Dressed: The History of Fashion

Fashion History Mystery 42: Hook, Line, and Sink-Her, a History of Fishnets

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How did a practical device for catching fish become a coveted and controversial fashion staple? This week, we explore the fascinating thousand-year pl...

Ballerina: Fashion's Modern Muse, an interview with Patricia Mears

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

En pointe and en vogue, the ballerina has inspired many a fashion designer. Dance and fashion have long had a symbiotic relationship, and this week we...

Fashion History Now #3

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss online sources of fashion history, AJ and The Queen, Dapper Dan's new memoire and biodegradable plastics. Recommended reading: ...

Eleanor Lambert: Empress of 7th Avenue, an interview with Carol McLennan

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"The most influential woman in fashion" during the 20th century was far from a household name. Join us as we explore the legendary career of Eleanor L...

Fashion History Mystery 41: The Incredible Origin of Cat-Eye Glasses

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What do millionaires, harlequins and cigarettes have to do with the iconic cat-eye frame? Tune in to find out! Learn more about your ad-choices at ...

How to Read a Suit, an Interview with Lydia Edwards

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fashion historian and author Lydia Edwards joins us to talk about her newly released book How to Read a Suit, the highly anticipated menswear version ...

Fashion History Now #2

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we cover topics including Bill Cunningham, 150 years of Harper's Bazaar, and the recent JLo/Shakira controversy. Are we still policing women...

Ethics and Responsibility in the Jewelry Industry, an interview with Bliss Lau

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know where the precious metals or gems used in your jewelry come from? This week we speak to jewelry designer Bliss Lau about ethics and respon...

Fashion History Mystery #40: What's a Dickie?!

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your great-grandmother enjoyed a dickie. Join us in our exploration of a wildly popular garment, now lost to fashion history. Learn more about your...

Call Me: The Perils of 19th Century Etiquette

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After a deep dive into etiquette manuals, we explore the complex codes of introductions and calling during the 19th century. Learn more about your ...

Fashion History Now

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this new bi-weekly minisode series, Cassidy and April share the latest in all things fashion history. From Jean Paul Gaultier's final haute couture...

Fashion & Film, Part II

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we continue to explore the intimate relationship between fashion and film from World War II into the present day. Recommended reading: De...

FHM #39: Fashion at the Oscars, an Interview with Bronwyn Cosgrave

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Oscars red carpet is one of the most highly anticipated fashion events of the year. This week, we explore its history with Bronwyn Cosgrave before...

Fashion & Film, Part I

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We are back! What better way to celebrate the launch of Season 3--and the Oscars AND Fashion Week-- than with a multi-episode celebration of the hundr...

Holiday Bonus FHM: The History of Glitter

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A symbol of glitz, glamour and celebration, we bring you a special holiday edition on the history of glitter. Learn more about your ad-choices at h...

Welcome to What I Wore When

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can an outfit change your life? For many of us, the answer is a resounding yes. Welcome to What I Wore When, a weekly podcast hosted by Glamour digita...

Fashion's Frontier: Denim, an interview with Emma McClendon

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For the final episode of Dressed Season 2, we bring you the much-requested history of denim with Emma McClendon, curator of the exhibition Denim: Fash...

Fashion History Mystery #37: Fashion as Art and Protest with Korina Emmerich

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Artist. Fashion Designer. Activist. Korina Emmerich joins us to talk about her fashion brand Emme and the ways in which her indigenous heritage and co...

Fashionopolis, an interview wtih Dana Thomas

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we speak with Paris-based fashion journalist Dana Thomas about the rise of fashion fashion and its true cost. Learn more about your ad-ch...

Fashion History Mystery #36: The Japanese Origins of the "Flip-Flop"

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

From Japan to Hawaii to California, this week we learn about the origins of the ubiquitious flip-flop.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https:...

Worn on this Day, an Interview with Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell joins us to discuss her new book Worn on this Day: the Clothes That Made History. From Olympic uniforms to coronation gowns...

Bond Girl Style, an inteview with Dr. Monica Germanà

05 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Icons of sex, danger and high style, this week we speak to Dr. Monica Germanà about women inhabiting the world of James Bond. Learn more about you...

Fashion History Mystery #35:The Vanderbilt Ball

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we chat about one of the most sumptuous fancy dress balls the world has ever seen: The Vanderbilt Ball of 1883. Learn more about your ad-...

Halloween Costume and Fancy Dress with Benjamin Wild and Lucy Clayton

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Just in time for Halloween, we talk all things dressing up with Lucy Clayton and Dr. Benjamin Wild, co-hosts of the podcast dedicated to that very sub...

Fashion History Mystery #34: Milk and Sugar: a Brief History of Seersucker

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This weeks listener question about the history of seersucker leads us to a surprising discussion of etymology. Learn more about your ad-choices at ...

