I wasn’t planning on doing a ton of gift guides this year, but I did want to do a fashion history specific guide! Fashion history has become incredibly popular here on An Historian About Town. I think that it is becoming a more popular topic in general, and I would like to think that my passion shines through. So, if you know that someone in your loves fashion history but you aren’t sure what to get them, I can help! This is a helpful fashion history gift guide to buy the perfectly stylish gift.
1. Costume Sketches and Prints
Costumes are a fascinating part of fashion history that people don’t necessarily think of. Costumes play an essential role in dance, theatre, and film, and are fairly well documented. (If you are lucky enough to visit the V&A, you can see some spectacular costumes in person!) You can often find gorgeous costume sketches and prints, at shows and online. What I love about them is that they give you a good idea of what the designer was intending (like materials, scene info, and even movement). If you can find a sketch or print from a favourite production, it is sure to be loved! If you are having trouble sourcing these, I would check eBay or Etsy for sellers if it is not local. And if it is local, I would recommend reaching out to the company or the theatre directly! Many sell the sketches as a fundraiser, so it may be easy-ish to get a hold of. This sketch is from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s The Wizard of Oz, these are the gorgeous swirling poppy costumes. (Bonus points if you frame the print so they can hang immediately.)
2. Vintage Fashion History Books
One thing that I absolutely love about vintage fashion history books is that they are still very useful and offer wonderful insights. You will find that with a lot of vintage history books that new discoveries are made, politics change, and different methodologies come in and out. Fashion history doesn’t seem to be quite as vulnerable. There is one slight issue with vintage fashion history books, though. It can be tough if you are looking for a specific book, but there are a lot of treasures to find if you are open. However, one of the biggest benefits? You can probably make your budget stretch much further! This book is a Harper’s Bazaar book on nineteenth century women’s fashion, published in the 1970s, and was a whopping $3.50 CAD. (Chances are you won’t double up on a book they own, but peruse their bookshelf if possible…)
Also, if you can’t find any vintage books, try magazines. Used bookstores may also have them, but many older issues of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and others are sold cheaply on eBay. (Sometimes in full years, or random groups!) Depending on the fashion historian, magazines might be better than a book!
3. Vintage Fashion or Jewellery
Okay, this is not the easiest suggestion but has the possibility of being a golden gift. If you are going the route of vintage clothing, you will probably need their actual measurements. Vintage clothing sizes are typically not standard, and many are handmade and don’t configure to a size. (If need be, you could potentially emasure a piece of their clothing that you know fits.) Whether you are purchasing on eBay, the Real Real, Instagram, or anywhere else, make sure to ask the seller for several photos and a detailed breakdown of any issues. Be polite but firm, and ask about seams, buttons, hems, holes, and anything else that might apply to the garment.
Vintage jewellery can be a bit easier. You need a general ring size or necklace length, and whether or not they wear silver or gold jewellery. If you are purchasing a pin or brooch, make sure that the clasp or closure works. Also, ensure that any earrings are actually a matching pair. If your fashion historian loves a particular designer, vintage costume jewellery can be the perfect way to own a piece without spending a ridiculous amount.
4. Exhibition Souvenirs
Exhibition souvenirs can be a wonderful gift for a fashion historian. I had a friend ask me to grab her something from the Dior exhibition in London even though she wasn’t able to see it! Many museums have online shops; you can find the V&A’s lines online, as well as the Met in New York. (Pay attention to international shipping, it can be a doozy…) If you know someone who would really enjoy something from a particular exhibition, remember to grab something the next time you go. And if it is from a smaller museum that only has an in-person shop, try and email them or give them a call. Most are willing to work with you if they know that you are interested! This may not be helpful for this year, but for your future shopping!
5. Museum Tickets
What kind of fashion history gift guide would this be without suggesting museum tickets? Of course, there are fashion specific museums like the Fashion Museum in Bath and the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. Don’t write off general museums, though. Museums like the V&A and the Royal Ontario Museum have fantastic, dedicated textile galleries that are absolutely worth your time! If they have already been already, see if you can get tickets to a talk with a curator or speaker, or a behind the scenes tour with staff. And go with them! If we know nothing in 2019, it is that the gift of experiences and time together is almost always preferred. And, in this case, you might just learn from you fashion historian, too! (Shameless plug: support museums and the heritage sector! Don’t take them for granted!)
And if you are looking for my general history gift guide, you can check it out here!
I hope this fashion history gift guide will help you in all of your gift giving needs this year! What would you include in this guide?
Cheers,
The Historian
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