Mistresses of Wardrobe

Rachael 

I am a second year Ancient History student at the University of Birmingham, and love all things historical! My particular area of interest is the Late Roman Empire and Byzantium, and I love the Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora with all of my soul. I am fascinated by how clothing is used in representations of power, so there will be a lot of posts about royalty and clothing from me! I also have a collection of over 200 rubber ducks, but there probably won’t be so many posts about that.

Eleanor 

I am currently studying Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham. I love many historical periods from Ancient Greece to the 1920s via the Wars of the Roses. I also easily become obsessed with historical figures, both real and fiction, such as Alfred the Great, Anne Neville, Prince Albert, Phideas and the Hon. Daisy Dalrymple. Fasionwise, I love the 1920’s, especially the cloche hats, and I like the idea of full length dresses, but am not so sold on having to wear a corset. I have done some sewing before, but am not great at explaining my method, hopefully my obsessive and enthusiastic research will make up for it.

Sarah

I study Classical Literature and Civilisation at the University of Birmingham. I particularly love looking at the lives of women in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome - including ancient prostitution! Clothing was a huge influence in terms of how women were viewed in Greece and Rome, which is one of the reasons why I'm excited about being part of this fashion blog! I don't have a favourite fashion period but am really interested in the ways that fashion has developed over the centuries. I am also particularly interested in hair and make-up through the centuries (even though personally I do very little with my own hair and make-up). I am rubbish at sewing (and was never trusted with a sewing machine at school) so I won't be making any dresses but expect hair and make-up posts from me!

Heather

Hello! I study Music at the University of Birmingham, and although most of my life revolves around making/writing/writing about music, I love fashion and beauty too. Unlike my fellow bloggers, I know very little (basically nothing) about ancient fashion and culture; my interests start around the late Medieval/Early Modern periods, going up to present day. My favourite period of fashion/beauty is probably the early-mid 20th century, as I love how quickly fashion developed during this time. I enjoy looking for vintage dresses online and in charity shops, and my style icon is definitely Barbara Gilbert from Call the Midwife.