Silhouettes: The Fashion History Podcast
From corsets to suits, lipstick to boots, fashion has defined culture since the dawn of time. This podcast explores the rich, often unexpected history of fashion, the many ways it has framed our world, and how it continues to define the human experience. Host Belle delves deep into the stories behind the clothes we wear.
Episodes
Kingston Glamour: Art, Innovation and the Suburbs
Step into the suburbs and discover a side of fashion history you might not expect. In this episode we explore Kingston Glamour: Art, Innovation and the Suburbs, the exhibition that explores how Kingston became a hub of style, nightlife, and cultural innovation.I'm joined by the curator from Kingston Museum to discuss the town's glamorous past, from late-night cabaret and race cars to Mary Quant at
Fashion at Jane Austen's House
In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Wood, Museum Officer at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, where she has spent the last six years developing the museum’s learning programme, leading events, and working closely with the collection.Jane Austen’s House is an ACE-accredited museum set within the very home where Austen lived, revised, and wrote her most beloved novels. It’s a treasured literary s
Wigs, Weddings & Movie Magic: 100 Years of Filmmaking at the Old Royal Naval College
In this special episode, we step behind into the cinematic world of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich-the UK's most filmed heritage site and backdrop to iconic productions like Bridgerton, The Crown, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Les Misérables to talk about their fantastic films tour; Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palaces!Joining us is Jonathan Coote, actor, writer, director, and the crea
From Archive To Screen: Inside Cosprop with Assistant Curtor Sage Foley
Cosprop is one of the world's leading costume houses, known for supplying beautifully researched and constructed period dress for film, television, and theatre productions. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Sage Foley, Assistant Curator of the John Bright Collection at Cosprop.Originally from Colorado, Sage has worked in costume for over a decade across stage and screen. Now based in L
Rethink, Repair and Re-wear: The Spirit of Goodwood Revival
In today's episode I am very excited to be joined by Grace Timothy to chat all things Goodwood Revival!Grace is the Revive & Thrive Brand Lead at Goodwood. She curates the fashion talks and craft workshops at Goodwood Revival, the immersive celebration of classic motorsport and vintage fashion held at the Goodwood Motor Circuit every September. ‘Revive & Thrive’ is the thoroughly moder
When History Meets Drag: A Conversation with Elizabeth The Thirsty
In this episode, I am joined by Elizabeth The Thirsty - a drag queen historian who brings together two of her biggest passions: history and drag. Her work focuses on the Tudors, queer history, and especially fashion history - exploring how what we wear tells stories about identity, power, and culture across time.Elizabeth creates engaging educational content online and brings that same passion to
Dress Codes & Royal Power: Inside Kensington Palace with Matthew Storey
In this episode of Silhouettes, join me for a live and in-person tour of Kensington Palace's stunning new exhibition, Dress Codes, guided by Head Curator Matthew Storey. Together, we explore the fascinating world of royal dress - its hidden rules, coded meanings, and the powerful expectations placed on those who dressed for court. Discover how fashion both reinforced hierarchy and offered moments
Royal Fashion Unveiled: The Making of ‘Dress Codes'
In this episode, I am joined by Matthew Storey, curator of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Historic Royal Palaces, to discuss the upcoming Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace, opening March 13th, 2025. Matthew takes us behind the scenes of the exhibition, sharing the inspiration, research process, and challenges of curating royal fashion spanning 500 years. From rare garments worn
The Hepburn Style: Katharine and Her Designers
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 desi
The Truth Behind Colour in Victorian Fashion
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, explo
The Origins of Cottagecore
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 th
Tales of Textiles: Fashion within The Royal School of Needlework collection
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
Fashionable Hauntings
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 hau
The Fashion of Gilmore Girls
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
The Power of Hairdressing in the 19th Century
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, t
(PREVIEW) A Guided Tour of Blenheim Palace and the ‘Icons of British Fashion’ Exhibition
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 reflec
The Icons of British Fashion
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
Fashioning Regency Goddesses
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 fo
Our Sporting Heritage: A Fashion Museum Exclusive
In this episode of Silhouettes, I sit down with Katie Godman, to chat all about the brand new exhibitions on display at Blandford Fashion Museum.
We discuss the new "Our Sporting Heritage" exhibition, as Katie gives us an insightful look into the highlights of the exhibition, featuring Victorian riding wear, tennis gear and a more modern Paralympic uniform.
