For a scrap of fabric that exists solely to circle your neck, the collar has a history that is anything but modest. From status symbols to sweat-stained shirt edges , collars have been through it all. And today, we can still trace their dramatic transformations through the ages, immortalized in museum portraits of men, women, and children from every era.
Before the 1400s, collars weren't really a thing. Men's necklines ranged from high to what we'd call today a scoop or boat neck. Shirts didn’t need collars because, frankly, there wasn’t much need for them.
By the mid-1500s, the ruff had emerged as the first true collar, evolving from simple shirt gathers at the neck into a separate accessory tied around the throat. What began as a practical way to keep garments clean soon caught on as a fashion trend, spreading from Spain to the rest of Europe. Early ruffs were modest in size and easy to launder, but not for long.
But what began as a modest pleated trim soon escalated into a theatrical halo of linen, lace, and starch...
The cartwheel ruff especially turned heads (and made turning your own head quite difficult). Popular from 1580 to 1610, these oversized collars were stiffened with starch, layered into hundreds of pleats, and could stretch up to a foot from the neck. The finer the linen, the more elite the wearer, with embroidery, jewels, and even precious metals adding to the extravagance.
They were as impractical as they were impressive. Wearing one meant assuming a proud, rigid posture, and making eating or moving your head nearly impossible. Often, ruffs could only be worn once before collapsing from heat and humidity.
Of course, not everyone was impressed. In the 1580s, Englishmen sporting these oversized neck donuts were mocked in France as “the English monster.” Fair.
As the ruff lost its hold (and the neck regained its freedom), a new style emerged: the falling band. Flat, soft, and often edged in lace, it was a welcome shift, easier to wear, easier to clean, and far less theatrical.
By the mid-1600s, these relaxed collars, sometimes called fallen ruffs, had taken over. Men wore them first, but women soon followed. Over time, this style continued to simplify, eventually giving rise to jabots and cravats…
In the 18th century, Enlightenment ideals ushered in a more restrained approach to dress. Out went lace, excess, and flamboyant ruffs. In came simplicity, refinement, and the cravat, a modest white neckcloth first worn by 17th c. croat cavalry, that set the stage for the modern tie.
In the 1830s, a woman named Hannah Montague had a stroke of domestic genius: the detachable collar. Tired of constantly washing her husband's entire shirt, she cut off the grimy collar and stitched on a clean, starched one instead. It worked, and it caught on fast.
This clever hack offered the look of a freshly laundered shirt with a fraction of the effort. Soon, crisp, removable collars became a menswear staple and a subtle status symbol.
By the 1930s, fashion loosened up. As the Duke of Windsor put it, “We were all beginning to ‘dress soft'". Stiff, starched collars faded, and René Lacoste’s polo shirt kicked off the casual revolution.
Around the same time, “white collar” and “blue collar” emerged, terms born less from style than from laundry. Office workers wore crisp whites, while laborers opted for darker, practical fabrics.
Collars grew more relaxed, dress codes blurred, but the collar never vanished, it simply adapted.
The collar lives on, crisp or rumpled, buttoned-up or barely there. It still says something, whether it's "hire me," "brunch time," or "yes, this is vintage." And thanks to period dramas and runway revivals, even the ruff has staged a comeback. One person's historical hassle is another's fashion fantasy.
In the ancient world, body hair was largely removed. Greek and Roman men might have had some stylised pubic hair in their art, but women? If they appeared nude at all (which was rare), they were usually depicted without a single strand below the neck. Prudish? Perhaps. But by the Middle Ages, a hairless pubis had taken on an entirely different connotation—one tied to prostitution.
To keep things "decent," artists covered up genitals with fig leaves, flowing fabrics, or strategically placed hands. Even classical Greek sculptures, famous for their idealised male physiques, often had their "manhood" modestly veiled. But, of course, there were exceptions. In 1540, German engraver Heinrich Aldegrever gave us a glimpse of Eve with an impressive, centre-parted bush.
