Fashion luminary and trailblazing model, agent and activist Bethann Hardison joins us to discuss her life and legacy as explored in the new documentary Invisible Beauty. More on the documentary Invisible Beauty Bethann's website Our Battle of Versailles interview with Robin Givan Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website Our Instagram …

This week we talk with fashion icon and fashion model pioneer Pat Cleveland about her fifty-plus year career in fashion. Pat's memoir Walking with the Muses Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 100 of our favorite fashion history titles Listen ad free here! Our Sponsors: * Check ou…

During our annual winter hiatus, we bring you some of our favorite episodes from Dressed's back catalog of more than 500 episodes. Today we revisit one of our past episodes with Elizabeth Way who joined us, on this occasion, to speak about the work of fashion designer Scott Barrie who is only but one of the creators detailed in her edited volume Bl…

During our annual winter hiatus, we bring you some of our favorite episodes from Dressed's back catalog. Today we revisit one of our past episodes with Elizabeth Way who joined us, on this occasion, to speak about her 2023 exhibition Ann Lowe: American Couturier, which was on view at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware. Custom couturier to brides, de…

We continue our look at the life, legend, and legacy of 1960s supermodel Donyale Luna. Further Reading / Watching: Donyale in Que Etes-Vous Polly Magoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS_aJN7c8ps; Daughter Dream Cazzaniga's article https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/donyale-luna-model-vogue Don Strachan's blog https://donyaleluna.wordpress.com TIME m…

In 1966, Donyale Luna became the first model of color to appear on the cover of any edition of Vogue magazine--but she was so much more than a pretty face. In this week's two part series, we look at the life, legend, and legacy of the enigmatic woman who took the fashion world by storm in the 1960s. Further reading: Daughter Dream Cazzaniga's Vogue…

During our annual winter hiatus, we bring you some of our favorite episodes from Dressed's back catalog. Today, we revisit our much-requested episode with Emma McClendon about the history of denim and her 2019 exhibition Denim: Fashion's Frontier which was on view at The Museum at FIT in New York City. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our…

Detective hats on as we head back into the Dressed archive to revisit a 2019 episode where Cassidy and April address a listener question regarding fashion copying: fashion fakes are nothing new, but just when and where did the practice start and why? Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with…

Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was one of the 20th and 21st centuries great luminaries, most famous for his prolific career as a photojournalist for LIFE magazine. A man of many talents, this week we explore his unlikely career as a fashion photographer by revisiting an episode from 2018. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes…

During our annual winter hiatus, we bring you some of our favorite episodes from Dressed's back catalog. Today we return with part II of one of our most requested--and popular--episodes of all time. Dr. Ariane Fennetaux joins us for a two-part episode discussing her and Barbara Burman's book The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women's Lives, 1600-1900,…

During our annual winter hiatus, we bring you some of our favorite episodes from Dressed's back catalog. This week we bring you one of our most requested--and popular--episodes of all time. Dr. Ariane Fennetaux joins us for a two-part episode discussing her and Barbara Burman's book The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women's Lives, 1600-1900, which ex…

Today, we revisit two Fashion History Mystery episodes exploring the fascinating histories of Mary Janes and Chatelaines. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 100 of our favorite fashion history titles Listen ad free here! Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/DRESSE…

This week we revisit an episode from 2018: Murderous Millinery. From the 1870s to the 1920s, millions of women embraced the fashion for ornamental plumage and as a result millions of birds died for it. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 100 of our favorite fashion history titles …

During our annual winter hiatus, we bring you some of our favorite episodes from Dressed's back catalog. This week we puurrrfectly WILD this week as we revisit our 2018 episode with author, activist and performer Jo Weldon who joined us to speak about her book Fierce: The History of Leopard Print. RECOMMENDED READING: Weldon, Jo. Fierce: The Histor…

During our annual winter hiatus, we bring you some of our favorite episodes from Dressed's back catalog. This week we revisit our 2021 episode about model, photographer and humanitarian Lee Miller, who is the subject of the 2024 film Lee starring Kate Winslet. Miller's granddaughter and archivist Ami Bouhassane and fashion historian Amber Butchart …

We revisit our 2021 interview with fashion historian and author Lydia Edwards who joined us to discuss her acclaimed book How to Read a Dress. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 100 of our favorite fashion history titles Listen ad free here! Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: http…

We revisit our interview with fashion historian and author Lydia Edwards in 2020 when she first joined us to talk about her then newly released book How to Read a Suit, the highly anticipated menswear version of her acclaimed How to Read a Dress. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with ove…