We also dive into the fascina
The History of Dress Making and Early 20th Century Shopping
In this episode of Silhouettes, I took a trip to Leighton House in West Kensington to chat with curator, Hannah Lund, all about their brand new exhibition: ‘Out Shopping: The dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne’
In this episode, we discuss the changing fashion landscape of the turn of the century, how personal stories can be unearthed through the study of fashion, and how to preserve and conserve
From Bridgerton to Bridge Town: Exploring Regency Fashion and the Bridge Town Ball
Dear Gentle Reader,
It has come to this the attention of the podcast, that there is to be a grand ball! All members of the sewing ton are invited to craft their finest garments for this most joyous occasion. Your gracious hosts request the pleasure of your company at this most prestigious soiree. Only one question remains…will you join your hosts for this season's most unforgettable evening of
Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style
In this exciting collaboration episode of Silhouettes, we're stepping into the immersive world of Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style, the captivating new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. This episode will offer you, my listeners, a unique glimpse into this remarkable celebration of the Jewish Londoners who played a pivotal role in building London's reputati
The History of Underwear in the 18th Century (with Elisabeth Gernerd)
In this episode of Silhouettes, I am joined by Elisabeth Gernerd, 18th century dress historian and author of The Modern Venus: Dress, underwear, and accessories in the late 18th century.
This episode continues our Valentines special season all about the history of undergarments, lingerie and underwear.
‘The Modern Venus’ highlights the significance of this element of a woman’s wardrobe in the 17
The History of Red Lingerie (with Summer Anne Lee)
Disclaimer: This episode focuses on naughtier topics like sex, sexuality, and perceptions towards the female body! ❤️
When used to colour women's lingerie, red's poignant symbolism engages with societal perceptions of feminine sexuality and empowerment, and on this weeks episode I celebrating am Valentine’s Day and talking with fashion historian Summer Anne Lee all about the symbolism, fa
The Short History of Personal Styling
Personal styling has a rather unique and often complicated history, spanning all the way from the French Revolution to the Advent of the AI assisted styling that we see emerging today.
In this episode, written in collaboration with Sydney Yeager of dressedcodes, we learn just how influential stylists have been in the annals of fashion history, how they have come to define fashion concepts such as
The Short History of Mirrors
Mirror, mirror, on the wall... On this episode of Silhouettes, we reflect on the fascinating and often fragile history of mirrors. Starting with polished glass, to scientific developments in treated glass, mirrors hold up a reflection to our societies; dictating when, why and how vanity, self-styling and personal care have become important throughout time. Examples include use in Greek mythology,
The Fashion of The Gilded Age
In this episode I am joined by prominent historian Elizabeth L. Block to discuss all things 19th century fashion!
Her book, Dressing Up chronicles how wealthy American women-as consumers and as influencers-helped shape French couture of the late nineteenth and examines the couturiers' influential clientele--wealthy American women who bolstered the French fashion industry with a steady stream o
Gothic Fashion: From Barbarians to Haute Couture
In this Halloween special episode, I’m joined by Katie Godman, author of Gothic Fashion: The History to talk all about her wonderfully Gothic book, as we trace Gothic fashion history from barbarians to haute couture and delve into the long, fascinating and sometimes unexpected evolution of all things Gothic.
We discuss just how Gothic fashion has evolved from its ancient roots to the Victorian G
The History of Needlework
In today’s episode of Silhouettes I’m chatting with Isabella Rosner, host of the Sew What? Podcast, curator of the Royal School of Needlework and research consultant for Whitney Antiques. She also runs the Instagram page Historic Embroidery, and is a wealth of knowledge on everything to do with historic embroidery and needlework; from the 16th century onward. On this episode we discuss how studyin
Exploring One of The UK's Only Fashion Museums
Fashion History is often overlooked for it's importance in conversations about the past, but in this episode of Silhouettes we take the podcast on the road for the first time and look behind the curtain of one of the UK's only standalone Fashion Museums; Blandford Fashion Museum.
I was lucky enough to be invited out to the South-Coast of the UK to Blandford explore everything the museum h
![The Truth Behind Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte [Behind The Seams preview]](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/6955412/6955412-1683200172015-b40915bf864fa.jpg)
The Truth Behind Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte [Behind The Seams preview]
How fashionable was the real Queen Charlotte, and did she love the gossip of the town as much as the woman we see in screen? With the new Bridgerton series ‘Queen Charlotte’ looming, it was time to dedicate an episode to the real life of the fascinating woman the series' star is based on. So let's explore the story of the REAL Queen Charlotte - botanist, scientist, composer - and compare h
Silhouettes Update!
Become a Patreon subscriber to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/silhouettespodcast
This is just a little update episode to announce my new venture, Silhouettes: Behind The Seams, which will be available exclusively to Patreon and Spotify Subscribers. As a British person asking for, or even suggesting, money's involvement doesn't come very natur
The Importance of Fashion History (with Kate Strasdin)
"If we were all wearing the same thing or if we're all wearing nothing at all you might say it doesn't matter, but we don't and it does."
