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Fashioned

By: Clara Amfo, Amber Butchart
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  • Summary

  • Broadcaster Clara Amfo and fashion historian Amber Butchart uncover the secret history of fashion, from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.

    But this isn't just about what we wore, but who we were, and who we are today. This series will look at the legacy fashion has left us, from rules that still regulate dress around gender and class, to its influence on feminism, civil rights, and the environment.

    A Just Radio production for Audible Originals.

    ©2020 Audible, Ltd. (P)2020 Audible, Ltd.
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Episodes
  • Ep. 1: Dressing to Express
    Nov 24 2020

    We start with the Vikings and the early frontiers of style. But soon the 'rules of fashion' become a force for control, with strict class laws governing everything from the colours you could wear, to the pointiness of your shoes.

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    36 mins
  • Ep. 2: Cross-Dressing
    Nov 24 2020

    Gender-defying fashionistas first started to capture the popular imagination in Elizabethan England. Shakespeare's plays see male actors dressing as female characters dressing as male characters. And rebellious Mary Frith defies gender norms winning a £20 bet by riding from Charing Cross to Shoreditch dressed as man.

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    33 mins
  • Ep. 3: A Class Act
    Nov 24 2020

    We see the rise of the actress as a fashion icon in the 18th century. Frances Abington becomes known as the 'fashion doctor' and grows to fame as the first celebrity stylist. However, fears about working class people dressing above their station quickly become a national obsession.

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    37 mins

What listeners say about Fashioned

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    3 out of 5 stars

disappointing

I have no idea who Amber Butchart is but her vocabulary is like a childs, the over use of the word "totally" was maddening, and so sycophantic to the far more articulate Ms Amfo. Probably my own fault but I assumed it would be about British Fashion but quickly spiraled into a black American history which while interesting in a different context was just irritating in a pod cast about fashion.

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12 people found this helpful

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Very enjoyable!

I really enjoyed this, and the only criticism I have is that, instead of even a single mention of the misconception, they simply perpetuated the idea of the corset being a body mangling prison. Better research or even a throwaway line would have sufficed on that front. (There are plenty of dress historians on YouTube debunking this myth!!)

Obviously deeper dives wouldn't have worked with the timeframe and format, but it definitely left me wanting more! Here's hoping we get to see a sequel maybe.

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7 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Quoting Marx again

It was a really good podcast until I got to the 4th episode where (of course) woke ideas developed fully and Amber started talking about Marx, quoting Marx.,, me as someone who was brought up in socialism cannot relate to spreading these toxic ideas by current woke movement - even in a podcast about fashion.... basically if you are woke you’ll love it, if not rather listen to something else.

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6 people found this helpful

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so much fun

I only wish this conversation was longer allowing more in-depth information on period details, specifics.

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4 people found this helpful

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I tip my hat to Amber B's ace knowledge!

Amber Butchart is cut from the finest cloth when it comes to fashion history - she knows her stuff inside out and is a delight to listen to. Do follow her on Instagram, as her posts about clothing through the ages are glorious. Love Clara too.

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4 people found this helpful

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Truly enjoyable!

Fantastic snippets of story from the world & history of fashion, told in a really engaging manner, really well produced. Highly recommended!

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3 people found this helpful

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Interesting and informative

These 2 animated women trace the history of fashion and social norms over many centuries. The comments of experts put each episode into historical, social and political context, providing an insightful background. This is a very good series which is also educational and enjoyable.

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Loved it!

A really lovely blend of personal thoughts and the history of fashion. Will definitely listen again I enjoyed it so much:)

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Fantastic

I loved this series. I have learnt a great deal and especially the effect of historical fashion has influenced modern day taboos and shibboleths. Would love to hear more.

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Just admit you are a "Slave to Fashion"

Excellent work Ladies!
Hours of interesting facts. I could easily have kept on listening .

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