A History of Royal Fashion
Explore how British royalty have influenced fashion over the last 500 years, from the Tudors to the Windsors.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for those who have an interest in fashion history and/or the Royals. No prior knowledge is required
all learners are welcome.
What topics will you cover?
Week 1 – Step into the square shoes of the Tudors and see how their lavish clothes were designed to project power, wealth and control
Week 2 – The Stuarts are centre stage to showcase how they dressed for leisure and influenced new trends through performance in an increasing time of conflict
Week 3 – Explore the glamorous Georgians, their century of economic and social change, extreme fashions and an era marked by very public and very private monarchs
Week 4 – Move into the reign of Queen Victoria, her own changing wardrobe and how technological advancements took fashion forwards
Week 5 – Welcome to the 20th century where the Windsors balance royal fashion with diplomacy and expectations in an era of mass media and celebrity
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…
Assess the significance of fashion and clothing to individual and collective British royals
Identify key fashion developments from the sixteenth century to the present day
Reflect on how and why fashions have changed
Explore the significance of different primary sources for understanding fashion history
Develop an understanding of the history of British monarchs, their family and their reigns
