special episode, I'm joined by Katie Godman, author of Gothic Fashion: The History to talk all about her wonderfully Gothic book, as we trace Gothic fashion history from barbarians to haute couture and delve into the long, fascinating and sometimes unexpected evolution of all things Gothic. We discuss just how Gothic fashion has evolved from its ancient roots to the Victorian Gothic, all the way to the Goth subculture movements of more recent history. Katie's book Gothic Fashion: A History is published by Unicorn Publishing and available to buy through their website. Katie can also be found on Instagram from @kittiecostume as well as via Blandford Fashion Museum socials. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Happy Halloween! In this Halloween special episode, I'm joined by Katie Godman, author of Gothic Fashion: The History to talk all about her wonderfully Gothic book, as we trace Gothic fashion history from barbarians to haute couture and delve into the long, fascinating and sometimes unexpected evolution of all things Gothic. How Gothic fashion has evolved from its ancient roots to the Victorian Gothic, all the way to the Goth subculture movements of more recent history.Katie's book Gothic Fashion: A History is published by Unicorn Publishing and available to buy through their website. Katie can also be found on Instagram from @kittiecostume as well as via Blandford Fashion Museum socials.Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Become an aCast+ subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://plus.acast.com/s/silhouettes-a-fashion-history-podcast-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The imagery of a wicked witch is one we all know well: flowing black robes, pointed black hat, pointed boots and a wooden broom- but have you ever wondered why these specific accessories have become synonymous with the image of a witch? In this episode I will delve into how, why and when this distinctive attire evolved, tracing the ancient origins of witchcraft to depictions of the green faced wicked witch of the west. Join me on a spooky, magical journey as we learn about the intricate, fascinating and multifaceted history of witchcraft around the world, witchy dress history, and how the iconic imagery of the witch came to be. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
The imagery of a wicked witch is one we all know well: flowing black robes, pointed black hat, pointed boots and a wooden broom- but have you ever wondered why these specific accessories have become synonymous with the image of a witch? In this episode I will delve into how, why and when this distinctive attire evolved, tracing the ancient origins of witchcraft to depictions of the green faced wicked witch of the west. Join me on a spooky, magical journey as we learn about the intricate, fascinating and multifaceted history of witchcraft around the world, witchy dress history, and how the iconic imagery of the witch came to be.Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Become an aCast+ subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://plus.acast.com/s/silhouettes-a-fashion-history-podcast-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Buffy, to Bram Stroker, to Twilight - Vampires have had a fascinating journey in the public eye. In this episode of Silhouettes, we discuss the iconic vampire image that has inspired Halloween costumes across the globe, tracing the routes of the vampire's origins, to Dracula and his famous incarnations in cinema, from Universal Studios and Hammer Horror, and vampiric influence on Goth culture the world over. Happy Spooky Season! Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
From Buffy, to Bram Stroker, to Twilight - Vampires have had a fascinating journey in the public eye. In this episode of Silhouettes, we discuss the iconic vampire image that has inspired Halloween costumes across the globe, tracing the routes of the vampire's origins, to Dracula and his famous incarnations in cinema, from Universal Studios and Hammer Horror, and vampiric influence on Goth culture the world over. Happy Spooky Season!Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Become an aCast+ subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://plus.acast.com/s/silhouettes-a-fashion-history-podcast-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today's episode of Silhouettes I'm chatting with Isabella Rosner, host of the Sew What? Podcast, curator of the Royal School of Needlework and research consultant for Whitney Antiques. She also runs the Instagram page Historic Embroidery, and is a wealth of knowledge on everything to do with historic embroidery and needlework; from the 16th century onward. On this episode we discuss how studying historic embroidery can teach us about lives of teenage girls, the transition of girlhood, how we can trace what was important to people and their lives through fashion and how needle work as a practice has weaved its way through peoples lives in one way or another throughout history. Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