At War with Fashion: World War II, an interview with Stuff You Missed in History Class

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we revisit April's appearance on Stuff You Missed in History Class covering French fashion and resistance during WWII. Learn more about y...

Fashion History Mystery #33: Fashion History at Fashion Week

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

From Grecian goddesses to the godmother of rock'n'roll, April and Cassidy discuss their favorite shows from the recent Spring/Summer 2020 Collections!...

At War with Fashion: World War I, LIVE from Bard Graduate Center

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In conjunction with the exhibition French Fashion, Women and the First World War currently on view at the Bard Graduate Center, we speak with Dr. Kate...

Fashion History Mystery #32: A Brief History of the Codpiece

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

One of the more curious items of masculine dress history, this week we explore the function and symbolism of the codpiece. Learn more about your ad...

The King of Sexy Cling, an interview with Stephen Burrows

08 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Burrow's bright and slinky clothes defined the disco era. This week we speak with a fashion icon on the occasion of his new collaboration with...

Punk Style, an interview with Dr. Monica Sklar

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we explore the style one of rock's most iconic sub-cultures: punk. But what came first, the music or the clothes? Learn more about your a...

Patrick Kelly, an Interview with Dr. Eric Darnell Pritchard

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Patrick Kelly took Paris by storm in the 1980s, becoming the first American designer to be inducted into France's distinguished Chambre syndicale du p...

The Joy of Fashion, an Interview with Pat Cleveland

17 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk with fashion icon and fashion model pioneer Pat Cleveland about her fifty-plus year career in fashion. Want more Dressed: The Histor...

FHM #31: The Cyclical Nature of Fashion

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, April and Cassidy discuss which forgotten fashion staples they would love to make a comeback and which cyclical fashion trends should remai...

Global Vision: Tina Leser

10 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Often cited as a progenitor of the American Look, fashion designer Tina Leser's vision was greater than the polarizing discourse of French versus Amer...

FHM #30: Making Mrs. Maisel

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take a peek inside the Paley Center for Media's exhibition Making Maisel Marvelous. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ih...

Fashion Period. An Interview with Dr. Shannon Withycombe

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Periods. A universally taboo topic for 1000s of years, menstruation was only addressed commercially in the early 20th century. We talk the pad's evolu...

FHM #29: Enfleurage: 17th Century Perfume Making with Dryland Wilds

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we meet Cebastien and Robin, the women behind the botanical beauty line Dryland Wilds, and learn all about their modern day use of the 17th ...

The Golden Age of Haute Couture, LIVE from the Dallas Museum of Art

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hot off the press and LIVE from Dallas, join us for our first live episode of Dressed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcas...

FHM #28: Origin of the Poodle Skirt

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week's mini-sode explores the story of Juli Lynne Charlot who created a 50s classic: the poodle skirt. Learn more about your ad-choices at htt...

FHM #27: The Origin of the Moon Manicure with Suzanne Shapiro

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We answer a listener query about the moon-shaped manicure of the 1920s and 30s with Suzanne Shapiro, author of Nails: the Story of the Modern Manicure...

FHM #26: A Mermaid's Tale

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's mini-sode we answer a query from a real-life mermaid. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSuppor...

Mary Quant, an Interview with Jenny Lister

06 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In the 1960s, Mary Quant launched her fashion revolution amid a rainbow of mini-skirts and hot pants. This week, we explore her life and legacy with J...

FHM #25: The Auction House Allure

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss the role of auction houses in the collecting of historic dress in a continued conversation with Timothy Long, Director, Senior Sp...

Charles James: Genius Deconstructed, an Interview with Timothy Long

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Timothy Long takes us inside the multi-tiered genius of Charles James, the self-taught fashion designer behind some of the most innovative and breatht...

Fashion History Mystery #24: The History of Penny Loafers

25 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A staple of various style tribes, Nancy MacDonell joins us to speak about the history of the penny loafer. Learn more about your ad-choices at http...

Space Age Fashion: an interview with Sarah Jean Culbreth

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing and we are joined by Sarah Jean Culbeth to discuss the space age fashions of Pierre Car...

Fashion History Mystery #23: Origin Story: Sailor and Peter Pan Collars

18 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we explore the fascinating origins of the so-called "sailor" and "peter pan" style collars.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https:...

Fashion Animals, an interview with Joshua Katcher

16 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Animal rights activist and vegan menswear designer Joshua Katcher joins us to talk about the relationship between humans and the animals they wear. ...

Fashion History Mystery #22: Fall 2019 Couture Fashion Collections

11 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Cassidy and April discuss the art and history inherent in the latest 2019 Couture Fashion Collections.  Learn more about your ad-choice...

