The “why” behind Fashion History Book Club

We believe that fashion, and fashion history especially, is for everyone. The Fashion History Book Club is a place for every flavor of fashion nerd to come together and learn. Yes, starting with a humble book list we want to build a community of fashion nerds to find new perspectives, learn new things, share new resources, and create some unique discussions in the ever changing world of fashion, costume, design, and garment-making.

This idea started in the shower, like so many good ideas do… but in many ways it began over 5 years ago when Rachel and Jonathan first met working on Little Red Fashion, a fashion education company for kids that created the first ever (and award winning) augmented reality kids book about fashion. Through working together on the books, our podcast Little Red Village, and building that community when that project wound down we were keen to find new ways to work together beyond the various amazing historical research projects Rachel has brewing between her regular amazing writing at Forbes…Thus, The Fashion History Book Club was born. Giving us the freedom to use our combined fashion history knowledge for everyone without the limits focusing on teaching kids or making kid-friendly resources placed on us. After all, we both love to swear and we both love the sometimes gory, sometimes frank, and often complex aspects of fashion history that can be difficult to make kid-safe.

While we’re starting with a simple book list of 12 books, monthly meet ups, and solutions for bringing the fashion history curious together we want to see The Fashion History Book Club grow into a thriving online and IRL community with exclusive resources we’ve been creating over the years like topic-focused reading lists for deep dives into niche areas of fashion history, fashion history journals for self—guided learning, author talks leveraging our collective network of industry professionals, community panel-discussions on hot topics, and more!

At the end of the day we’re just two fashion nerd besties looking to bring other fashion nerds together in new ways that drive learning and dialogue.
Who knows, we might even podcast again! Whatever happens, we want you all to be a part of it and hope you’ll join us in LA or wherever you are (and wherever we can get enough fashion history nerds together.

FHBC Founders

Jonathan Joseph

I’m a development consultant, creative strategist, and nonprofit executive whose career has been shaped by a lifelong belief in the power of education and storytelling. My work has included public speaking for the Anti-Defamation League and True Colors, international policy programs, and producing arts and nonprofit media. I have advised national and international organizations, raised millions for mission-driven ventures in the private and charitable sectors, and currently serve as Executive Director of Have a Heart, Save a Heart, a Santa Monica–based nonprofit focused on women’s cardiovascular health.

Rachel and I /co-founded Little Red Fashion, the first fashion ed-tech company for young readers, and I was the author and creative director behind our award-winning augmented-reality book The Little Red Dress. My writing has appeared in outlets including the CFDA and Posture Magazine, and his creative work spans fine art, publishing, and cultural commentary. An avid reader, painter, opera enthusiast, and lover of all things fashion history, I bring a multidisciplinary eye and a deep passion for accessible learning to our Fashion History Book Club community.

Rachel Elspeth Gross

I am captivated by the individuals who steer high fashion brands, passionately dedicating their lives to crafting material culture that sometimes approaches an art form. Clothing intertwines with culture, linking us to heritage and history. Our choice of attire narrates a story that connects us to our past and present. Studying history unveils solutions, offering insights to shape a better future. I aspire to spotlight work that holds valuable lessons, contributing to a world of possibilities for improvement.

I am a contributing fashion writer to Forbes. You can also find more of my work on Instagram (@rachel.elspeth.gross) and on the last Podcast Jonathan and I worked on together (Available on on all podcasting platforms) Little Red Village, where we have interviewed industry insiders like Janie Bryant, Fern Mallis, Justine Picardie, Sandy Schreier, and many other people whose work frames the way we think about style, fashion, haute couture, and above all, history.