Norman Hartnell was born on born June 12, 1901, in London, England. While neglecting his studies at Cambridge University he instead focused on his work as a costume designer for the school’s drama club. During a production of “The Beggar’s Opera” in London his creations attracted the attention of the press. After being deemed the…… Continue reading Norman Hartnell
When Lucien Lelong was born in Paris, on October 11, 1889, one could have said that he was destined for a life of fashion. Lucien’s father and mother owned a small couture house and in 1907, at the mere age of 18, he designed his first pieces. Two years later, he took it upon himself…… Continue reading Lucien Lelong
John Redfern, was born on November 11, 1820. His father, also named John Redfern, owned a specialty clothing shop in Cowes, Isle-of-Wight, England. Young John spent his early life learning tailoring and draping techniques. John Redfern set up his tailoring business in Cowes High Street following his marriage to Harriet Beazley, and between 1847 and…… Continue reading John Redfern & Sons
One of the earliest examples of corseting (reducing the dimensions of the torso or waist) can be found on pottery figures created during the late Minoan Period (1500BC) and found in Knossos, Crete. The bodies of these snake goddesses are closely confined within their belt-like bodices, commonly thought to be made of leather or wooden…… Continue reading A brief history of the corset through 1950
Prior to 1870, various types of silhouette-altering garments were worn to change the natural shape of the female body into a fabricated, structural work of art. In addition to the corset, this included hip pads, bum rolls, farthingales, side hoops, panniers, stiffened petticoats, and crinolines. It wasn’t until 1868 that the bustle, or tournure, first…… Continue reading A brief history of the bustle
I finally got around to taking some quick pictures of the outfit I made for this year’s Edwardian Ball. Sadly, I had double-lung pneumonia at the time, and although I did attend, I was not able to fully lace myself into a corset. I opted to use the buttons and lace it up the front instead,…… Continue reading Turning of the Century
refashioning history 