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Elizabeth Swann: Governor’s daughter to Pirate King

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One of my favourite film characters since childhood is Elizabeth Swann from the Pirates of the Caribbean. In this month’s blog we’re going to discuss how she represents development through character and, for the context of this article, costume.  Elizabeth’s first appearance as an adult is estimated to be set in 1728, just after the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean (1716-1726). This was due to European naval powers, namely the British Royal Navy, taking a more aggressive response towards piracy. Europe’s influence stretched further than the seas, weaving itself into the fashion trends across the globe. As the governor’s daughter, Elizabeth would’ve had the duty of maintaining these European trends throughout the British colonies — reinforcing the prevailing European ideals.  The gold dress: The first dress we see her in is an example of the “latest fashion in London” according to her father. Contextually this would’ve been the ‘robe volante’, popularised in France. Whilst...
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Tartan and identity: whose is it?

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As the colder months approach, scarves have returned as a saving grace to many of our otherwise bland outfits. With each year new styles are worn, but over time I’ve noticed one pattern continuously worn as a favourite: tartan.   Whilst closely associated with the Scottish Highlands, the pattern’s history does not lie only there. The earliest tartan-like samples date back to ancient China approximately 3000 years ago, following their discovery in the ‘Qizilchoqua tombs’ containing mummified remains wrapped in tartan-like cloth. It is suggested by some historians to be a branch of Indo-Europeans, a population carrying European physical characteristics who lived in this region up to around 4000 years ago, however there is no direct link to Celtic heritage from this group. Tartan designs were also found in Celtic regions in Europe, migrating to a denser usage in Scotland. The earliest surviving Scottish sample of tartan dates back to the 16th century.  The pattern is understood t...
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Empowered or entrapped: What do Victoria’s Secret shows really mean for women?

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Heels, hair and HOT! The secret formula that the Victoria Secret producers just recently rediscovered for their runway. October 2025 saw the second return of Victoria’s Secret, following 2024’s disappointing attempt: largely due to the lack of bombshell blowouts, glittery stages and intricate wings. Though some just used this as an excuse to propagate hateful body image ideals… but safe to say pretty much everyone was disappointed in one way or another.  Background on the shows: The first show took place in August 1995, intimately hosted at New York’s Plaza Hotel. Its aim was to promote the brand and make lingerie more mainstream — breaking down the stigma around the sales. There was however, a conscious effort to illustrate the line as high-end, slightly unorthodox for what is ultimately, a ‘mall brand’.  To gain a brand however, Victoria’s Secret had to introduce their ‘it factor’: taking form in their infamous angel wings. The first pair were worn by Tyra Banks in 1998, due...
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‘I want to be perfect.’ The impact of balletcore on our generation

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  A famous quote from fictional character Nina Sayers in 2010 film ‘Black Swan’ perfectly encapsulates the inner monologue of every professional dancer. The strive for perfection in their art form, but is this exclusively in the context of the physical sport?   Ballet in particular has demonstrated an emphasis on perfection beyond the realms of precision in the movements, but also in the petite presentation of the body. We’ve heard what the industry can drive people to do when feeling as though they face no alternative to achieve this ‘requirement’ — so I’m left a little confused as to why we glamourise the grit?  I’m not talking about the pink bows, the shrugs and the leg warmers. I’m talking about the frame in which they have to fit. The aesthetic wasn’t intended to be pink, but intended to be perfection.  Backstage wasn’t always the glamourous girlhood we now have access to see, but another hidden exploitative pool of young girls.  Some background on backstag...
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