As I’ve said a million times now, 2020 was a wonderful year for the remote historian. Although we may not be able to visit museums or attend talks in person, we were all forced to go online. And now the digital world is our oyster. Last year, my 2020 Online Fashion History Exhibitions was one of my most popular posts, understandably so. (And don’t worry, my 2021 post will be going up soon!) And now along with exhibitions, I’m being asked about online talks. Today I’m going to be looking at where to find online fashion history talks, to stay connected!
If you are anti-Zoom talks and tired of logging on, this is not the post for you. However, if you are remote like me, or simply want more fashion history in your life, read on. (I will continue adding to this post if I find more!) If you are even only tangentially interested in the topic, I would still recommend joining the talk- I’ve compiled several lists of resources simply from listening to different talks.
Attending Online Talks
As with everything online, make sure that you are double and triple-checking time zones. Sometimes websites will show you the event in your time zone; sometimes it will stay in a static time zone.
Most digital events are on Zoom! You don’t technically need to, but I would recommend downloading the Zoom app prior to your events. Go to the email and click on the Zoom link 5 minutes prior to the talk. You will probably sit in a virtual waiting room, but it’s better than being late and potentially missing the whole talk. You probably won’t have the option to turn on your camera or microphone, but if you do, make sure that you are muted!
Online Fashion History Talks
Museum at FIT
The Museum at FIT is one of my favourite museums without ever having been there, and if I ever find myself in New York, it will be the first place I visit. The MFIT is one of the most forward thinking museums I’ve found- they have had online exhibitions and talks for years. (Find my thoughts on Ballerina: Fashion’s Modern Muse here!
You can find their recorded past talks here: http://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/research/research-at-mfit.php. Some are podcasts, some are Youtube links, some are linked through other institutions, but there are well over 30 talks on a huge range of themes. They are often linked to one of their exhibitions, but not always. These are really my gold standard for online fashion history talks! Often with access to invaluable garments, they are well-researched, presented by leading dress and textile history scholars, and still easy to understand for anyone.
They also have their Fashion Culture Online Programs happening monthly for Winter 2021. The events are pre-recorded talks on YouTube, but several have live Q&As during the event where you can learn more and ask the experts.
Registration Required/$: To attend the premiere and take part in the Q&A, you do need to register for free. However, you can watch their talks after on Youtube!
National Arts Club
The National Arts Club is also based in New York, and moved all of their talks online, luckily for all of us. In addition to fashion history, they have talks on art history, cultural history, interviews with artists and authors, and even musical performances. (I know that no one wants more emails, but I would recommend definitely getting on their email list.)
The NAC’s talks are often more esoteric than other institutions tend to host. However, I have certainly broadened my perspectives through watching many of these talks, and they’ve pushed me to look at things in different ways. They do have some massive names- in February 2021 they have talks with both Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellan, so these are no slouch. (And I don’t know that they will stay online when life eventually returns to “normal”, so don’t miss out.)
Registration Required/$: Registration is required prior to the event, but there is no fee to attend- you can of course donate to the NAC, though.
Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is another one of my favourite museums. All about footwear, they have one of the most vast but focused collections that I’ve seen. I saw three exhibitions when I last visited: The Gold Standard (all about glittering, golden footwear), Want (footwear from the Great Depression), and Art and Innovation (looking at traditional Arctic footwear). They also feature a permanent timeline of footwear featuring some pretty incredible pieces, too.
The BSM is currently doing an online Salon Series, where different historians and creatives dive into cultural history. Shoes are obviously linked in, but I love that the talks tend to be a broader look at a topic. Following the popularity of Bridgerton, the January 2021 talk looked at Regency footwear and fashion, and the February 2021 talk is going to explore exotic goods in Georgian Britain.
Registration Required/$: You do need to register ahead of the event, but there is no ticket cost. (Donations are appreciated, though!)
Royal School of Needlework
The Royal School of Needlework might not be the first thing you think of when you hear “fashion history”. However, it is an immense source of textile history. The School was founded in 1872 by Lady Victoria Wellby; Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Helena, was the first royal patron. (The current royal patron is the Duchess of Cornwall.) They have been based out of Hampton Court Palace since 1987, and are recently known for doing the embroidering for then-Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding gown.
There are two “streams” of talks: Collection Talks and Curator Talks. The Collection Talks explore different pieces from the RSN’s own archives (quite an incredible archive). Curator Talks focus more on the RSN’s history, their techniques, and their notable creations. If you have been inspired by Bridgerton to take up embroidery, these are perfect for you!
Registration Required/$: You will need to register ahead for these talks, you usually need to register 6-8 hours ahead of the talk. They do ask that you donate at least £5 to watch the talk, but you can donate more- all is appreciated!
Sartorial Society Series
“The Sartorial Society Series is organised by a group of dress historians and curators with the aim of celebrating the diverse, innovative, and excellent research emerging in the field of dress history. We want to create a space that welcomes and supports dress historians from all backgrounds, and fosters positive connections within our field.”
Although the Sartorial Society Series is run by academic historians, you do not have to be an academic to attend! It is a digital seminar series, meaning that each week features 2-4 different shorter but related talks. (If you are wanting to get some experience with panels/conference style presentations, this is a great opportunity.) Because there is a Call For Papers, the topics are quite varied- it all depends on who submits proposals. Topics range from the medieval to the modern, and address any number of themes. You will find religion, fashion in museum, LGBTQ* stories, etc.
Registration Required/$: You do need to register ahead of time, there are space limits. However, there is no charge for registration.
Where do you find your online fashion history talks?
Cheers,
The Historian
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