The History of Fashion & Women

Go beyond fashion as personal style to uncover stories of culture, identity, history, and power. Followed by Q&A. Every morning, we make a choice about what to wear. But what does our clothing actually communicate about who we are - and who holds the power to decide what our garments mean? Far from being a simple daily routine, fashion serves as a fascinating mirror of historical memory, personal identity, and culture. It reflects the complex ways different societies have intersected, traded, and influenced one another over centuries. In this talk, Professor Ling takes us on a global journey to explore how clothing and textiles have traveled across borders through trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Along the way, dress has rewritten the rules of beauty, belonging, and status. Through fascinating, unexpected stories from around the world, discover how the wardrobe can celebrate heritage, challenge deep-seated stereotypes, and reveal the hidden power dynamics behind our daily style choices. Join us to unpack how fashion doesn't just reflect society – it actively shapes how we see ourselves and each other. Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat! Follow us on IG @seedtalks Speaker Bio: Professor Wessie Ling is a cultural historian specialising in global fashion studies. Her research examines how fashion shapes identity, cultural exchange, and global power. Her notable publications include Global Fashion (2019), Fashion in Multiple Chinas (2018). She developed the concept of fashionalisation (2012), offering fresh insights into how fashion can both reinforce inequalities and create new opportunities for cultural connection and change. She is Professor of Transcultural Arts and Design and Founding Director of CREATURE (Research Centre for Creative Arts, Cultures and Engagement) at London Metropolitan University. This talk is 16+ Testimonials from our guests ⭐ Truly riveting talks, always enjoy these - a great way to spend an evening with some pals. Already looking forward to the next one. - Alexander P ⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S ⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J