As told to Kaylee Jukich-Fish
Reviewed by Avery Stone & Kaylee Jukich-Fish
Few content creators blend history and artistry quite like Titanic Girl Kim. Known across social media for her deep knowledge of Edwardian fashion and her heartfelt passion for Titanic’s legacy, Kim has built a community that celebrates both beauty and historical storytelling. Through her channel, Timeless Titanic, she brings 1912 to life one garment at a time—showing how fashion reveals the stories, class structures, and human experiences behind the world’s most famous Ship.
In an interview with RMS Titanic Inc., Kim shares the origins of her collection, her favorite pieces, and how Edwardian style continues to inspire modern audiences.
Dive into her story and follow her on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Courtesy of Titanic Girl Kim
Which interest came first: vintage fashion or Titanic? When and why did you become interested in both? Tell us your story!
For me, Titanic and fashion have always been intertwined. Titanic first captivated me when I was about 8 or 9—I did a school report on it and our teacher had us watch A Night To Remember! I’ve been absolutely hooked ever since.
It’s not just the Ship itself [that interested me], but the human stories. And with those stories came the clothes: the silhouettes, the way fashion mirrored society, the unspoken codes of class stitched into every seam. Fashion was how Titanic’s passengers expressed their identities and status. My passion for vintage clothing grew naturally from there—and eventually, I realized the two loves were inseparable.
Courtesy of Titanic Girl Kim
Do you have a favorite piece in your collection? Why is it your favorite?
Absolutely. It’s a fully beaded evening gown [made in] 1911 or 1912 that I bought on eBay. Obviously, it was originally owned by a very fashionable and stylish lady, but when I put it on, it fit me exactly—which was remarkable given that most garments of that era were made-to-measure. I’ve worn it four times, my favorite being to Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Gala Evening— I walked up and down the ship’s grand staircase so many times.
Eventually, the silk in the underskirt started to show fragility, so the dress is in “conservation mode” at the moment—meaning it’s on my dining room table being carefully restored stitch by stitch. I found the exact fabric to match the skirt, so I was able to take the dress apart to re-create it. During this process, I found more issues, so I’ve been working on restoring the whole garment to last a lot longer, including its Chantilly lace, which I sourced from one of the last authentic lace makers in the world. Half a yard cost me $100. Restoration is not cheap!
Tell us about the oldest piece in your collection.
I have a petticoat made in 1840, which I embarrassingly wore non-stop until a friend of mine pointed out that it was entirely hand-stitched and might be better off in a museum. Oops!
Apart from that, I had a couple of dresses from 1870 that I recently sold—their design and colors were spectacular. I intentionally don’t buy things before 1890, largely because they’re almost always super tiny, too fragile to wear, or too complicated to pattern from. The craftsmanship is astonishing, though, with tiny hand stitches and precise piping. It’s humbling to hold something so old, knowing it survived wars, oceans, and generations.
Tell us about the first piece that started your collection.
My first piece was a Victorian mourning dress. I found it tucked away in a small shop when I was 15, and I knew instantly I’d fallen down a rabbit hole. That dress showed me how clothes can tell stories without words.
Do you have any pieces with a backstory that feels significant, touching, or especially interesting?
I do! One of the first Titanic-era dresses I bought was a cream evening gown from around 1910, but the lady I bought it from told me it had been smuggled out of Russia during the revolution and kept in a trunk for decades. I thought that was so interesting! I’ve sometimes bought things from estate sales where I know a little bit about the owner—some have accompanying notes revealing who used to own it and where it was worn. So fascinating. I got a whole load of 1920s dresses that turned out to be couture-level designs. Whoever owned them was an absolute fashion queen.
How do you blend your passion for Titanic with your love of fashion?
I see Titanic as a floating world frozen in 1912, and fashion is the most immediate way to bring it to life. Through my TikTok (@timelesstitanic) and public talks, I wear, display, and explain Edwardian clothing. It’s more than a costume—it’s a window into people’s daily lives. I also absolutely love re-creating and designing in that style. I’ve made so many clothes from old patterns; people have stopped me in the street to find out where I got them from. Especially in the age of fast fashion, it’s so interesting that these century-old techniques are a source of interest and admiration. It’s great!
Courtesy of Titanic Girl Kim
How do you feel that society and fashion are connected when it comes to Titanic?
Titanic was a ship of contrasts: first-class passengers donned couture gowns from Paris ateliers, second-class passengers opted for carefully kept ready-made suits, and third-class families wore practical, worn-in clothes. The Ship’s class structure was reflected in the fabrics on board; you could tell someone’s story simply by their hemline or their hat. That’s why fashion is such a powerful storytelling tool—it reveals society’s invisible rules.