In what has now become an annual tradition, April and Cassidy do some fantasy fashion history shopping for their holiday party ensembles and gift exchange. Cassidy's $33 million ensemble: necklace, Dorothy's Ruby Red slippers, Charles James dress April’s ensemble: Vionnet coat, bejeweled snake stockings, Cartier Panthère collection, Margiela’s glas…

In what has now become an annual tradition, April and Cassidy do some fantasy fashion history shopping for their holiday party ensembles and gift exchange. Cassidy's $33 million ensemble: necklace, Dorothy's Ruby Red slippers, Charles James dress April’s ensemble: Vionnet coat, bejeweled snake stockings, Cartier Panthère collection, Margiela’s glas…

For our penultimate episode of season 7, we hear from YOU! Today's listener mail episode investigates the history of the French couture house Manguin, gets some updates on the militarization of glitter during WWII and makes an instagram rec to follow @moonhoney.jewelry for super interesting content on the history of jewelry. Want more Dressed: The …

This week we investigate the variety of ways parents have historically dressed their toddlers to prevent injuries when they take that inevitable tumble. From puddings to go-wains and wicker walkers to ribbons of childhood, we look at the art historical record to explore childrenswear from the 16th-19th centuries. Want more Dressed: The History of F…

We are joined by Camille Lawrence, founder of the Black Beauty Archive, a groundbreaking archive dedicated to documenting, preserving and archiving Black beauty culture, past and present. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 100 of our favorite fashion history titles Listen ad free…

The work of award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell spans four decades and is a masterclass in the art of visual storytelling. In this episode, he takes us behind the seams and into the magical world of his most recent project Wicked. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 100 o…

From incredible innovations in sustainable 3D printing to using you library card to 'check out' a wedding gown, this week we bring you the latest in Fashion History Now, which might just include a discussion of 14th century chainmail booty shorts. Coperni x Rapid Liquid Printing Love at Your LIbrary The Affair of the Necklace @alisonkingart Want mo…

Outlandish, wry and fun, this week we explore the advice on how to live a fashionable lifestyle vis à vis fashion editor Diana Vreeland's column 'Why Don't You?' which debuted in Harper's Bazar in 1936. From fashion tips to interior design, 'Why Don't You?' remains a source of humorous delight more than 75+ years later. Want more Dressed: The Histo…

In this special episode, we honor the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Versailles, a groundbreaking moment in Black fashion history that took place on November 28, 1973. Filmmaker Deborah Riley-Draper joins us to discuss her acclaimed documentary Versailles '73, which brought this iconic event to life on screen. Draper shares how this historic fas…

Where some people study fashion history, today's guest Anneliese Mack lives it! Anneliese joins us to talk about her multifaceted career as a historical interpreter and costumer, educator, seamstress, weaver, and founder of the popular blog and Instagram account The Sewphisticate. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes O…

In this episode, Taniqua Martin sits down with the dynamic sisters Essie Brew-Hammond and Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, founders of the luxury brand Exit 14! Dive into their journey, discover the inspiration behind their choice of Batakari fabric, and learn about the meaning of Exit 14 and its tagline, "tailored for your journey." Exit 14 blends traditio…

Today's episode is dedicated to one of the greatest visual storytellers of our time, costume designer Sandy Powell who joins us to talk about her prolific 40 year career creating movie magic. Her work is the subject of a current exhibition Sandy Powell Dressing the Part: Costume Design for Film on view now at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film un…

In part II of this episode, we continue our conversation with Lebanese-British journalist Zahra Hankir who joins us all this week to speak about her book Eyeliner: A Cultural History, which is a deep dive into one of the world’s oldest cosmetic practices. From its origins in Ancient Egypt to contemporary drag, we traverse the globe in a two-part ep…

This week Lebanese-British journalist Zahra Hankir joins us to speak about her book Eyeliner: A Cultural History, which is a deep dive into one of the world’s oldest cosmetic practices. From its origins in Ancient Egypt to contemporary drag, we traverse the globe in a two-part episode to discuss the ways that eyeliner has connected us over more tha…

In this episode of Black Fashion History, host Taniqua Martin sits down with Charlene Dunbar, the brilliant mind behind Suakoko Betty! From engineering to fashion design, Charlene's journey is a true inspiration. She shares her love for African fashion, the importance of cultural representation, and how African designers can benefit from the global…

From the houses of the great haute couturiers and courtesans to the oldest haberdasheries and perfume makers in France, this week we take you behind the seams of our recent fashion history tours of Paris. Recommendations: La Païva La Galerie Dior Les Puces Fondation Azzedine Alaïa Hôtel Drouot Atelier Caraco Rebecca's Textile Tours of Paris Ultramo…

