IT’S BACK. My 2020 Fashion History Podcasts post is consistently one of my most popular posts. I mean, it is understandable- everyone is into podcasts, and who isn’t interested in fashion history? So, in time for your summer listening, I’ve got my favourite fashion history podcasts of 2021! These aren’t podcasts that have started in 2021, but that I am listening to this year. (I’ve tried to link on Spotify or Google here- I know Apple Podcasts is popular with iOS users, but that ignores us Android folks.) So for Style File Friday, let’s get listening!
If you did miss my 2020 Fashion History Podcasts, you can find it here: https://anhistorianabouttown.com/top-5-fashion-history-podcasts-2020/! I would recommend checking these out as well, I am still regularly listening to all new episodes.
Dress: Fancy
Dress: Fancy explores the popularity, prevalence and power of fancy dress. Hosted by Lucy Clayton and Dr Benjamin Wild, the series looks at the social significance and psychology of people in costume. Episodes consider why fancy dress has been a constant theme throughout history; sometimes as an act of celebration or escapism, on other occasions as a form of protest or disruption.
Why You Should Listen…
Dress: Fancy is without a doubt one of my favourite podcasts, period. Fancy dress was a bit of a mystery term to me- it has no meaning here in Canada. (I suspect if you told someone you were having a fancy dress party, you would be asked if they should wear a cocktail dress or full length gown…) And there are no better guides than Lucy and Ben. Both are incredibly well-versed in fashion history, and the culture that surrounds fancy dress, and you will learn a lot. However, it feels like you are hanging out with friends and re-capping the Devonshire House Ball, which is not something that I ever thought I could say! They cover a variety of fancy dress events, as well as other aspects, and do a fantastic job of not only connecting it to contemporary society but society now. And lucky for all of us, Dress: Fancy returns for a new season on Friday,18 June!
Ps. If you aren’t following the podcast on IG, I highly recommend you do- The Moth Tales are my favourite part of Tuesdays! (Not to mention their fascinating feed)
Favourite Episodes: Masqued Realities, Barbaric Splendour- The Devonshire House Ball, 1897
The Costumiers
Hosted by Penny Sanford and Lucy Hutchcraft, this series explores the world of costume; including film, historical dress, the arts industry, fashion and live performance. Episodes cover a range of topics associated with costume and ‘dressing up’ which we hope will educate, inspire and entertain.
Why You Should Listen…
The Costumiers is different from most other fashion history podcasts. The two hosts work in the costuming industry, and mostly work on different period pieces. (The dream!) They’ve got to attempt to take the historical garments that we love and translate them to modern projects and audiences. They not only talk about recreating historical fashions but also the industry, and costumes in general.
The only downside is that there are only three episodes because they are busy working! However, I’m hoping that there are more on the way, and in the meantime, I would also recommend following them on Instagram. They are very active, and do a lot of question Stories where you can ask them about the industry and their experiences!
Favourite Episode: The Masquerade
Unravel: A Fashion Podcast
A podcast with a focus on fashion history. Featuring cohosts Jasmine, Joy, and Dana.
Why You Should Listen…
I only recently discovered Unravel and I’m only sad that I didn’t find it sooner. This is a thoughtful and interesting podcast that covers more fashion topics than I could hope to ever learn about. Unravel is a mixture of fashion history, discussions of the state of the industry, exhibition reviews, and more. Jasmine, Joy, and Dana are clearly knowledgeable about these topics, and I always come away feeling like I’ve sat in on the most brilliant seminar. This does have a scholarly approach, but it isn’t intimidating or limiting in any way. They cover complex topics, like cultural appropriation, gender issues, and current situations in fashion; perfect if you want to get informed!
Favourite Episodes: Dior’s Feminism, Being Black in the Archives, Fashion in Focus: The Ruff
In Vogue: The 1990s
From slip dresses with army boots to colorful tracksuits and minimal pantsuits, Vogue experts highlight the stories in fashion history that reflected this new era of connectivity. For the first time, trends rapidly spread across the globe, subcultures were adopted as mainstream, and mass marketing turned brand visionaries into celebrity designers. Nothing was off-limits, everything blended together, and fashion reflected this new normal. We dive deep into narratives and context behind the paradoxical trends of grunge fashion, the rise of the supermodel, the renaissance of American lifestyle brands, and the first fashion-forward red carpets. Find out why, even 30 years later, we just can’t let go of the 90’s. Presented by Anna Wintour and hosted by Hamish Bowles, this fashion podcast examines how the 90s sparked a cultural fusion that continues to shape our world today — and why no one is exempt from fashion.
Why You Should Listen…
I was a kid in the 90s, so I was technically there but I don’t necessarily remember every fashion moment. And if I do, it’s through the lens of an elementary school-aged child. The 1990s are having quite the resurgence now, and while it is very familiar, I’m still out of the loop with some of it. This podcast from Anna Wintour and Hamish Bowles are great guides to take us through a decade full of fashion changes that greatly affected the industry we have now. I know that some people may dismiss the 90s as “not being history yet”, but 1990 was over 30 years ago, and we can absolutely turn a critical eye to the decade. (This podcast will also be a trip down memory lane if you were alive in the 90s…)
Favourite Episodes: London Libertines: Galliano, McQueen, Chalayan and McCartney, It Bags and It Girls
What fashion history podcasts are you listening to?
Cheers,
The Historian
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