In today's episode of Silhouettes I'm chatting with Isabella Rosner, host of the Sew What? Podcast, curator of the Royal School of Needlework and research consultant for Whitney Antiques. She also runs the Instagram page Historic Embroidery, and is a wealth of knowledge on everything to do with historic embroidery and needlework; from the 16th century onward. On this episode we discuss how studying historic embroidery can teach us about lives of teenage girls, the transition of girlhood, how we can trace what was important to people and their lives through fashion and how needle work as a practice has weaved its way through peoples lives in one way or another throughout history.Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Become an aCast+ subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://plus.acast.com/s/silhouettes-a-fashion-history-podcast-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fashion History is often overlooked for it's importance in conversations about the past, but in this episode of Silhouettes we take the podcast on the road for the first time and look behind the curtain of one of the UK's only standalone Fashion Museums; Blandford Fashion Museum. I was lucky enough to be invited out to the South-Coast of the UK to Blandford explore everything the museum has to offer with their wonderful body of staff and volunteers. In this episode I speak with Operations Manager Katie Godman about the history of the collection and it's origins, Funding Manager Kathrine about the importance of her role, you'll join me as we take an audio tour of the museum's exhibitions, through all the rich, wonderful historical fashions on show - from Regency bonnets to 1950s cocktail dresses - as well as the spaces you've always wanted to visit... behind the locked doors, secret rooms and attic archives! More information on how to support Blandford Fashion Museum as well as a myriad of information on talks, lectures and the events they offer, can be found on their website: blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk Join the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Fashion History is often overlooked for it's importance in conversations about the past, but in this episode of Silhouettes we take the podcast on the road for the first time and look behind the curtain of one of the UK's only standalone Fashion Museums; Blandford Fashion Museum.I was lucky enough to be invited out to the South-Coast of the UK to Blandford explore everything the museum has to offer with their wonderful body of staff and volunteers. In this episode I speak with Operations Manager Katie Godman about the history of the collection and it's origins, Funding Manager Kathrine about the importance of her role, you'll join me as we take an audio tour of the museum's exhibitions, through all the rich, wonderful historical fashions on show - from Regency bonnets to 1950s cocktail dresses - as well as the spaces you've always wanted to visit... behind the locked doors, secret rooms and attic archives!More information on how to support Blandford Fashion Museum as well as a myriad of information on talks, lectures and the events they offer, can be found on their website: https://blandfordfashionmuseum.co.ukJoin the Behind The Seams family to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcastThanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Become an aCast+ subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://plus.acast.com/s/silhouettes-a-fashion-history-podcast-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
History is not short on women who've been robbed of their reputations, be that in their lifetimes or the years that followed, and in this episode I'm joined by Grace of the Wicked Women Podcast to discuss exactly that. We delve into the fashion of some of history's most notorious women and how they weaponized the clothes they wore to either dismantle or enforce the reputations society had given them. Thanks to Grace for joining me on this episode. Listen to the first part of our conversation via Wicked Women HERE Join the Behind The Seams community to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://linktr.ee/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Become an aCast+ subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://plus.acast.com/s/silhouettes-a-fashion-history-podcast-1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
History is not short on women who've been robbed of their reputations, be that in their lifetimes or the years that followed, and in this episode I'm joined by Grace of the Wicked Women Podcast to discuss exactly that. We delve into the fashion of some of history's most notorious women and how they weaponized the clothes they wore to either dismantle or enforce the reputations society had given them. Thanks to Grace for joining me on this episode. Listen to the first part of our conversation via Wicked Women HERE Join the Behind The Seams community to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://linktr.ee/silhouettespodcast Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/message
Hello, and welcome back to Silhouettes ✨ The knights in shining armour are some of the most iconic images when it comes to general knowledge, and depictions, of the medieval times. From Lancelot to Galahad, Knights feature in endless epic tales and legends, and it is undoubtably their armour that has allowed them to stand out from their medieval peers- but what did a knight in shining armour ACTUALLY wear, and were they as chivalrous, and as decorated, as media and legend has had us believe? ⚔️ Listen now to find out how long it took for a knight to be dressed, how their armour was designed, formed and smithed, and how heavy a suit of armour ACTUALLY was…
From hennins to accessorised weapons, in this third installment of our Medieval Fashion series, I delve into the the royal, and upper class, fashion of late medieval Europe. From Queens and Kings, to fascinating women of the religious orders like Christine de Pizan, listen now to find out what power dressing looked like throughout Europe from the 12th to the 14th centuries ✨ Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast** Become a Spotify Subscriber in 3 clicks to access bonus content: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
