How Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy Inspired Screen Costumes Decades Later
Hollywood icons Audrey Hepburn and fashion designer Givenchy became household names individually, but as a duo, they made a permanent imprint on film fashion. Many since have taken inspiration from their work.
The Full Damage Of The Kim Kardashian and Marilyn Monroe Met Gala Scandal
After Kim Kardashian wore Marilyn Monroe’s iconic ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ at the 2022 Met Gala, much was said of the possible damage that could have occurred. New images shared by the Marilyn Monroe Collection show the true extent of this damage.
Madame X - The Black Dress That Ruined A Woman’s Reputation
Portrait of Madame X (1884) is perhaps John Singer Sargent's most famous work of art, beloved by art lovers across the globe. Whilst we may be infatuated with this attractive portrait today, back in 1884 it cause a monumental stir, one which would lead to Sargent fleeing France and Gautreau’s reputation being in tatters.
The Flammable Dangers Of Victorian Ballet Costumes
Ballet is a beautiful and expressive art form with carefully constructed costumes but back in the 19th century flammable fabrics and gaslights proved a deathly mix.
Kim and Marilyn - Why No One Should Have Allowed This To Happen
Much has been said in the last week since the 2022 Met Gala about global star Kim Kardashian donning the very dress that Marilyn Monroe wore 60 years ago to perform ‘Happy Birthday’ for American President JFK, and then a green dress worn by Marilyn in 1962 at the Golden Globes
What Is Gilded Age Fashion? - The Met Gala 2022
For the 2022 Met Gala, the theme is ‘America: An Anthology of Fashion’, with the category being Gilded Glamour. So, what makes the fashions from 1870-1890 and what can we expect from celebrities.
10 Of The Most Iconic Studio 54 Looks
“Anyone who was allowed in was totally free inside.”, so it would make sense that such a venue would be host to some impeccable fashion sense. Here are just 10 of some of the most iconic celebrity looks that found themselves inside studio 54.
How Red Lipstick Defeated Hitler
Red lipstick symbolised freedom, independence, female drive, confidence and rebellion - something Adolf Hitler was vehemently against. While the production of cosmetics obviously took a back seat during the war, lipsticks that were manufactured carried names such as ‘victory red’ or ‘patriot red’, encouraging women to don the shade in order to show their pride for their country.
How And Why Did We Begin Giving Jewellery on Valentine’s day?
It has become a tradition to gift our lover with a beautiful piece of jewellery on Valentine’s Day, but why do we do this other than to show our devotion? Not surprisingly, it has a lot to do with a Saint, marriage, the Romans and a beheading!
The Deadly History Of Green Victorian Gowns
During the 19th century, there was an uptick in demand for green dye, the only problem is that it contained arsenic. There were reports of babies dying in their green-wallpaper nurseries, people’s hands breaking out in blisters after trying on green gloves and even a foreign dignitary telling Queen Victoria that he felt ill due to the wallpapers being used in Buckingham Palace.
The Lost Art Of Lacemaking
For hundreds of years, lacemaking was a major craft in Europe. Woven by specialist lacemakers for hours and hours on end, lace was an expensive material. Nowadays, it is a common textile used in many different garments at an affordable price. The place and time of the “origin” of lace is a disputed fact. Some say it was the late 15th century, others point to the 16th century.
How To Get The Outlander Look This Winter
The hit tv series Outlander has created an obsession with the 18th-century Scottish highlander aesthetic, perfect for the winter season. How can you incorporate Claire Fraser into your closet? Easily!
Why Don’t We Wear Hats Anymore?
For thousands of years wearing a head covering has been commonplace both for religious and social reasons, but in the mid-1960s the everyday wearing of hats fell from favour, so why? The increased usage of cars and modern sunglasses are popular theories.
The History of Purple Dye, Molluscs And A Victorian Teenager
Throughout history purple has been a colour closely associated with royalty, holiness and spirituality, but what made purple dye so expensive and rare? The use of molluscs to create Tyrian dye meant it was a difficult tincture to produce.
The Patriarchal Origins Of Popular Fashion History Myths
One of the most common assertions heard regarding the historical dress of women is the claim that all women simply did not like the fashions of the time; wearing them only due to patriarchal pressure and to conform to the male gaze. However, this claim in itself is quite misogynistic.
Medieval Body Hair And The Curious Practice Of Forehead Plucking
Throughout history and in all cultures hair has been of high importance, a way to express marital or religious status as well as a symbol of beauty. Our middle ages ancestors had some quite disturbing beliefs about body hair which led to some odd hair trends.
The Truly Terrifying Halloween Costumes Of The Victorian Era
The Most Useful Victorian Fashion Accessory, The Chatelaine
A chatelaine is a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it, each of which is mounted with various household tools such as scissors, watches, keys, thimbles, household seals and so much more. Ancient Roman’s utilised a similar device with ear scoops, nail cleaners and tweezers.
What Were Codpieces and Why Were The Tudors Obsessed With Them?
Ever noticed a very prominent area in portraits of Henry VIII? That’s a codpiece, an item initially created to solve an issue in the 16th century that soon became a status, and size, indicator.
The Edwardian Hobble Skirt Fad
The pencil skirt is often laughed at for how it can limit its wearer’s movement, but its predecessor, the hobble skirt, was far worse. This Edwardian fashion fad didn’t last long, yet it made its sometimes dangerous impact.
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
This unofficial syllabus covers the brands, moments, designers, and ideas in women’s traditional workwear that have long been omitted from the conversation. While it’s not fully comprehensive, it is a good place to start if you want to look like you know how to change a tire.