Dressed: The History of Fashion – Episode Summary: Fashion History Now #68

Release Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: Cassie Zachary & April Callahan

Introduction and Overview

In the latest episode of Dressed: The History of Fashion, hosts Cassie Zachary and April Callahan embark on an extensive global journey, linking historical fashion narratives to contemporary practices. Titled Fashion History Now #68, the episode delves into diverse topics ranging from indigenous athletic wear to sustainable fashion initiatives and significant fashion exhibitions around the world.

Spotlight on Lorena Ramirez

[02:04] Cassie Zachary:
Cassie introduces listeners to Maria Lorena Ramirez, a distinguished ultra-marathon runner from Chihuahua, Mexico. While Ramirez is renowned for her athletic prowess, her unique traditional attire sets her apart in the running community.

[03:52] April Callahan:
April highlights Ramirez’s distinctive racewear—leather huarachas paired with a blouse and skirt—rooted in the Raramuri (Tarahumara) culture. This traditional ensemble not only reflects her heritage but also symbolizes resilience against modern sportswear norms.

[05:17] April Callahan:
A New York Times article is referenced, detailing how Raramuri women use indigenous dress as a form of cultural preservation amidst pressures to assimilate, especially contrasting with Raramuri men who adopt urban attire for employment.

[06:22] April Callahan:
A poignant moment from the Netflix documentary Lorena: Light Footed Woman is shared, where Ramirez chooses traditional attire over modern running gear, affirming her identity and cultural pride:

"I do have a special lighter dress for running, but I wouldn't be Lorena without the skirt."
[07:04] April Callahan

Cassie also notes Ramirez’s crossover into fashion modeling, citing her feature in Mexican Vogue’s October 2019 issue.

Sustainable Shopping Recommendations

[07:38] April Callahan:
The hosts recommend Tokyo Kimono Shoes and Kimono Reborn Tokyo, sustainable brands repurposing used kimonos into fashionable items like T-shirts, tote bags, and especially bespoke sneakers. They emphasize the brand’s commitment to the Japanese principle of mottainai—avoiding waste by valuing what is already present.

[08:50] Cassie Zachary:
Cassie elaborates on the uniqueness of each shoe pair, crafted from single kimonos ensuring no two pairs are identical. She expresses enthusiasm for their stylish and eco-friendly designs:

"I cannot wait to get my hands on a pair of their sneakers."
[09:12] Cassie Zachary

Utilizing LinkedIn for Fashion History

[10:26] April Callahan:
April introduces LinkedIn as a valuable resource for fashion historians, praising its curated professional network. She highlights Keita Motoji, co-founder of Ginza Motoji, whose LinkedIn posts offer deep insights into traditional kimono craftsmanship.

[12:52] April Callahan:
Sharing excerpts from Keita’s LinkedIn posts, April emphasizes the blend of historical techniques with modern innovations in kimono-making, showcasing the resilience and artistry of Japanese textile traditions.

Hazel Village: Sustainable Handmade Clothing

[19:34] April Callahan:
The episode shifts focus to Hazel Village, a Brooklyn-based company founded by Jane Van Cleef, which creates sustainable handmade clothing and accessories for dolls. These products are not only charming but also ethically produced through partnerships with small factories worldwide.

[21:04] Cassie Zachary:
Cassie showcases Arthur Lamb, a meticulously crafted stuffed animal dressed in Hazel Village’s sustainable attire, highlighting the brand’s dedication to quality and ethical practices:

"This is one of the most special handicraft creations that the Hazel Village animals have ever been lucky enough to wear."
[23:15] April Callahan

Exhibitions to Explore

[25:00] Cassie Zachary:
The hosts recommend visiting prestigious exhibitions:

• Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York:

  • Super Fine Tailoring Black Style (open until October 26, 2025)
  • Sargent and Paris: Featuring nearly 100 works by John Singer Sargent, highlighting his influence on fashion through portraiture and stylistic collaborations.

• Antwerp's Momu:

  • Fashion and Interiors: A Gendered Affair (through August 3, 2025)
    This exhibition explores the intersection of fashion and interior design, showcasing works from designers like Le Corbusier, Ann Demeulemeester, and Raf Simons, emphasizing the 19th-century ideology of women as beautifiers of both themselves and their homes.

[26:39] April Callahan:
April encourages listeners to explore these exhibitions, emphasizing their relevance to both historical and contemporary fashion narratives.

Dressed Media Updates

[28:13] Cassie Zachary:
Cassie shares updates from the Dressed community:

• Newsletter Launch:
  Available monthly at DressedHistory.com, offering exclusive content and updates.

• Patreon Announcement:
  Acknowledging their assistant Erin's contributions, the hosts reveal ongoing developments for their Patreon support platform.

[28:54] April Callahan:
A brief update on their Santa Fe fashion history tour is provided, explaining its postponement to early 2026 due to logistical challenges, with assurances of future planning.

[29:35] Cassie Zachary:
Cassie announces her upcoming lecture in Australia at the NGV Melbourne in association with a book launch, following a rescheduled date due to visa issues.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

[30:30] April Callahan:
April announces a live podcast recording in Chicago on June 10th at the Chicago History Museum, coinciding with the Dress a Costume Collection Retrospective exhibition, inviting listeners to attend and engage with the hosts and exhibition curator, Jessica Pusher.

[31:38] April Callahan:
Listeners are encouraged to connect via social media for visual content related to the podcast episodes and to reach out with feedback or questions via hello@dressedhistory.com.

Conclusion

Cassie and April wrap up the episode by highlighting their comprehensive show notes, which include links to all mentioned resources, exhibitions, and shopping recommendations. They also promote their upcoming content on the Airwave Network for an ad-free listening experience and express gratitude to their listeners for their ongoing support.

"May you consider the globetrotting nature of your closet. Next time you get dressed, please head over to DressedPodcast on Instagram or Dressed without the underscore on Facebook to check out the visual content associated with each week's episodes."
[31:38] April Callahan

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Preservation: Lorena Ramirez’s adherence to traditional Raramuri attire highlights the intersection of cultural identity and modern athleticism.

• Sustainable Fashion: Initiatives like Tokyo Kimono Shoes and Hazel Village exemplify innovative approaches to sustainability in fashion through repurposing and ethical manufacturing.

• Educational Resources: Platforms like LinkedIn offer valuable networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities for fashion historians.

• Engaging Exhibitions: Current and upcoming exhibitions provide immersive experiences into the historical and contemporary facets of fashion and its societal impacts.

• Community Engagement: Dressed Media continues to expand its offerings through newsletters, live events, and global lectures, fostering a vibrant community of fashion history enthusiasts.

For more detailed information, resources, and links mentioned in this episode, visit DressedHistory.com.