Her remarkable journey through the 20th century bore witness to transformative cultural shifts, from the glamorous heights of the fashion world to the harrowing depths of war-torn Europe.

From ancient civilisations to contemporary catwalks, hosiery has significantly shaped fashion and reflected societal norms. Join us on a fascinating journey through time as we unravel the rich history of hosiery, exploring its origins, and transformation in wartime restrictions.

At this time of year, there are vintage events and festivals dotted all around the country to celebrate bygone eras. The annual Goodwood Revival from the 8th to the 10th of September is a firm favourite vintage event with us here at The Seamstress of Bloomsbury, and we want to help you look as fabulous as possible!

150 years ago if you wanted to go to the beach as a woman you would be wearing several layers of cumbersome cotton or flannel just to dip your toes - thankfully things have changed a lot since then, and swimwear is much more liberating for women now than it was all that time ago. But how did we go from wearing a multi-layered swim ensemble to our modern bikinis where sometimes almost nothing is left to the imagination?

 

From protecting factory workers hair, to saving prisoners of war in WW2, silk was one of the most sought after and versatile fabrics of the time! But just how did silk keep so many at home and abroad safe?

Everyone loves a good vintage event! From vintage car racing to World War 2 re-enactment weekends, there’s a 1940s-themed weekend for everyone.
 
We’ve put together a small list of some events taking place in 2023 across the UK!

The pin-up models of the 1940s/50s are iconic symbols of the time, with scantily clad ladies being painted on military vehicles, appearing in war propaganda, and being popular in general in America especially throughout the war and post-war period. Pin-ups were nothing new though, and the idea of ‘pinning up’ art and photos has been around since at least the 1800s, if not earlier!

During the Second World War, almost all everyday provisions from food to clothing were rationed and in short supply around Britain. But that didn't stop women around the country from looking as lovely as possible!

This year Her Majesty The Queen of England will be the first-ever British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee with an impressive 70 years of service!

 

With over 70 years service, we’re taking a look back to the Second World War, when The Queen was simply  Princess Elizabeth, and how The Queen and her family supported the nation through bleak and uncertain times.

Hollywood actress Hedy Lemarr was often called "The Most Beautiful Woman in the World", but being a star wasn't her only forte! Hedy starred in classic 40s films, but she was also an incredible genius who invented and pioneered the groundwork for modern-day Wi-Fi!

The 1940s would see rationing for food and clothing and would revolutionise the fashion industry for generations to come. But what was fashion rationing, and how did it affect the fashion world in the UK?