Bernadette Banner studies the history of dress through practical experimentation and reconstruction, exploring historical eras preceding the introduction of the electric sewing machine because technology is weird, as she states. “My reconstruction work is done by hand or using authentic machinery where appropriate, and I am simultaneously on an ongoing side quest to discover how we can implement historical practices in 21st-century life to live a bit more sustainably,” – Bernadette says. She now has an impressive 673k YouTube Channel and works full-time as an independent online content creator and as a freelance “consulting dress detective” or, simply put research consultant, and illustrator. She splits her time between her native New York City and London, where she’s collaborating with the School of Historical Dress on future publication work. Be sure to visit Bernadette Banner on Instagram.
Welcome to Bernadette’s historical sewing adventures!
“Generally, the garments I study (and thus, the content I produce) range from early Medieval through Edwardian: anything and everything before the widespread use of the electric sewing machine,” – Bernadette wrote on her YouTube Channel.
“My goal is to investigate the practices and materials used throughout history in order to better understand the clothes themselves, as well as the people who wore them.”
“I do also make most of my everyday clothes myself – reflecting historical details, of course – so there’s a bit of that round here as well.”
So whether you decide to visit Bernadette’s Channel for the history or instead wish to learn a bit of the historical origins behind these garments before adapting them to your modern needs, you’re welcome!
Not only does she dress like someone from another era, but her viewers also notice with amusement that she appears to think and speak like someone from the past as well and it’s oddly satisfying to watch.
“Mrs. Crocombe telling us off for working in the music halls. In other news, the vlog of our visit to Audley End is now live, featuring this glorious icon. We are still recovering,” – she wrote on Instagram.
While a lot of people spend a lot of time developing their personal style, few can say they have medieval dresses hanging in their closet, yet Bernadette Banner has more than just a few.
And one of her latest designs – Lady Sherlock Holmes!
