History Unhemmed

A Statement in Silk and Wool: The Sapeurs of the Congo

This episode takes a look at the vibrant and evocative members of La SAPE, the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People, or the Sapeurs. Set against the backdrop of

A Cardinal, A Queen, and A Con: The Affair of the Necklace

What happens when fashion, politics, and fraud collide in the glittering halls of Versailles? Tune in and find out about this gem-uine (yeah that really was awful) contro

Rethinking the Flow: Unpacking Menstrual Wear

And (after an eternity)…we’re back! Join us today as we take a closer look at the fascinating (and perhaps a bit messy) history of period garments. Not breeches and cors

Welcome to History Unhemmed!

What is History Unhemmed ? Allow us to introduce ourselves in 30ish seconds! Be sure to tune in - new episodes drop Monday April 14!

Fashioning Womanhood in Modern China: The Qipao or Cheongsam (PART I)

In this episode, we unravel the origins of the qipao or cheongsam. This garment is inextricably linked to the formation of modern China and has origins going back to at l

Spotted and Spot On: The History of the Polka Dot

Join us as we explore the fascinating and multi-faceted history of the polka dot. These innocuous little spots contain multitudes, from technological advancements to a ri

The Glamorous, Gritty, and Groundbreaking Life of April Ashley

Today's episode delves into the life of April Ashley, a fashion icon and a pioneering figure in the transgender community. Despite facing tremendous challenges and freque

A Bit of a Stretch: The Rise of the Elastic Waistband

EPISODE NOTES: It's that time of year again! Hopefully you have your "Eatin' Pants" clean, mended, and ready to roll. Enjoy today's episode, and a little snack, as we ex

Hell for Leather: A Short and (Mostly) Factual History of Human Skin as a Textile

EPISODE NOTES: Leather Face and Norman Bates and their penchant for human skin is the stuff of horror movies and fuel for more than a few nightmares. Sometimes, however,

Cones of Shame: Capirotes, Corozas, Dunce Caps, and Hoods

EPISODE NOTES: From the flagellant confraternities of the Middle Ages to the penitents of of the Spanish Inquisition, from Dunce Caps to the uniform one of the most hate

Clothed in the Vapors of Dawn: The Rise and Fall of Dhaka Muslin

EPISODE NOTES: For millennia, Dhaka was renowned for its exquisite cotton textiles. The resplendent fabrics from Bengal were highly sought after in markets from China an

Imagining Ourselves: The History of the Fashion Doll (PART 3)

EPISODE NOTES: Holy cow! We've hit our 20th episode! In the second half of the twentieth century, Barbie and other fashion doll makers grapple with issues of identity a

Plastic Princesses: The History of the Fashion Doll (PART 2)

EPISODE NOTES: In the twentieth century, the pandora doll had disappeared as a professional tool. The relationship between fashion and dolls, however, remained a very cl

From Palaces to Playthings:
The History of the Fashion Doll (PART 1)

EPISODE NOTES: She inspired fashion trends on a global scale. She taught young girls and grown women alike about the dressing styles of royal courts across Europe and ho

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 and Its Lasting Legacy

EPISODE NOTES: The shirtwaist emerged in the mid-late nineteenth century. It soon became a symbol of the modern working woman, and by the early twentieth century, shirtw

The Star Spangled Legacy of Nudie Cohn and Manuel Cuevas

EPISODE NOTES: "It's better to be looked over than overlooked." So was the motto of Nudie's Rodeo Tailors. The company's brash and bombastic frontman Nudie Cohn, an earl

Dressing The Social Register: The Almost Secret Life of Ann Lowe

EPISODE NOTES: From humble beginnings in rural Alabama, Ann Cole Lowe rose to become one of the most sought after fashion designers of the twentieth century. Her life st

Masked Mayhem: Mardi Gras Costumes in New Orleans (PARTIE 2)

EPISODE NOTES: Dressing up in costumes and masks has been at the heart of carnival celebrations since the founding of the city in the 1718. In the twentieth century, new

Race, Religion, and Revelry: Mardi Gras Costumes in New Orleans (PARTIE 1)

EPISODE NOTES: Every year, one of the biggest parties in the United States takes place in the 300-year-old streets of New Orleans. This episode traces the history of Mar

Undressed for Success: Red Underwear for a Happy New Year

EPISODE NOTES: Eat your greens and black eyed peas, make your champagne or whiskey toasts and enjoy some fireworks. The New Year brings with it many traditions, and in m