The Museum of London has created a new page on their website, bringing together 26 short videos all about London fashion.
The bite-sized videos we go behind the scenes to explore the Museum’s massive fashion archive, all the way from A to S, and more are being added at the moment.
The whole lot are here.
A for Hardy Amies
A is for Hardy Amies, prolific couturier extraordinaire to the rich and famous, including none other than her majesty the queen.
B for Boudoir Caps
Take a look at the ornate collection of highly embellished and boudiful caps, which rose in popularity during World War One.
C for Corsets
Join Senior Curator Beatrice Behlen as she introduces you to game-changing corset designer, Roxey Ann Caplin.
D for Dolls
These Second World War dolls, designed by Moray Thomas, reflect the war time fashions of women contributing to Britain’s war effort.
E for Etui
Curator of Making, Danielle Thom uncovers the secrets of 18th century mini spoon transportation in our episode all about etuis!
F for Flowers
#LondonsFashionAlphabet continues with F for Flowers, but not the sweet smelling kind – they’re artificial.
G for Garnet
Take a watch of this episode to learn more about an elusive gemstone which rose to fame in Victorian London.
H for Horrockses
A beautiful vintage Horrockses dress provides a gateway into the history of the trailblazing cotton manufacturing man: John Horrocks.
I for Ice Skates
Learn more about one of London’s coolest pastimes – ice skating! Plus see some beautiful crafted ice skates from the fashion stores.
J for Jumpsuit
Llook at a retro red jumpsuit, perfect for disco dancing and as daywear for the most fashionable of Londoners.
K for Krio
Watch on as higher education programme manager, Melissa Bennett talks through a traditional Krio outfit, which tells all about the influences surrounding this unique group of people.
L for Leather Shoe
Come along on this whistlestop tour through Roman, medieval and Tudor London and look at a load of lovely footwear from throughout London’s history.
M for Mourning Wear
Mourning wear and the tradition of wearing black during more melancholy moments, as you’ll discover, was something which Victorians really picked up and ran with.
N for Nacre
Talking about Nacre, also known as mother of pearl. Find out more about its various uses, from gambling chips to garnishing the garments of Queen Victoria herself.
O for Otto Lucas
Take a look at some of Otto’s gorgeous hats and gain an insight into his interesting ways of working.
P for Punk
Zips, rips, chains and paint splatters, the rule book goes out of the window with these items which have mostly been modified or DIY-ed by their owners.
Q for Mary Quant
Synonymous with London in the swinging 60s, this episode is all about Mary Quant. Her innovative designs and bold colour choices have had a lasting influence on fashion as we know it today.
R for Rahvis
Fashion curator Lucie Whitmore introduces us to a fabulous evening gown created by Rahvis sisters, Raemonde and Dora.
S for Silk Suffragette Scarf
Join us as we follow the (literal) thread weaving through the Suffragette movement. What can this S reveal about the hidden stories of women during that time?
T-Z – coming soon
The whole lot are here.