Around the same time, Bronzino’s An Allegory with Venus and Cupid (1545) might be the first Western painting to depict female pubic hair… if you squint hard enough.
While the Renaissance and Baroque masters mostly kept their nudes bare, artists like Rubens and Rembrandt ensured their figures had at least a wisp of modesty. Then, in 1800, Francisco Goya changed the game with La Maja Desnuda—a nude so unashamed that, yes, you could actually see her pubic hair.
Fast-forward to 1814: Napoleon’s sister commissioned The Sleeper of Naples from Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and, for once, a female nude was painted with the same hairy detail that men had always received. Unfortunately, the painting was lost, and we only have a 1911 study to go by.
Meanwhile, in Japan, artists like Hokusai were already well ahead in the pubic hair department. His shunga (erotic art) often depicted women with full, natural pubes—a stark contrast to the West, where the mere suggestion of such hair was scandalous. In fact, in Japan, it was shaved pubic hair that was linked to prostitution, a cultural association that still lingers today.
The 19th century was a tumultuous time for pubic hair in art. In 1866, Gustave Courbet painted L’Origine du Monde—a bold, unapologetic celebration of the female form in all its hirsute glory. But the world wasn’t ready. The painting was kept hidden for 122 years before finally being publicly displayed in 1988.
For Victorian-era audiences, the mere sight of pubic hair was considered shocking. Just ask art critic John Ruskin. Legend has it that on his wedding night, he was so horrified by his wife Effie’s natural pubic hair (having only seen hairless statues before) that he fled and never consummated the marriage. The union was annulled a few years later.
By the late 1800s, artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, and Schiele were challenging the norms of beauty and eroticism. Schiele, in particular, painted women in unashamedly provocative poses, complete with wild, untrimmed pubic hair. Klimt’s Nuda Veritas (1899) caused an uproar, while Oskar Kokoschka’s nudes leaned more into the naturalistic than the erotic.
By 1917, the pubic taboo had mostly faded in art. Amedeo Modigliani’s signature elongated figures often included a neatly shaped triangle of hair—perhaps the inspiration for the "Brazilian" trend of today.
Throughout history, pubic hair in art has been erased, censored, scandalised, and celebrated. Whether it's hidden behind fig leaves or boldly on display, the way we depict the body reflects cultural attitudes of the time.
So, the next time you see a classical nude, take a closer look—you might just spot a tiny but significant piece of history.
So, you're coming to London for a long weekend and want to do more than take selfies at Buckingham Palace? This guide is for those who appreciate history, art, and the occasional well-crafted cocktail in a dimly lit bar...
✅ Spring (April–May) & Early Autumn (September–October) – Pleasant weather / fewer crowds.
✅ Summer (June–July) – Longer days, lively atmosphere, but busier.
❌ January & February – Cold, wet, and dark; but also the quiestest months.
❌ December – Magical Christmas lights, but expect crowds and expensive hotels.
The best ways to arrive in London:
Heathrow Airport – Take the Heathrow Express (15 min to Paddington Station).
Gatwick Airport – Take the Gatwick Express (30 min to Victoria Station).
By Train – St. Pancras International is the main hub for Eurostar and long-distance train arrivals.
🚇 Public Transport – No need to buy paper tickets; just tap your credit card or phone on the Tube and buses.
💷 Currency – Most places are cashless; card payments are widely accepted.
🛂 Visa/Entry Requirements – Entry rules have changed recently! Americans & Europeans need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. Be sure to check the official UK government website for the latest information well before your trip, as processing times can vary.
🚨 Security – Phone & bag thefts are common. Keep valuables secure, avoid using your phone near roads (grab-and-run thefts happen!), and be mindful of designer bags. The Tube & buses are safe, but avoid traveling alone late at night.
