Author Archives: Jonathan

About Jonathan

Jonathan Walford is a fashion historian and co-founder of the Fashion History Museum in Cambridge, Ontario. The FHM maintains a collection of nearly 12,000 artifacts dating from the mid 17th century to the present. Jonathan has authored various books and museum catalogues, including The Seductive Shoe, Shoes A-Z, Forties Fashion, 1950s American Fashion, and Sixties Fashion.

Fashion in Song – Wenn die Elisabeth (1930)

Posted on 2020-01-29 by Jonathan

This German song Wenn die Elisabeth is about Elizabeth, who loses her advantage of having great legs in the longer skirt styles of 1930. A second paragraph refers to how her friend Mitzi, who has a great rack, now has … Continue reading →

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Fashion in Song – Sticky Fingers, 1971

Posted on 2020-01-25 by Jonathan

Although none of the songs on this Rolling Stones album was about fashion, it’s hard to ignore the novel cover art that includes a working zipper that reveals white cotton undies. Widely considered one of the most influential album covers … Continue reading →

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Glues for Conservation

Posted on 2020-01-24 by Jonathan

Ran across these charts — might be useful:

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As Predicted: Upcycling Inspires 2020

Posted on 2020-01-23 by Jonathan

Margiela, and Viktor & Rolf both presented shows this week that picked up on environmentalism and sustainability for the fashion industry with collections inspired by upcycling. Although these avant-garde shows probably used no actual scraps or upcycling, the look opens … Continue reading →

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SAG Award fashions

Posted on 2020-01-21 by Jonathan

More for my own edification, it’s interesting to see what looks are trending: Old fashioned Hollywood glamour – it still works, although Jennifer’s nips are a bit… noticeable…: Interesting – not sure if they all work, but at least they … Continue reading →

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Fashion in Song – How to Do That (1989) – Jean Paul Gaultier

Posted on 2020-01-19 by Jonathan

Gaultier announced a couple of days ago that he will be retiring from fashion design after his final couture show on January 22. Back in 1989, at the height of his ‘enfant terrible’ reputation, he produced this dance video: How … Continue reading →

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2019 Academy Award Costume Design nominees

Posted on 2020-01-16 by Jonathan

2019 was a good year for costume films. A plethora of period, fantasy and sci fi films streamed online, and through the theatres: Downton Abbey, Harriet, Dolemite is my name, 1917, The Highwaymen, Rocketman, Judy, Dumbo, Aladdin, Star Wars, Maleficent, … Continue reading →

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Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario – a city of fashion in 1940

Posted on 2020-01-14 by Jonathan

Found this interesting article from the July 15, 1940 issue of MacLeans Magazine, about the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. A large part of the article ensures readers that although the population has a large German heritage, it is not … Continue reading →

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Canada’s Silk Steam Trains

Posted on 2020-01-12 by Jonathan

From 1887 until the 1930s, raw silk from the Far East roared across Canada in trains from the port of Vancouver.  Within two hours of the boat docking at Vancouver, stevedores unloaded the 90-kilogram burlap-wrapped 12-inch by 24-inch by 36-inch bales … Continue reading →

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Canadian Fashion Connection – Regal Sportswear

Posted on 2020-01-08 by Jonathan

In business by 1946, this Winnipeg sportswear company declared bankruptcy in 1953. Another business also called Regal Sportswear had opened in Montreal by 1958.

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