50 Years of the Ebony Fashion Fair, an interview with Joy Bivins

09 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For fifty years, Ebony magazine's groundbreaking Fashion Fair brought the crème de la crème of high fashion to audiences across the USA and around t...

Fashion History Mystery #21: Isabelle de Borchgrave

04 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a peep inside the work of Isabelle de Borchgrave who creates incredible life-size replicas of historic fashions not from silk, velvet and ...

Gender Bending Fashion, pt. 2: an interview with Michelle Tolini Finamore

02 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Men just might enjoy the comfort of skirts! This week we speak to Michelle Tolini Finamore about her exhibition Gender Bending Fashion which is curren...

Fashion History Mystery #20: History of the Pride Flag

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's World Pride month and all things rainbow! This week's minisode discusses the origin of the multicolored pride flag emblazoned upon innumerable ga...

Gender Bending Fashion, pt. 1: an interview with Michelle Tolini Finamore

25 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Who gets to wear the pants?! This week we speak to Michelle Tolini Finamore about her exhibition Gender Bending Fashion which is currently on view at ...

Fashion History Mystery #19: Should These Clothes Be Saved?

20 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cassidy and April discuss a recent New York Time's article by Vanessa Friedman which brings up some interesting questions regarding the relevance and ...

Power of Pattern: Central Asian Ikats, an interview with Clarissa Esguerra

18 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, exhibition curator Clarissa Esguerra teaches us all about the sophisticated resist-dying ikat technique responsible for the resplendent tex...

Fashion History Mystery #18: Like a Fine Wine: What Makes Clothing "Vintage"?

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in this week to learn about the distinctions between what is considered antique versus vintage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://ww...

The Language of Fans, an interview with Laura Camerlengo

11 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Much more than practical tools for cooling the body, Laura Camerlengo joins us to speak about the myriad of ways fans have been used historically as e...

Fashion History Mystery #17: Addressing Dress

06 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for fun with words! Today we address "dress."  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSupport this podcas...

Styling the American Suffragist, an interview with Raissa Bretaña

04 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment. In gratitude to the American women who fought for the right to vote, we speak ...

Fashion History Mystery #16: Of Beards and Men

30 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we answer a listener question about the history of men's facial hair with Dr. Christopher Oldstone-Moore, author of the book Of Beards and Men:...

Men in Heels: a His (and Her) Story, an Interview with Elizabeth Semmelhack

28 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

High heels have long been the domain of women--but first they were worn by men. This week, we track the evolution of the high heel as worn by male cav...

Fashion History Mystery #15: Pantone

23 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss the 'shadiest' company around, the world's leading authority on color intelligence, Pantone. Learn more about your ad-choices ...

The Dress Detective, an interview with Amber Butchart

21 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fashion history and crime labs may seem like strange bedfellows. This week we speak to real-life dress detective, Amber Butchart, about her work in fo...

Fashion History Mystery #14: "Copying: a Fancy Name for Stealing"

16 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Detective hats on, Cassidy and April address a listener question regarding fashion copying: fashion fakes are nothing new, but just when and where did...

The Art of Embroidery, an Interview with Nadia Albertini, Part II

14 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of our interview with embroidery designer Nadia Albertini, we learn how the age old craft is kept alive at the hands of skilled artisans f...

Fashion History Mystery #13: Party of the Year: The Met Gala

09 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we look into the storied history of one of the world's most sought-after social invitations: The Met Gala. Learn more about your ad-choic...

The Art of Embroidery, an Interview with Nadia Albertini, Part I

07 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we learn all about the fascinating history behind one of humankind's oldest forms of adornment with embroidery designer and historian Nadia Alb...

Fashion History Mystery #12: Chat-a-what?

02 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we answer a query about the once indispensable accessory now lost to time: the chatelaine. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://ww...

"The New Freedom Thing in in Fashion" or How Jeans Got Their Stretch

30 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we learn how "the new freedom thing in fashion" became the industry standard for the production of women's--and more and more men's-- jeans....

Fashion History Mystery #11: Rosie Gets a Shingle

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's edition of Fashion History Mystery, we look into vintage hairstyle terms including the bob and the shingle. Learn more about your ad...

April Goes to Beauty School: the 1944 Du Barry Success Course

23 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

To investigate charm schools of the 1940s, April recently completed the six weeks Du Barry Success Course of diet, exercise, posture and beauty ritual...

Fashion History Mystery #10: The Other Dust Ruffle

18 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's edition of Fashion History Mystery, April and Cassidy answer the question: didn't women's long skirts get really dirty in the 19th cent...

Fashion and the Art of Pochoir

16 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Cassidy and April take you inside their book Fashion and the Art of Pochoir to learn all about the painterly hand-stenciling technique that...