Let’s be honest, British food isn’t the reason you came. London’s true magic is its global cuisine. Here’s where to go:
French
Soutine (St. John’s Wood) $$$ – Classic French brasserie in a charming neighborhood.
Brasserie Zédel (Soho) $$$ – Old-school Parisian brasserie in the heart of London.
Austrian
Fischer’s (Marylebone) $$$ – Viennese café with schnitzel, bratwurst & apple strudel.
Polish/Baltic
Ognisko (Kensignton) $$ – Delicious Polish classic (Pierogi's are a must)!
Italian
Lina Stores (Multiple locations) $$ – Handmade pasta, good pricing.
Carlotta (Marylebone) $$$ – A fun/lavish Italian-American spot.
Persian
Berenjak (Soho & Borough Market) $$$ – Persian charcoal-grilled perfection. Book way ahead!
Indian
Dishoom (Multiple locations) $$ – You can only book for large groups, so expect a queue—it’s always busy, but absolutely worth it if you’re craving a proper curry .
Kutir (Chelsea) $$$ – High-end Indian in a stunning Georgian townhouse.
Asian
BAO (Multiple locations) $$ – Taiwanese street food, minimalist & trendy.
Bright Courtyard Club (Marylebone) $$$ – Classic Chinese dim sum & Peking duck.
Mexican
Kol (Marylebone) $$$ – Innovative, high-end Mexican cuisine.
American
Smokestak (Shoreditch) $$$ – BBQ done right.
⚠️ Book ahead—London restaurants fill up fast!
London's pub culture is as essential to understanding the British psyche as queuing and apologizing when someone else steps on your foot.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – A historic pub since 1666—feels like stepping back in time.
Guinea Grill (Mayfair) – Iconic steak pub, perfect for an old-school London experience.
The Pelican (Notting Hill) – Cozy pub with great food & wine list.
The Churchill Arms (Kensington) – Famous for floral displays & solid Thai food.
The Albion (Angel) – A hidden gem with a beer garden & fireplace.
Sketch – A stylish and creative bar with beautifully designed interiors.
⚠️ Most museums are FREE! (Unless you want to see the special exhibits)
National Gallery – London's top art collection.
British Museum – Home to treasures from around the world. Pro tip: Book online in summer to skip the line
Victoria & Albert Museum – Fashion, design, and decorative arts.
Tate Modern – Contemporary and modern art housed in a repurposed power station.
Tate Britain – British artists, historical to modern.
Wallace Collection – 18th-century mansion packed with Rococo art & medieval armor.
Sir John Soane's Museum – The home of an eclectic collector, filled with architectural curiosities. Visit by candlelight on the first Tuesday of each month.
Courtauld Gallery – Features masterpieces by Manet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne without the National Gallery crowds.
Kenwood House – A stately home on Hampstead Heath, featuring Rembrandt & Vermeer. Best visited on a sunny day—take a walk in the Heath, and grab a pint at the historic Spaniards Inn nearby.
Denis Severs' House – An immersive time-capsule experience of an 18th-century home. Book a silent tour for the full atmosphere or a theatrical tour in the evening.
Churchill War Rooms – The underground bunker where Churchill directed WWII. Pre-booking is essential.
Use MuseMuse for your next museum visit—you'll get:
✅ Self-guided museum tours (so you can go at your own pace).
✅ Engaging, digestible stories about art.
✅ Hidden gems & highlights that even locals might miss.
High Luxury:
✅ Bond Street & Mayfair – Home to flagship stores of Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.
✅ Harrods – One of the most famous department stores in the world. Visit the food hall!
✅ Selfridges – A modern/vibrant department store, great gift ideas in the basement.
✅ Liberty London – Historic shopping mall built from an old ship. Famous for its iconic fabric prints, which you can buy by the meter.
Boutiques & Independent Shops:
✅ Marylebone High Street – Great for small, independent boutiques and upscale shops in a village-like atmosphere.
✅ Chelsea High Street – A mix of high-end shops and charming stores along the King's Road.