In this episode, Taniqua Martin chats with fashion professor Ntebo Lepheana to explore the rich traditions and style history of the Basotho people. Ntebo shares how Basotho cultural heritage has shaped her perspective on fashion and how she brings this unique lens to her work in the classroom. She discusses iconic Basotho garments like the Seanamar…

From the houses of the great haute couturiers and courtesans to the oldest haberdasheries and perfume makers in France, this week we take you behind the seams of our recent fashion history tours of Paris. Recommendations: La Païva La Galerie Dior Les Puces Fondation Azzedine Alaïa Hôtel Drouot Atelier Caraco Rebecca's Textile Tours of Paris Ultramo…

In this episode of Black Fashion History, host Taniqua Martin sits down with fashion journalist Elvis Kachi to explore his journey into the fashion industry and his mission to tell authentic African fashion stories. They dive into the unique elements of African fashion, the challenges of getting these stories published, and the need for diverse sto…

What stories can our clothes tell? This week we celebrate the groundbreaking exhibition Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore with curators Kiki Smith and Keren Ben-Horin. The exhibit is the first to display the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection which prizes the everyday clothing of ordinary women, from hard-worn house dre…

In this episode of Black Fashion History, Taniqua Martin dives into a powerful conversation with Beatrace Angut Oola, the visionary founder of Fashion Africa Now. Beatrace shares her inspiring journey of decolonizing the fashion industry, challenging Western-centric norms, and elevating African voices. Don't miss this transformative discussion on r…

What stories can our clothes tell? This week we celebrate the groundbreaking exhibition Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore with curators Kiki Smith and Keren Ben-Horin. The exhibit is the first to display the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection which prizes the everyday clothing of ordinary women, from hard-worn house dre…

Dive into the world of African fashion with Jacqueline Brown in this episode of the Black Fashion History Podcast! From her British-Jamaican roots to her pioneering role with Africa Fashion Guide, Jacqueline discusses the diversity in African fashion and shares her passion for textiles and sustainable fashion. Discover how she navigates ethical cha…

Researchers rejoice! Today we continue our deep dive on American fashion history with Natalie Nudell, who joins us for an update on her multivalent project analyzing and making accessible the Fashion Calendar. Ruth Finley’s Fashion Calendar served as American fashion’s organizational hub for more than seven decades and is an invaluable record of ti…

In this episode, Taniqua Martin interviews Tosin Adeosun, the brilliant mind behind the African Style Archive! Discover Tosin's own style journey, her deep dive into African fashion history, and how she's preserving this rich cultural heritage. Learn about the pioneers of African fashion and the importance of documenting these vibrant stories. For …

This week’s deep dive into the history of American fashion begins with a conversation with Nancy MacDonell who joins us to discuss her newest book Empresses of 7th Avenue: WWII, New York City and the Birth of American Fashion which details the pantheon of women behind the rise of American fashion during the 1940s. Want more Dressed: The History of …

In this week’s two part episode, Dr. Elizabeth L. Block joins us to discuss the cultural significance of hair and hairdressing in 19th century America, introducing us to the spaces and faces that defined this booming industry and profession and are the subject of her new book Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing. More from Elizabeth…

In this episode of the Black Fashion History, Taniqua Martin sits down with Ken Kweku Nimo, an author and expert in African fashion and material culture. From Ghana to South Africa, Ken shares his inspiring journey, discussing how his experiences have shaped his unique perspective on African fashion history. Dive into the impact of colonization, th…

We've often discussed what stories are woven into the clothes we wear, but what about those braided into our hair? In this week’s two part episode, Dr. Elizabeth L. Block joins us to discuss the cultural significance of hair and hairdressing in 19th century America, introducing us to the spaces and faces that defined this booming industry and profe…

Following up on our wildly popular 2022 episode on obscure fashion terms from history, we bring you an all new two-part episode from A to Z! Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 150 of our favorite fashion history titles Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/DRESSED …

Following up on our wildly popular 2022 episode on obscure fashion terms from history, we bring you an all new two-part episode from A to Z! Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion? Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 150 of our favorite fashion history titles Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/DRESSED …

Based on her one-woman show, WHat I wORE to Work, this week Jo Weldon joins us for a two-part episode to explore the "intersection of fashion, culture and sex work." In part II, we hear about the laws governing what strippers can and cannot wear, what Jo herself wore in her many roles within the sex industry and her ongoing work as a sex worker act…

Based on her one-woman show, WHat I wORE to Work, this week Jo Weldon joins us for a two-part episode to explore the "intersection of fashion, culture and sex work." From the brothels of Ancient Greece to Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, part I explores sex worker style throughout history and its centuries-long influence…