Fashion History Mystery #9: Don't Sweat It

11 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's mini-sode we explore how the matter of perspiration has been handled historically. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.i...

The Other Danish Girl: Gerda Wegener

09 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alicia Vikander may have won an Oscar for her portrayal of Gerda Wegener in the 2015 film, The Danish Girl, but the film only scratches the surface of...

Fashion History Mystery #8: Origin Story: Mary Janes

04 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we explore the unlikely origin story of Mary Janes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSupport this ...

Remaking Fashion History: an Interview with John Bright

02 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we sit down with Oscar-winning costume designer John Bright to discuss his prolific career in film and TV that spans five decades. A collect...

Fashion History Mystery #7: Amish Fashion Designers?

28 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we answer the listener question: are there any fashion designers from the Amish tradition? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://w...

A Vanderbilt House Party--The Gilded Age, an Interview with Leslie Klingner

26 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we go behind the scenes of Biltmore Estate's latest exhibition A Vanderbilt House Party--The Gilded Age with the estate's Curator of Interpr...

Fashion History Mystery #6: Origins of Polka Dots

21 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we answer a listener question about the origin of poka dots, by diving all the way back to the Middle Ages' taboo about wearing spots.  ...

A History of Stoutwear, an interview with Dr. Lauren Downing Peters

19 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dubbed "stoutwear" at the turn of the 20th century, Dr. Lauren Downing Peters joins us this week to discuss the history of plus-size fashion. Learn...

Fashion History Mystery #5: Thierry Mugler

14 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Following Cardi B's stunning vintage ensembles at the 2019 Grammys, we answer the question posed by many listeners: Who is Thierry Mugler? Learn mo...

Finding Beauty, an Interview with Photographer Tony Vaccaro

12 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we talk to the photographer Tony Vaccaro about his prolific seventy-plus year career photographing fashion, celebrity and World War. His su...

Fashion History Mystery #4: To Wear or Not to Wear?

07 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week Cassidy and April address the question: when is it ok to wear historical clothing and how to preserve our family heirlooms.  Learn more ...

Historical Costuming with American Duchess

05 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It is one thing to study the history of fashion, it is another thing entirely to wear it! This week we meet historical costumers Lauren and Abby, the ...

Fashion History Mystery #3: Fashion History at the Oscars!

28 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, April and Cassidy discuss all things Oscars' fashion! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSupport th...

Cult Style: an interview with Sarah Byrd

26 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Where do belief and and clothing intersect? This week we speak to Sarah Byrd about the clothing choices of some of America's fringe religious groups. ...

Fashion History Mystery: Favorite Fashion Books

21 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week Cassidy and April share their favorite fashion history books of all time! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastne...

Fashion and Flight: Pioneering Aviatrixes, an interview with Katharine Dorny

19 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In the 1920s, the fearless women that took to the skies became celebrities overnight. How did the media spotlight shape early aviatrixes relationship ...

Fashion History Mystery: How To Become a Fashion Historian

14 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We answer your questions in our Thursday Fashion History Mystery minisodes! This week we answer the question several of you have posed: 'how do you be...

Dior: From Paris to the World, an interview with Florence Müller

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Just in time for Fashion Week, Dressed is back for Season 2 with a behind-the-scenes look at Denver Art Museum's exhibition Dior: From Paris to the Wo...

What the Tux?: a History of the Tuxedo, an interview with Chloe Chapin

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why "acceptable" forms of dress for men are so prescriptive? So formulaic? In this episode we speak to Chloe Chapin about the origins of m...

Black Dandyism: a Cultural History, an interview with Monica L. Miller, Part II

25 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of this two part series, we continue to explore the history of the black dandy into the 20th and 21st centuries with Monica L. Miller, aut...

Black Dandyism: a Cultural History, an interview with Monica L. Miller, Part I

18 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this illuminating two-part series, we explore the cultural history of black dandyism with Monica L. Miller, author of the book Slaves to Fashion: B...

Fashion Lovers: Dorothy Todd & Madge Garland

11 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From 1922 to 1926, lovers Dorothy Todd and Madge Garland transformed British Vogue into a forum for artists, writers and other luminaries of the moder...

Balenciaga: The Master of Us All, an interview with Miren Arzalluz

04 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week Miren Arzalluz, Director of the Palais Galliera in Paris, joins us to discuss the "master of us all," Cristóbal Balenciaga. Learn more a...

The Battle of Versailles, an interview with Robin Givhan

27 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks the 45th anniversary of one of American fashion's greatest moments. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Robin Givhan joins us to discuss...

Bloomerism and Feminism, in Conversation with Stuff Mom Never Told You

20 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ladies in pants, oh my! We recently had the pleasure of joining Anney Reese on Stuff Mom Never Told You to discuss the history of the short-lived "Blo...