As I have more than a passing interest in men's fashion, I figured that my 'brief history of' blog series should probably feature menswear at some point. The idea sat dormant for a while, until British brand T.M.Lewin - best known for their men's and women's smart shirts - sent me the infographic below. It... Continue Reading →
As part of my Master's degree research, I took a look into the history of an icon of the British high street - Marks & Spencer. This post is an extract from my dissertation and forms part of an occasional 'brief history of' series. Freelance writer and broadcaster Stephen Armstrong perfectly sums up the significance... Continue Reading →
On 8th December, I had the pleasure of taking part in the Costume Society's first ever Christmas Quiz night. Organised and hosted by fashion historian, author and Costume Society committee member Amber Butchart, the event took place in a cosy downstairs bar at the iconic Bethnal Green Working Men's Club in east London. The room... Continue Reading →
Regular readers will know that I've got a bit of a thing for old clothes. Whether it's rummaging through vintage shops or exploring museums and archives, I've come to realise that I'm a bit of a fashion history fanatic. I'm by no means an expert, but meeting other interested folk through organisations like the Costume... Continue Reading →
The December issue of British Vogue has generated a lot of discussion in the last week for declaring that cleavage is over. Media outlets were jumping on this story right away, declaring that UK women were outraged at at the suggestion and that women with big boobs can't just put them away. The first thing... Continue Reading →
After an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, today is the launch of The Underpinnings Museum website. Thank you so much to everyone who pledged their support to the project and ensure that, not only did we raise enough to purchase period-specific mannequins and pay for more of the collection to be photographed, but we smashed through... Continue Reading →
Those of you who follow me on social media will know that I've been involved in a side project over the last few months, unsurprisingly relating to underwear. The history of lingerie is an important part of the history of women's changing role in society, yet it is rarely given the attention it deserves. The... Continue Reading →