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.

Dressed for the photographer, 1842 – 1851

Posted on 2020-02-19 by Jonathan

These stellar photographs were taken by Hermann Carl Eduard Biewend (1814-1888), a chemist, scientist, and amateur photographer in Germany. The photographs he took of his wife and children are remarkable for their warmth and humanity. They are also great shots … Continue reading →

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Rossiters of Paignton

Posted on 2020-02-13 by Jonathan

I acquired this dress about 15 years ago from a theatre costume department in Toronto. It isn’t in perfect shape but I like the brocade pattern, and the style is classic 50s. The English dress is labelled Rossiters of Paignton, … Continue reading →

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Oscar Thoughts 2020

Posted on 2020-02-11 by Jonathan
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Syracuse University Collection

Posted on 2020-02-10 by Jonathan

What brought me to Syracuse last week was a trip to the university to lecture to the fashion design students about footwear history. I also had the opportunity to see their Sue Ann Genet costume collection, which is amazingly good. … Continue reading →

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Onondaga Historical Society Museum, Syracuse, NY

Posted on 2020-02-09 by Jonathan

Just got back from a whirlwind trip to Syracuse where I spoke at the Syracuse University on shoe history, and then saw some amazing costume collections at the University, behind the scenes at the Rochester Museum of Science, and at … Continue reading →

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Fashion in Song – Louboutins (2009)

Posted on 2020-02-02 by Jonathan

Released as a lead single on Jennifer Lopez’ 7th album in December 2009: Uh, uh, uh, uh, yeahOh, oh, ah-ah-ah, radio killerTaking back my love (Taking back my love)… You said you’d change, but still nothingYou’re still the same, I’m … Continue reading →

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Costume Designer’s Guild Awards, 2020

Posted on 2020-01-30 by Jonathan

The American Costume Designer’s Guild Awards were held last night and the winners were: EXCELLENCE IN PERIOD FILMJojo Rabbit, Mayes C. Rubeo EXCELLENCE IN CONTEMPORARY FILMKnives Out, Jenny Eagan EXCELLENCE IN SCI-FI / FANTASY FILMMaleficent: Mistress of Evil, Ellen Mirojnick … Continue reading →

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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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