She's been a teacher, an astronaut, the Prom Queen, a Cali Girl, a Gogo Dancer, and now the star of the latest Hollywood Blockbuster (!), but what makes Barbie the icon that she is, and how valuable is she as a figure in Fashion History? Today on Silhouettes we discuss some of Barbie's most iconic fashions throughout the last 60 years - as well as some of her faux pas, her varying public perception throughout the eras, and her unforgettable hot-pink space suit... This episode is a re-upload, originally posted August 31st 2020. Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Become a Spotify Subscriber in 3 clicks to access bonus content: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates x
From weaving with gold thread to telling stories through fashion, the world of medieval embroidery is a wonderful one, and in this episode, I take you through the fascinating world of medieval mythology; mermaids to lionesses to griffins to... seamonks..? and how we can trace these histories, weird and wonderful, through fashion
The history of the early Middle Ages is long and complicated and spans Europe, England, Ireland, and Scotland, from Constantinople to Viking territory, with a great deal of cultural, artistic and scientific innovation defining these periods, and of course, the fashion the these earlier time periods was no stranger to these changes. This episode also discusses the controversy surrounding the term ‘The Dark Ages' and how it has come to define our opinions towards the fashion and culture of these earlier centuries. This is a detailed, long and information heavy episode- so grab a cup of tea, get comfortable and travel back in time with me to the early Middle Ages: from the year 400 to 1066 for a true deep-dive into the fascinating, fashionable history of the early Middle Ages
From tunics to steeple caps, this episode is the first in the start of a new series all about Medieival Fashion, as requested by you! I focus on the story of the “dark ages”, the Middle Ages, ending with the the Italian renaissance, travelling throughout Europe and the UK to delve into the diverse, fascinating and detailed fashion of the medieval times, from the 5th century all the way to the 15th. This episode is just a short introduction to the fashion, politics, and the complicated religious and social history of what is now known as the Medieval Times, to give you the ‘how, what and why' of the history of fashion throughout Europe, from the Norman's to the Anglo Saxons, explaining the political backdrop of fashion changes, the social expectations on all classes throughout the centuries, and most importantly, I explain why it is virtually impossible to do a detailed episode of medieval, history, all hundreds of years of it, in one short episode ✨ Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Become a Spotify Subscriber in 3 clicks to access bonus content: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
This week I am joined by guest, Sarah Somerville, Visitor Services Officer at at the historic Shaw House in West Berkshire, England, to delve deep into the how, what, why and who of the fashion-focused exhibition ‘Dressed for Shaw' currently held at Shaw House. Dressed for Shaw, an exhibition exploring the key moments in Shaw House's history through clothes, delves into the more personal stories and secrets of those who energized the House over the last 400 years. Through period dress, from the Farthingale's of the 1580's, to the breeches of the 1640's, frills of the 1730's, and the weathered wool of the 19th century - this exhibition works to better understand how these items shaped the history of Shaw House. Shaw House is one of the best-preserved Elizabethan mansions in England, and over the centuries has welcomed royalty, seen action during the Civil War, housed soldiers during World War Il and schooled generations of local children and has a rich and fascinating history: and it's fashions are no stranger. Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Become a Spotify Subscriber in 3 clicks to access bonus content: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates Shaw House is free to visit on weekends and during school holidays. More information on the house and this wonderful exhibition, can be found here: https://www.westberkshireheritage.org/shaw-house
Fiction can be a historian's greatest source of contemporary information if used correctly, and the study of fashion history is no different... Bridal fashion in particular! In this episode of Silhouettes I explore: How and why we can use fiction, books, short stories, poems and more to get first-hand accounts of what people were wearing in history. The ways we can use these same skills to explore the wedding fashion of eras from the 18th century all the way to the mid century, from fictional weddings to fictional brides. The wedding fashion some of fictions most iconic brides; from Miss Havisham to the Bride of Frankenstien, in both their true novelized icarnrtions to their modern media re-imaginings. “Our mad dream is only half realized. Alone, you have created the man. Now, together, we will create his mate.” Bride of Frankenstien, 1935 Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Become a Spotify Subscriber in 3 clicks to access bonus content: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
