Berets, top hats, deer stalkers... choose your fighter.  Hats, headwear and helmets are a staple part of so many areas of fashion in history, particularly in the west. But they have, and still do, come in a huge and fascinating array of forms.  In this episode I trace the origins of the hat, the variety of diffierent styles, the importance (both socially and politically) of certain types of headwear, as well the story and origin of some of history's most cultural iconic pieces.

Turns out Sherlock Holmes perhaps didn't have a penchant for the famous deerstalker... you'll have listen to find out.

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.

Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

The 2000s really were the Wild West of fashion.  From jeggings to popcorn shirts to Paul’s Boutique bags, everything was seemingly either diamante'd to oblivion, or somehow head-to-toe velour.  

In this episode of Silhouettes I am joined by UK-based influencer Hannah Dorman; TikToker, YouTuber and vat of knowledge on teen fashion today.  We discuss the highs and low of the era, our memories of the what we were ACTUALLY wearing in the 2000s (compared to the much more classy version that’s coming back into fashion today) and the Internet's impact on the clothes we wear.  We touch upon topics like gender expression pre-2011, gendered ideals in fashion towards masculinity/femininity of the late 2000s and the rigidity of choice for fashion in our teens years, circa 2005 to 2010.

This episode is for the nostalgic types looking for a hit of that Y2K magic.  Go book your slot on the phone, connect to the dial-up and get ready for some low-rise memories. 

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.

Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

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.

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Thanks for listening, and stay spooky everyone.

Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

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?! 

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  

Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

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.  

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  

Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @Silllhouettespodcast for more updates. x

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.  

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  

Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates. x

We're starting a new series this week I'm calling “Micro Histories”, in which I’ll dip my toe into some of the most specific areas of fashion hsitory, looking at what they tell us about wider contexts, and what we can learn from how they develop and change.  First up, something I think most are familiar with, but few know much about: Corsets.

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  

Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates. x

She’s been a teacher, an astronaut, the Prom Queen, a Cali Girl and a Gogo Dancer, but what makes Barbie the icon that she is?  In this episode I go through some of Barbie's most iconic fashions throughout the last 60 years, as well as some of her faux pas, her perception throughout the eras, and her unforgettable hot-pink space suit...

*A PSA as always,  I am by no means a Barbie or fashion doll expert, so I hope I don't offend anyone with any errors or mis-steps I may take!  Barbies fashion repertoire is immense for her 60 years, and it's almost impossible to educate yourself to them all (1000s!) in the space of 2 weeks. But, in my eyes, that what makes her such an amazing figure for study!*

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Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  

Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Today's episode is about the hugely important Black is Beautiful movement;  which is as important to discuss now more than ever.

I discuss fashion as a political statement, the Black is Beautiful movement, and Black Dandy-ism -among a host of other fascinating experiences I read about during my research.

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Enjoy, educate yourselves and stay fab everyone.

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This episode is all about "Fashion on the Ration''; A well loved topic in the Fashion History community.  We delve into how and why women retained femininity during World War 2,  how they carved out identity,  how uniform became fashion, and, of course, boot polish mascara...

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Enjoy, and stay fab everyone. 

Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates x