What We Are Reading Today: The Lost History of Liberalism

Updated 09 September 2018
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What We Are Reading Today: The Lost History of Liberalism

AUTHOR: Helena Rosenblatt

 

The Lost History of Liberalism challenges our most basic assumptions about a political creed that has become a rallying cry — and a term of derision — in today’s increasingly divided public square.

Taking readers from ancient Rome to today, Helena Rosenblatt traces the evolution of the words “liberal” and “liberalism,” revealing the heated debates that have taken place over their meaning.

Rosenblatt debunks the popular myth of liberalism as a uniquely Anglo-American tradition centered on individual rights, says a review on the Princeton University Press website.

She shows that it was the French Revolution that gave birth to liberalism and Germans who transformed it. Only in the mid-20th century did the concept become widely known in the US—and then, as now, its meaning was hotly debated. 

Liberals were originally moralists at heart. They believed in the power of religion to reform society, emphasized the sanctity of the family, and never spoke of rights without speaking of duties. 


Review: Voyna 19 — ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision

Voyna 19 represents a rising success story in contemporary fashion, redefining how modesty and elegance can coexist. (Supplied)
Updated 30 January 2026
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Review: Voyna 19 — ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision

  • The collection features pieces such as the trench jumpsuit and signature belts, which highlight attention-to-detail and create garments suited for fast-paced urban life

In today’s fashion landscape, a few brands stand out not just for selling clothes but for presenting a clear lifestyle vision.

Among these emerging names gaining attention regionally and internationally is Voyna 19, a contemporary women’s fashion label that blends modesty with modernity and offers a forward-looking take on elegance. 

At its core, Voyna 19 focuses on ready-to-wear pieces designed with precision, combining comfort with a bold artistic touch.

The brand recently launched its “Silence” fall-winter 2025/26 collection, which marks an evolution in its identity toward more structured, contemporary pieces.

The capsule emphasizes clean lines, geometric cuts and layering techniques that balance strength and femininity. Each piece is designed for flexibility and movement, catering to women seeking elegance that fits seamlessly into a modern, urban lifestyle.  

The collection features pieces such as the trench jumpsuit and signature belts, which highlight attention-to-detail and create garments suited for fast-paced urban life.

The use of textures, precise tailoring and layered silhouettes demonstrates the brand’s commitment to blending practicality with high-concept design.  

While Voyna 19 excels in blending modernity with modesty, the brand could further diversify its palette and materials to appeal to a broader range of climates and cultural contexts.

Some pieces, though visually striking, may lean toward conceptual styling that might not fully translate into everyday wear for all women. Expanding accessibility in sizing and experimenting with more versatile, seasonless designs could help the brand to strengthen its global presence.  

Voyna 19 represents a rising success story in contemporary fashion, redefining how modesty and elegance can coexist.