How fashionable was the real Queen Charlotte, and did she love the gossip of the town as much as the woman we see in screen? With the new Bridgerton series ‘Queen Charlotte' looming, it was time to dedicate an episode to the real life of the fascinating woman the series' star is based on. So let's explore the story of the REAL Queen Charlotte - botanist, scientist, composer - and compare her story to that of the glittering Queen depicted in Bridgerton. This is a preview of a Silhouettes: Behind The Seams episode - listen to the whole thing and much more bonus content by supporting the show at the links below ✨ Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast Become a Spotify Subscriber in 3 clicks to access bonus content: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast, stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
Weddings and traditions go hand in hand, and in today's episode I take you around the world to explore exactly that! Including: The first documented mention of a wedding dress The formal costume of weddings across the globe Wedding fashion and customs in the ancient world, from ancient Babylon to Athens Some of the origins of our most famous wedding sayings- why DO we wear 'something blue'
Have you ever sat down and pictured your wedding, the table plan, the flowers, the dress…. If you're anything like me and my childhood friends, you've even designed your own wedding dress more times than you'd like to admit. And, the chances are, that you imagined yourself in a white dress. But, why? On this episode of Silhouettes, we discuss how and why we have got to the point in western society of defining a bride by the colour of her dress, uncovering the misunderstood origins of the white wedding gown and it's perceived originator
Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast This is just a little update episode to announce my new venture, Silhouettes: Behind The Seams, which will be available exclusively to Patreon and Spotify Subscribers. As a British person asking for, or even suggesting, money's involvement doesn't come very naturally to me, but after a number of people expressed and interest I'm excited to give it a try! I'll be doing regular, shorter episodes with a mix of themes, such as interesting findings while researching an episode or little-known fashion history facts that deserve to be discussed, but don't quite fill up enough to make a full episode. By joining Behind The Seams, you'll not only be supporting the podcast directly and helping to keep creating new and exciting content for you, but you'll also gain access to all of the bonus content we'll be uploading there too. The first of which is available to listen to now! Spotify listeners can also now support the podcast in just a few taps of their screen by following this link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Once again thank you so much for all the support you've offered this podcast so far, I can't wait to share even more with you in our bonus episodes. See you on Patreon! Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates
Welcome back to Silhouettes! A Fashion History Podcast all about the importance of he clothes we wear. In this very exciting episode, myself and dress historian Kate Strasdin continue our conversation, now turning our attention to the wider world of Fashion History. It's importance, the misconceptions and stereotypes of the subject and ways people interested in the field can get their foot in the door. Kate Strasdin is a dress historian who has been fascinated by old clothes since she was a child. She is a lecturer in Cultural Studies at Falmouth University and is a freelance consultant for dress and textile exhibitions and has appeared as an expert on The Great British Sewing Bee. In 2016 she was given an anonymous album full of annotated dress swatches that had been kept in a trunk for over fifty years, its original keeper unknown... She spent the next six years unlocking its secrets. In this episode we discuss: The importance, misconceptions and stereotypes of Fashion History. Being treated as a 'novelty act' when lecturing on the subject. How Kate got her start in working in the world of fashion history. Advice on how to get engaged and more involved. The moment Kate realised she wanted to learn as much as she could about the history of clothes. How and why Fashion History should never be considered 'just for women'. More on Kate's new book The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes: Secrets from a Victorian Woman's Wardrobe. A bit more info on the future of this podcast. Memorable quotes: "If we were all wearing the same thing or if we're all wearing nothing at all you might say it doesn't matter, but we don't and it does." Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates -- "The hidden fabric of a Victorian woman's life - from family and friends to industry and Empire - told through her unique textile scrapbook. In 1838, a young woman was given a diary on her wedding day. Collecting snippets of fabric from a range of garments she carefully annotated each one, creating a unique record of her life and times. Her name was Mrs Anne Sykes. Nearly two hundred years later, the diary fell into the hands of Kate Strasdin, a fashion historian and museum curator. Strasdin spent the next six years unraveling the secrets contained within the album's pages. Piece by piece, she charts Anne's journey from the mills of Lancashire to the port of Singapore before tracing her return to England in later years. Fragments of cloth become windows into Victorian life: pirates in Borneo, the complicated etiquette of mourning, poisonous dyes, the British Empire in full swing, rioting over working conditions and the terrible human cost of Britain's cotton industry. This is life writing that celebrates ordinary people: the hidden figures, the participants in everyday life. Through the evidence of waistcoats, ball gowns and mourning outfits, Strasdin lays bare the whole of human experience in the most intimate of mediums: the clothes we choose to wear." The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes: Secrets from a Victorian Woman's Wardrobe is available to buy now (Penguin Vintage/ Chatto & Windus)
