On 27th August 2020, I gave a presentation at an academic event entitled Dress in a Time of Crisis, organised by the Dress in Context Research Centre at Birmingham City University. The event took place entirely online, and I was invited to present by the event's organiser, Dr Anne Boultwood. My talk explored three key... Continue Reading →
Take the time to look closely enough and a garment can be read almost as clearly as words on a page. In this way, archives of garments can provide a unique window into the past, revealing valuable clues to how previous generations shopped, dressed and laundered their clothes. Intact department store tags allow us to... Continue Reading →
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 →
News of the sale of Agent Provocateur to Mike Ashley, the founder and chief executive of Sports Direct, hit the headlines this week and I realised this was probably, finally, the end. When I started my MA back in 2012, I wrote my first essay on the 21st century Agent Provocateur woman (turning it into... 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 →
People often mention 'bra burning' when they speak of second wave feminism, as if an allegedly oppressive undergarment was the most important thing that the feminist movement fought against in the late twentieth century. They also talk about it as if this were complete and utter truth, when it is more likely an urban myth.... Continue Reading →
Despite being usually hidden from view, underwear is an important aspect of our clothed selves. Everyone knows that it can keep us warm or cool, ensure we are comfortable, provide support, and help us feel fresh. What many people forget is that it also provides the foundations for our chosen clothed identity, whatever our age... Continue Reading →
While at the V&A for a study weekend in conjunction with their current Undressed exhibition, one of the attendees asked if I'd seen the contestants on this year's Great British Sewing Bee trying their hand at making a bra. I hadn't seen any of the current series and so, when I got home, headed over... Continue Reading →
Inspired an exchange with Dr Ben Barry on Twitter the other week, I decided to look into what my 'take' on fashion really is. What excites me or drives me to read and learn more about what we wear, why we wear it and the industry surrounding it. I'll tell you this now, it's not... Continue Reading →
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 →