Fashion History Online

learning about history is fun through the lens of fashion

Fashion Author - Janet Reed

click to read Janet's story

"Lessons in Fashion" is a library of
topical and entertaining mini blog videos
that reflect the styles popular during
selected fashion eras and cycles. They
are free to view! Click on the link below.

Lessons in Fashion

The collection is as much about history as fashion. You will learn the reason for the shift in the social environment that caused fashion to change. You'll also learn about the music people listened to, the things they did for fun, and how political activities and the economy affected their outlook on life. All these things influenced the styling that was en vogue.

I wish I had asked my parents and grand- parents to tell me stories of their childhood, their years as a teenager, what life was like for them during their twenties and thirties.
I know they would have loved to reminisce about the memorable events of their lifetime, beloved celebrities, their first job, their first car, and the best things about high school.

Historians seek out many different sources to attempt to explain the way it was. It's an ongoing process as newly discovered relics, written accounts, paintings, drawings, films, and photographs add more information. It is from the artwork, media, and personal letters that details of the story are recounted. In this, we must keep in mind that the interpretation is subjective - be it the director of a film, a costume designer, or the person who lived it.

History is a limitless source for creative inspiration. Its stories are of equal value as they stir our emotions and teach us about life through others' experiences. But the element of surprise is perhaps its most rewarding gift because the study of history always reveals more than we originally intended to find out.

The Evolution of Fashion

Janet Reed

The journey begins with the Renaissance period. Select a particular fashion era of interest or start at the beginning
and learn how fashion evolved through the decades.

▼ Click on a title below for an overview & demo of the book ▼

The Renaissance Through the 18th Century

The 19th Century (1800 - 1870)

The 1870's and 1880's: "The Late Victorian Era"

The 1890's and 1900's: "The Gilded Age"

The 1910's: "The Modern Period"

The 1920's: "The Roaring Twenties"