Become a subscriber to support the podcast & access bonus episodes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe Welcome back to Silhouettes! A Fashion History Podcast all about the importance of he clothes we wear. In this very exciting episode, myself and dress historian Kate Strasdin delve deep and explore the secrets of a Victorian woman's wardrobe through the autobiographical pieces of fabric she left behind in a mysterious scrap book over 200 years ago... Kate Strasdin is a dress historian who has been fascinated by old clothes since she was a child. She is a lecturer in Cultural Studies at Falmouth University and is a freelance consultant for dress and textile exhibitions and has appeared as an expert on The Great British Sewing Bee. In 2016 she was given an anonymous album full of annotated dress swatches that had been kept in a trunk for over fifty years, its original keeper unknown... She spent the next six years unlocking its secrets. In this episode we discuss: Kate's reaction on first being handed the book and knowing she had found something magical. The moment Kate realised she needed to find out who the book belonged to. The power fabric has to tell us about people of the past, class, geography and so much more. Writing a book through the pandemic while raising kids. How she tackled writing the book and the challenges faced during research. The misconceptions surrounding Victorian fashion. Fast fashion then and now. The similarities and differences in wedding traditions between the Victorian Era and now. and much, much more. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates -- "The hidden fabric of a Victorian woman's life - from family and friends to industry and Empire - told through her unique textile scrapbook. In 1838, a young woman was given a diary on her wedding day. Collecting snippets of fabric from a range of garments she carefully annotated each one, creating a unique record of her life and times. Her name was Mrs Anne Sykes. Nearly two hundred years later, the diary fell into the hands of Kate Strasdin, a fashion historian and museum curator. Strasdin spent the next six years unravelling the secrets contained within the album's pages. Piece by piece, she charts Anne's journey from the mills of Lancashire to the port of Singapore before tracing her return to England in later years. Fragments of cloth become windows into Victorian life: pirates in Borneo, the complicated etiquette of mourning, poisonous dyes, the British Empire in full swing, rioting over working conditions and the terrible human cost of Britain's cotton industry. This is life writing that celebrates ordinary people: the hidden figures, the participants in everyday life. Through the evidence of waistcoats, ball gowns and mourning outfits, Strasdin lays bare the whole of human experience in the most intimate of mediums: the clothes we choose to wear." The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes: Secrets from a Victorian Woman's Wardrobe is available to buy now (Penguin Vintage/ Chatto & Windus)
With a history spanning from as early 3150 BC, running all the way until mid-600 AD, the colossal reign of The Ancient Egyptians is an era in little need of introduction. Their instantly recognizable look is one known the world over- for good reason, Despite the truly ancient nature of this culture, we as historians are fortunate with the immaculate condition so many artifacts of this era have been preserved in, offering us a uniquely in-depth insight into a civilization founded over 5000 years ago. In this episode of Silhouettes, we explore this fascinating culture, learn more about some of the misconceptions of the era, consider the impact that the icons of the time period such as Queen Cleopatra and Tutankhamun had on the world and what the way they dressed themselves tells us about society 5000 years ago. We also investigate the intriguing way make-up was viewed in this part of history and it's unexpected health benefits. There's a lot of ground to cover in this episode (almost 3500 years of it!) so let's get stuck in to The Fashion of Ancient Egypt. This episode is part of our Iconic Eras series. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates. x
Without a doubt, one of the most recognizable eras of fashion is the Romans. The unmistakable toga and laurel crown combination represent an era that spanned over 1000 years of human history... but have we got it all wrong? What if the stark white togas we all know, and associate with this time in history, weren't common place at all. In this episode of Silhouettes Iconic Eras series, we travel back to as early at 476CE to explore Ancient Rome, their early influences, the simplicity of their iconic look, society's disdain for flashiness and how the world has remembered them through mosaic all these years later. We also touch on many of the forward-thinking beauty routines many of the women of Roman society upheld, the colour purple's significance and the unexpected way people of the time regarded trousers. There was so much history created in the millennium the Romans ruled and there's a lot to explore in this episode - so let's get into it! This episode is part of our Iconic Eras series. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates. x
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