Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 23 minutes ago
What are some of the most ICONIC RED DRESSES in history, as seen in portraits, photographs and artworks and worn by famous women as well as some lesser-known figures who made just as striking an impact? In this fashion history documentary from History Calling (or is it an art history documentary? You decide) we explore my selection of the most memorable red dresses in art and culture, uncovering the fascinating stories behind each image and examining why the colour red has captivated us for centuries and why I think these are among the best red dresses you’ll ever see in art.
We’ll delve into the symbolism of red, a colour historically linked to femininity, attraction, power and even the god of war, Mars. Across different eras and societies, red has represented passion, danger, status, and rebellion, and as we see red, we’ll learn how these meanings are reflected in clothing and portraiture. From biblical heroines to queens, princesses, First Ladies of the United States and even a certain fairytale little girl called Little Red Riding Hood, this video traces the story of red in female fashion through ten carefully chosen examples.
Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious about the language of colour, this video offers a fresh perspective on the cultural power of the red dress. Some of the images we’ll explore are world-famous masterpieces, while others are hidden gems you may not have seen before, but each one reveals something unique about how fashion, identity, and symbolism intersect. Join me as we celebrate the ladies in red and discover why this bold hue continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
BUY MY BOOK (Find Your Irish Ancestors Online): amzn.to/3Z2ChnG
Website (with 2 FREE DOWNLOADS): historycallingofficial.com
Patreon: patreon.com/historycalling
Amazon storefront: amazon.com/shop/historycalling
Instagram: instagram.com/historycalling
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
ART HISTORY PLAYLIST
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLSjVq5Qtb0Eh4LJzcqLO_ayueqJt8ao-
FASHION & JEWELLREY PLAYLIST
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLSjVq5Qtb0H2taj_rXWmqyI3BoTbQfFn
TUDOR CONSORT NECKLACE
youtu.be/Yrs5FvcDlvs
LIFE OF JANE SEYMOUR
youtu.be/JSLO3dpC6wc
ANNE OF CLEVES: THE STORY BEHIND THE PAINTING
youtu.be/AIerL1Bug-U
LIFE OF HANS HOLBEIN
youtu.be/HKwM-2GahTg
PRINCESS ELIZABETH TUDOR: THE STORY BEHIND THE PAINTING
youtu.be/iGSgH3zgTdE
MODERNGURLZ’ PLAYLIST ON COLOURED DRESSES
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEys9MuxbIL_BsCHfnj_rMCmyN0FBj-Yr&si=ql6fydbbmqAg1rcm
WATCH:
Becoming Elizabeth, season 1 (Starz, 2022)
amzn.to/3MSn2Ei
GEAR USED
Apple MacBook Pro Laptop (for video editing): amzn.to/3S6IoRK
Blue Yeti Microphone: amzn.to/3FgEDYq
Go-Pro Hero 13 camera: amzn.to/41H4Xnt
GoPro 3-Way 2.0 (Tripod/Grip/Arm): amzn.to/3vaVxjU
Memory Card: amzn.to/3KeLZZs
DJI Drone: amzn.to/39hROZm
NB: Links above may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission. It in no way affects the price you pay.
Open Street Map copyright information
openstreetmap.org/copyright
Creative Commons licenses used see creativecommons.org/licenses
#RedDresses #ColourRed #RedInFashion
What are some of the most ICONIC RED DRESSES in history, as seen in portraits, photographs and artworks and worn by famous women as well as some lesser-known figures who made just as striking an impact? In this fashion history documentary from History Calling (or is it an art history documentary? You decide) we explore my selection of the most memorable red dresses in art and culture, uncovering the fascinating stories behind each image and examining why the colour red has captivated us for centuries and why I think these are among the best red dresses you’ll ever see in art.
We’ll delve into the symbolism of red, a colour historically linked to femininity, attraction, power and even the god of war, Mars. Across different eras and societies, red has represented passion, danger, status, and rebellion, and as we see red, we’ll learn how these meanings are reflected in clothing and portraiture. From biblical heroines to queens, princesses, First Ladies of the United States and even a certain fairytale little girl called Little Red Riding Hood, this video traces the story of red in female fashion through ten carefully chosen examples.
Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious about the language of colour, this video offers a fresh perspective on the cultural power of the red dress. Some of the images we’ll explore are world-famous masterpieces, while others are hidden gems you may not have seen before, but each one reveals something unique about how fashion, identity, and symbolism intersect. Join me as we celebrate the ladies in red and discover why this bold hue continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
BUY MY BOOK (Find Your Irish Ancestors Online): amzn.to/3Z2ChnG
Website (with 2 FREE DOWNLOADS): historycallingofficial.com
Patreon: patreon.com/historycalling
Amazon storefront: amazon.com/shop/historycalling
Instagram: instagram.com/historycalling
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
ART HISTORY PLAYLIST
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLSjVq5Qtb0Eh4LJzcqLO_ayueqJt8ao-
FASHION & JEWELLREY PLAYLIST
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLSjVq5Qtb0H2taj_rXWmqyI3BoTbQfFn
TUDOR CONSORT NECKLACE
youtu.be/Yrs5FvcDlvs
LIFE OF JANE SEYMOUR
youtu.be/JSLO3dpC6wc
ANNE OF CLEVES: THE STORY BEHIND THE PAINTING
youtu.be/AIerL1Bug-U
LIFE OF HANS HOLBEIN
youtu.be/HKwM-2GahTg
PRINCESS ELIZABETH TUDOR: THE STORY BEHIND THE PAINTING
youtu.be/iGSgH3zgTdE
MODERNGURLZ’ PLAYLIST ON COLOURED DRESSES
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEys9MuxbIL_BsCHfnj_rMCmyN0FBj-Yr&si=ql6fydbbmqAg1rcm
WATCH:
Becoming Elizabeth, season 1 (Starz, 2022)
amzn.to/3MSn2Ei
GEAR USED
Apple MacBook Pro Laptop (for video editing): amzn.to/3S6IoRK
Blue Yeti Microphone: amzn.to/3FgEDYq
Go-Pro Hero 13 camera: amzn.to/41H4Xnt
GoPro 3-Way 2.0 (Tripod/Grip/Arm): amzn.to/3vaVxjU
Memory Card: amzn.to/3KeLZZs
DJI Drone: amzn.to/39hROZm
NB: Links above may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission. It in no way affects the price you pay.
Open Street Map copyright information
openstreetmap.org/copyright
Creative Commons licenses used see creativecommons.org/licenses
#RedDresses #ColourRed #RedInFashion