In this episode, I am again joined by dress historian Kate Strasdin, this time turning our attention to the wider world of Fashion History. It's importance, the misconceptions and stereotypes of the subject and ways people interested i
The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes: Exploring the Secrets of a Victorian Woman's Wardrobe (with Kate Strasdin)
In this very exciting episode, myself and dress historian Kate Strasdin explore the secrets of a Victorian woman's wardrobe, through the autobiographical pieces of fabric she left behind in a mysterious scrap book over 200 years ago... We delve into the power fabric has to tell us about people of the past, class, geography, the misconceptions surrounding Victorian fashion and thE unexpected hi
How Jane Austen uses FASHION to develop character (with What The Austen?)
In this episode, myself and Izzy (from the What The Austen? Podcast) discuss the iconic, diverse fashion styles of the Regency Era, the way fashion is depicted in Jane Austen novels, and just how much fashion from this time period can define an individual, particularly in the regency famous stories of Jane Austen. Tall, dark and handsome Mr Darcy, we’re looking at you!
Our last Regenc
The History of Cowboy Fashion and the True Crime of the Wild West (with Susan Jonusas)
This episode features Susan Jonusas; author of “Hell’s Half Acre”, an incredible book focusing on the murderous, infamous Bender family of the American Frontier. Susan is an expert on the history of the American Frontier, and during the extensive research of her 2022 book encountered a huge amount of fascinating information of the fashion, clothes and imagery of 18th Century America.
The Surprising History of Sportswear
Though commonly perceived as a very modern thing, the history of sportswear is vast and varied, with the yoga pants we know today having roots in the turn of the century. Through the lens of Tennis, Golf, Football and more, this episode explores what sportswear represented politically and socially, how the idea of leisure time re-defined how we wore clothes and what this all meant for the em
Was 1960s fashion just a repeat of The Roaring 20s? (with Summer Lee)
Is all fashion cyclical? The similarities between the fashions of the 1920s and 1960s are unbelievable apparent and seems like a topic no one's discussing. Did you ever notice? If not, then you certainly will after listening to this episode, in which myself and expert in the field Summer Lee compare and contrast the most iconic looks from both eras, analyzing their very distinct
Hollywood's Impact on 1920s Japanese Fashion (with Lois Barnett)
Lois Barnett was awarded her PhD by SOAS in 2020, funded by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and the British Association for Japanese Studies. Her thesis is entitled 'Consuming the "West": Audiences, Industries, Film and Fashion in Japan (1923-1939)'. She holds a BA in Japanese Studies and an MA in Global Cinemas and the Transcultural, both from SOAS. Her work examines the i
Trick or Treat: The History of Halloween Costumes
Something wicked this way comes! This week we take a dive into the early influences of Halloween (or All Hallows’ Eve), how costuming evolved, how they can be used as a snapshot of time and the history of trick or treating. Friend of the podcast & historian Dr. Nick Ellsworth returns to shed some light about the institution of Halloween in the United States.
Become a subscriber to
Regency Fashion: The Good, The Bad and The Darcy
The world is obsessed with Jane Austen and her representation in media. In today's episode we discuss the elaborate side of early 19th Century era fashion, everything right and wrong with Bridgerton and... empire-waist hoops skirts?!
Become a subscriber to support the podcast & access bonus episodes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/silhouettes/subscribe
Thanks for listeni
The Short History of Heels
Warfare, sex appeal, height; what do you most associate with heels? This trio of Micro-History episodes concludes with a deep dive into the past of the high-heeled shoe and it's complex, fascinating and somewhat surprising history. From it's functional beginnings in the military, via it's impact in royal court, all the way through to it's runway debut.
Become a subscriber to su
The Short History of Lipstick
From Cleoptra to Queen Elizabeth, we look at some ancient history; of the Egyptians, The Greeks, the Ancient Sumerians, and their relationship will lip colouring, as well as the story of lipstick and it’s social, political and religious development in the west. Our micro-histories series continues this week with something no make-up bag is complete without: lipstick.
Become a s
Silhouettes: An Introduction
Hello! I’m Belle and welcome to Silhouettes: a fashion history podcast all about the importance of the clothes we wear.
Why fashion history? Is it important, is it relevant, is it worthy of study? In a nutshell, yes! Fashion history is all about identity, about individuality and about being human. The past is full of iconic looks that visually represent eras in ways that other areas of study
Recommended
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Stand In The Circle
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Bad Friends
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Deadline: White House
English Vocabulary Help
این نقطه
