Silhouettes: A Fashion History Podcast

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.