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Hello and welcome back to Silhouettes!  On this episode we're talking all about the history of tattoos. From Palaeolithic times all the way to 1960s Australia, tattoos have been a huge part of human life (and fashion) longer than anyone really knows.  In this Short History episode we delve into the past of these culturally important and iconic body modifications and their significance the world over, and how they quietly crept their way into contemporary fashion. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Hello and welcome back to Silhouettes!  On this episode we're talking all about the history of ties. From the fashion fad started by a boy prince, to the staple of men's fashion we know today.  The cravat, the jabot, the kipper tie, the neckerchief; call it what you will - the humble tie started its life in the military hundreds of years ago, and has a long and fascinating story.  In this episode we talk all about the social expectations surrounding traditional male fashion, the idea of ’sharp dressing’ and the connections the tie has with status and the perceived importance in gender identity. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Welcome back to Silhouettes.  Our Short Histories/ Micro Histories series returns this week with... hats! 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. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x Episode artwork by @alanclor - Thanks Alan!

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 well 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 also 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.  Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Something wicked this way comes!  This week on Silhouettes we discuss… The History of Halloween costumes.  This is one for all you fans of spooky season 🎃 In this episode we take a dive into the early influences of Halloween (or All Hallows’ Eve), how costuming evolved, they can be used as a snapshot of time and the history of trick or treating.  To top it off, at the end of the episode we have a spooky chat with returning guest and friend of the podcast Nick Ellsworth (@thenickinlondon) about the institution of Halloween in the United states. Thanks for listening, and stay spooky everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Welcome back to Silhouettes! This episode we bring you ‘The Good, The Bad and The Darcy’ Here, I talk all about our obsession with Jane Austen representation in media, the elaborate side of early 19th century era fashion, everything right and wrong with Bridgerton and... empire-waist hoops skirts...?!  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 heel use?  This trio of Micro-Histories concludes with a deep dive into the past of the high heeled shoe; a tall show with a big impact, 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.  Enjoy! Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @Silllhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Our micro-histories series continues this week with something no make-up bag is complete without; A Short History of Lipstick - From Cleoptra to Queen Elizabeth, we look at some ancient history; of the Egyptians, The Greeks, the Ancient Sumerian’s and their relationship will lip colouring, as well as the story of lipstick and it’s social, political and religious development in the west.    Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @Silllhouettespodcast for more updates. x

We're starting a new short snippet series this week I'm calling “Micro Histories”, in which I’ll dip my toe into some of the histories of specific areas of fashion, 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. Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @Silllhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Welcome back to Silhouettes! Extreme glitz, glamour and eleganza: that's what we think of when it comes to ocean liner fashion; particularly in the pre-war period. But what does studying the fashions and style of ocean liners tell us about their respective periods? In this episode our guest, fellow Academic and jewel enthusiast Nick Ellsworth, and myself, explore the social political importance and intrigue of what was worn to impress on Ocean liners in the 20th Century. Tune in for fur, diamonds, and Hawaiian shirts.  A PSA as always: neither of us are experts in the matter, and the info surrounding this topic is limited within our time constraint. And, as always with historical photos, footage and documents, a great deal of information eludes us and it’s entirely possible we have specific days or dates wrong! Thanks for listening, stay fab everyone.  Follow the show on Instagram @Silllhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Welcome to Silhouettes! 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! xoxo Thanks for listening, and stay fab everyone.  Follow the show on Instagram @Sillhouettespodcast for more updates. x

Welcome back to Silhouettes! 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. Enjoy, educate yourselves and stay fab everyone. Follow the show on Instagram @Silhouettespodcast for more updates. x