Silhouettes: The Fashion History Podcast

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/silhouettespodcast⁠⁠Thanks 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!