Historical Fashion Parade

While last weekend was a quiet one, the previous weekend saw me busy as a bee. I volunteered to be a model for the Abbey Museum Fashion Parade High Tea. The event was to raise funds to restore the heritage stained glass windows in the Museum. Two of the organisers are friends of mine and asked for me to be one of the models. I was to wear three gowns.

The first, a new 1901 gown that I have made for EDAS (European Defensive Arts School) when we do bartitsu at History Alive. I found an original piece for sale on Etsy and decided that I would try my hand at a recreation. Because I am trying to be good and use my stash as much as possible this year, I dug out a piece of blue cotton organdy. I had planned to use it for a bustle gown sometime in the future, but this seemed like a good compromise. The cream cotton for the underblouse section came from my scraps bucket, as did the silk sash. The lace was leftover from my red tartan bustle and the buttons came from stash. I was very pleased with how I managed to do it all from my stash. I had also whipped up a matching hat to go with (also from stash materials). I also styled a new wig for this ensemble. It has a very forward poof that is a little reminiscent of Elvis, but it sits wonderfully under my hat.

The second, my 1780s Green Georgian ensemble for the section ranging 1750 - 1820s.

And finally, my 1880s gold and orange Natural Form Bustle. I got a lot of comment from people afterwards, that they liked the dress but weren't so sure about the yellow gold. I love it, so not too worried about that, and let's face it, not everyone likes all colours. I was completely against green until I started using it and finding colours that flattered me.

 

At any rate, I had a great time. We were horribly exhausted afterwards - all that rushing around. My back was killing after being pulled into three different corset shapes. We did some of the quickest changes imaginable. Thankfully my mum was on hand, volunteering herself as our dresser. She managed to duck out during the final section (Victorian) to snap some quick photos.