Vintage & Markets:
✅ Camden Market – Sprawling market known for alternative fashion, handmade crafts, and street food.
✅ Borough Markets – Great street food.
London's theatre scene is world-class, so book in advance for the best seats.
Book of Mormon – Warning: Very, very dark humor. If you're easily offended, maybe sit this one out.
Witness for the Prosecution – A small but excellent Agatha Christie production set in a real courtroom for the extra drama.
Zidel's Black Cat Cabaret – A tiny, ultra-exclusive Saturday night show in an iconic underground Soho location. Book way ahead! Cocktails are great, the atmosphere is even better.
Moulin Rouge – This one was fun!
Regent's Park – Features the famous rose garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Hyde Park – A great place for a walk, and you might even see the Household Cavalry exercising their horses.
Kew Gardens – Botanical paradise best when flowers are in bloom. Note that it is quite far from the city center.
📍 Morning:
📍 Afternoon:
📍 Morning:
📍 Afternoon:
📍 Morning:
📍 Afternoon:
Seven Sisters Hike – Gorgeous white cliffs on the coast, accessible by train and local buses. Take the train to Seaford or Eastbourne and follow the well-marked coastal path.
Oxford – Historic university town just an hour from London by train. Visit the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and the Ashmolean Museum.
Cambridge – Book a punting (boat) tour ahead of time to see the historic colleges from the river. Also visit King's College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Windsor – See Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and take a walk in the Great Park.
Bath – Famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is about 90 minutes from London by train.
Cotswolds – Quaint villages and rolling countryside. Visit Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden.
Snowshill Manor – A small, eclectic Victorian collector's house filled with unusual treasures and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Waddesdon Manor – A grand Rothschild estate with stunning gardens, impressive architecture, and an excellent art collection.
Blenheim Palace – The birthplace of Winston Churchill and a magnificent example of English Baroque architecture set in landscaped parkland.
London is a beast, but with a little planning (and some well-placed drinks), it’s a dream for culture lovers. Follow this guide, avoid the tourist traps, and most importantly, don’t leave without seeing some art! Your brain will thank you.
Let’s start with composition. This refers to how the different parts of a work come together to create a whole (much like a piece of classical music – or a cake).
Next, up, we’ve got en plein air – a fancy way of saying 'outdoors'. Painting en plein air was popular with the Impressionists, who found that working outside let them capture the nuances of light and colour far better than they could in the studio.
Now, like almost every painter who came before them, the Impressionists were figurative artists. In plain English, this meant that they painted real things, like people and places and implausibly stacked fruit bowls.
By contrast, abstract artists aren’t interested in depicting the world as we normally see it: if you're into shapes, lines and big blobs of colour, this might be the style for you.
Another bit of art jargon that sounds scarier than it really is diptych. This is simply an artwork made up of two separate parts or panels. And you guessed it – a triptych is a work made up of three.
If a triptych doesn’t float your boat, then how about a tondo? Taken from rotondo, the Italian word for ‘round’, this refers to a work in the shape of a circle.
Another exotic term beloved by art buffs is fin de siècle. This French phrase translates to ‘end of century’, and generally refers to the period from around 1880 to 1900. Of course, you could simply say ‘the end of the 19th century’ – but that wouldn’t be anything like as impressive, would it?
Last but not least, we come to the most valuable weapon in the art expert’s arsenal. Next time you find yourself faced with a work you really don’t understand – or a work you really don’t like – stand in silence, slowly stroke your chin, and after at least twenty seconds have passed, utter the immortal words: hmm… interesting.
Right: you’re all set to dazzle the experts with your newfound vocab. But if you want to take things to the next level, be sure to download MuseMuse.
Our app is packed full of bite-sized breakdowns spanning thousands of years of art and culture. And whether you’re a complete newbie or a cultural connoisseur, you’re bound to learn something new (and have fun while you do it!).
%20logo.svg)
