Toronto Reference Library Blog

In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.”  And for those of us who have been around the block a few times, everything old is new again. Nothing exemplifies that better than the recurring themes in fashion and dress.

Whether you are looking for inspiration for a new design, searching for images of historical dress for a theatre or film project, or researching fashion history just for the fun of it, Toronto Reference Library's enormous magazine collection can help.

We have journals and newspapers from before the turn of the last century right up to the present day. For example, we have Harper's Bazaar from 1867 and American Vogue from 1892. We carry newcomer Worn Fashion Journal. We also have hidden gems, such as Men's Wear, Gentry, Pictorial Review, Vogue and Butterick Pattern books, and so much more.

Visit the 4th floor Periodicals Desk and pick up our Guide to Fashion in the 20th Century. While you're here check out our new display and consider the wise words of thos who have come before.

“I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch.”  Gilda Radner

“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."  Mark Twain

“One is never over- or under-dressed with a little black dress.” Karl Lagerfeld

And perhaps, the wisest words of all:  “Above all, remember that the most important thing you can'take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it's an open mind.” Gail Rubin Bereny

In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.”  And for those of us who have been around the block a few times, everything old is new again. Nothing exemplifies that better than the recurring themes in fashion and dress.

Whether you are looking for inspiration for a new design, searching for images of historical dress for a theatre or film project, or researching fashion history just for the fun of it, Toronto Reference Library's enormous magazine collection can help.

We have journals and newspapers from before the turn of the last century right up to the present day. For example, we have Harper's Bazaar from 1867 and American Vogue from 1892. We carry newcomer Worn Fashion Journal. We also have hidden gems, such as Men's Wear, Gentry, Pictorial Review, Vogue and Butterick Pattern books, and so much more.

Visit the 4th floor Periodicals Desk and pick up our Guide to Fashion in the 20th Century. While you're here check out our new display and consider the wise words of thos who have come before.

“I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch.”  Gilda Radner

“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."  Mark Twain

“One is never over- or under-dressed with a little black dress.” Karl Lagerfeld

And perhaps, the wisest words of all:  “Above all, remember that the most important thing you can'take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it's an open mind.” Gail Rubin Bereny