For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am working with the UAL Lingerie Society to organise a mini-symposium entitled 'Breasts and Bras: History, Health and Fashion'. The event is taking place on Thursday 24th October 2019, 6.00-8:30pm in the RHS East lecture theatre at London College of Fashion, 20 John Prince's Street, London W1G 0BJ. The... Continue Reading →
Si Wi Yah: Sartorial Representations of the African Diaspora
When I was studying on the MA History and Culture course (now called MA Fashion Cultures) at London College of Fashion, I learnt many things about fashion/costume/dress and met some amazing people. I learnt a lot from the academics who taught us, but also from my inspirational coursemates who asked questions I'd never have thought... Continue Reading →
Fashion Studies: Writing reviews for academic journals
Before being asked to write a review of a fashion exhibition for an issue of a journal that my course leader, Shaun Cole, was guest editing, I had no idea that a Master's student could get something published in an academic journal. For some reason I thought I would have to wait until I had... Continue Reading →
The Underpinnings Museum Twitter Conference
As part of its quest to bring the history of underwear to a wider audience, making collections and research freely accessible online, The Underpinnings Museum is hosting a Twitter conference on Friday 12th January 2018. Anyone with a public Twitter account and an interest in the history of underwear is invited to submit their idea... Continue Reading →
5 tips for planning your research
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about returning to higher education as a mature student. At the end of the article, I promised further posts on research and planning but then promptly forgot all about it. As I'm currently attempting to start another research project, I thought now was a good time... Continue Reading →
Lust List: January
Last year's Lust List evolved from lingerie that I spotted and loved (even if there was no way I could afford or fit into it), into a more inclusive monthly list of interesting underwear, swimwear or nightwear that I had discovered. I was going to start this year with a list of interesting sale items,... Continue Reading →
Upcoming talks on the History of Underwear
Building on the research I did as part of my MA at London College of Fashion, I have a few exciting talks coming up in the autumn that will give me a chance to share my knowledge. On Saturday 17th October 2015, I will be presenting at the Costume Society's study day, held annually at... Continue Reading →
Feminism Friday: Books that made me a feminist
The books that made me a feminist were the books that got me into trouble. I lost a lover, alienated friends, angered students, got into arguments with teachers -- all because of books that followed through on the clichés: something clicked, a light snapped on. But sometimes the click turns into a slammed door, and... Continue Reading →
5 tips for returning to higher education
Ever since I finished my first degree, I always wanted to go on to further study. I got a place on a full-time MSc straight after my BSc but then, before enrolment, decided that I didn't want to get myself into more debt. A few years later, I applied for another MSc (part-time), but then... Continue Reading →
Giving thanks
Today is Thanksgiving and, over the last few years, some of my American friends have helped me to appreciate the heart and soul of this holiday. Gathering together to eat, drink, appreciate friendships and share what each of us is thankful for is something I really enjoy. As I hand in my Master's dissertation at... Continue Reading →