Are there any specific passengers or outfits from Titanic that inspired you?
Yes! Lady Duff Gordon (Lucile), who famously survived the sinking, was one of the era’s most influential designers. Her gowns were ethereal, with flowing lines and lighter corsetry, and she dressed many of Titanic’s wealthiest passengers. I have wanted to buy a Lucille gown for a really long time, but when they do come up at auction, they’re sadly almost always out of my price range. They really are amazing.
Also, there’s Edith Rosenbaum, who famously booked an extra cabin to store her 19 pieces of luggage full of couture dresses from Paris. I just think of someone doing that today… so extra!
Which Edwardian garment or accessory do you think best captures the spirit of Titanic or the era?
For me, the Titanic era is embodied in the evening gown: sweeping lines, delicate embroidery, sheer overlays catching the light like water. Eveningwear was where fashion reached its most ambitious heights, and on Titanic, the first-class dining saloon was its stage.
Courtesy of Titanic Girl Kim
When re-creating Edwardian fashion, how do you balance historical accuracy with the modern?
I always start with historical accuracy—a focus on original garments, period sewing techniques, and authentic fabrics where possible. I even sew everything on a hand crank Singer from 1930.
I do sometimes adapt things like modern glass beads, because buying vintage ones can be a huge drain financially and there’s not much difference in the quality. A lot of the companies that make beads, thread, or closures have been around for over 100 years, so there’s not much call to change their makeup or design.
I never want a garment to feel like a costume from a play; it should feel like stepping through a portal into 1912. I’ve also found that, especially with blouses and jackets, you can wear them out with modern clothing like jeans and nobody bats an eye. Two things that always sell massively on my eBay are corset covers and silk chemises—they look great with jeans on a night out.
Why do you think Edwardian fashion—especially Titanic-era style—continues to fascinate audiences?
Because it was a moment of transition—a last flowering of opulence before the world changed forever. Titanic’s sinking is a symbol of that fragility. Edwardian fashion fascinates because it was beautiful but also poignant: the end of one era, the beginning of another.
Courtesy of Titanic Girl Kim
What advice would you give to someone looking to incorporate Edwardian fashion into their modern wardrobe?
Start small. A lace blouse or high-collared shirt pairs beautifully with jeans or a skirt. Edwardian-inspired accessories, long necklaces, brooches, or wide-brim hats can make a modern outfit feel timeless. It’s about capturing the silhouette and spirit without needing to dress for a promenade on the promenade deck!
Also, look up the clothing label Gunne Sax, which was popular in the 1970s. The designers re-created a lot of 1910s lace and lawn dresses and made them in much more durable materials, including zippers! They look great, even today, and are super collectible [because] they hold their value.
What tips would you give someone wanting to start a vintage fashion collection?
Patience. Research. Respect. Start with pieces from the 1940s–60s, as they’re more durable, affordable, and wearable. Also, learn basic garment care, avoid your average dry cleaners, and favor gentle hand-washing. If you must use a professional, research wedding dress conservation companies—they usually have more of a handle on things. Luckily, I live in Los Angeles and have access to companies that all the movie studios use—that’s where I usually go when I have cleaning or care issues.
Also, buy what moves you emotionally, not what you think will “re-sell.” A collection is a love affair, not just a catalogue.
Lastly, stay away from silk garments that are “shattering.” You cannot fix them, no matter how much you try. Once a garment starts fraying, it will disintegrate in months. The only thing you can do is pattern it. Also, avoid 1920s dresses where the shoulders have ripped. They may be cheap, but they’re never fixable.
Courtesy of Titanic Girl Kim
What is your favorite fashion-related artifact at the Exhibition? What is your favorite artifact in general?
The cherub statue from the aft Grand Staircase will always take my breath away. It’s the setting in which gowns were worn; it’s like seeing the setting of a play. In terms of clothing, the re-creations and recovered personal effects remind me how garments were lived in, not just displayed.
How does your fashion social media content contribute to Titanic’s ongoing legacy?
My goal is to make Titanic accessible, relatable, and alive. Through TikTok, YouTube, and speaking engagements, I show that history isn’t dusty—it’s dazzling, heartbreaking, witty, and human. Fashion is my bridge: a way to connect audiences emotionally to Titanic’s passengers. If someone watches one of my videos and thinks, “I never realized Edwardian women had such style—they weren’t so different from us.” I know I’ve helped keep Titanic’s story sailing on.
Courtesy of Titanic Girl Kim
