Would you believe that in early September I still had no idea what I would create for The 2018 Annual Costume Extravaganza?
The 2018 Annual Costume Extravaganza
Since the inception of the Decor To Adore costume challenge in 2o13, I have always started my costumes several months in advance. The reason I did this was due to the “challenge” portion of the costume creation. For those who may be new readers the challenge was that of a budget. It took time to gather the vintage tablecloths, fabric and trims required to make such costumes as:
The 18th-Century Gown Made for Under $30
A Bit Burned Out
If you are a regular reader of DTA then you are aware that this past year I made numerous historical costumes beyond just the challenge in October. They can all be viewed under the “Fashion” tab located at the top of the website. To say that I was burnt out would be a bit of an understatement.
But everything changed when I went to France.
It was specifically when my cousin and I visited the Boutis Museum in the South of France.
To be able to examine 17th and 18th historical garments so closely literally brought tears to my eyes.
Research
Upon my return home I spent hours researching the various layers worn in traditional French heritage costuming.
I learned that there are numerous historic costumes worn. Each district in France has their own unique style.
So what is worn in Nice is not the same as the Champagne region.
The dress in Poitou is very different…
…Than the unique costume of Lyon.
If you would like to see all of the various historic clothing I recommend this article and this site.
You can also find numerous books on the subject.
I also discovered that what is worn by the matron…
…may slightly differ from that of the maid.
The Muse
Then there are different levels of wealth and occasion to consider. The ensemble below would be acceptable for every day by the working class. It would comprise of clothing made from materials such as sturdy cotton, linen, and wool.
![1770s - 18th century - woman's outfit with mixed print fabrics (jacket in solid, skirt in stripes, apron in floral, neckerchief in plaid / checks) - From "An album containing 90 fine water color paintings of costumes." Turin : [s.n.] , [ca.1775]. In the collection of the Bunka Fashion College in Japan.](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/42/31/95/4231951d214a8f182cdec0423f9f46ec.jpg)
While the nobility or a special occasion may have the individual wear a Caraco (jacket) of a longer length or higher grade of fabric, such as silk or delicate cotton, as well as lace.
![1770s - 18th century - woman's outfit with mixed print fabrics (jacket in floral, skirt in a different floral, apron in plaid/checks, and cap in floral) - From "An album containing 90 fine water color paintings of costumes." Turin : [s.n.] , [ca.1775]. In the collection of the Bunka Fashion College in Japan. Underneath the illustration is handwritten in pencil "North Holland." - Netherlands - Dutch.](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/92/b9/b7/92b9b70472ce165c2c1e21526b5b63b7.jpg)
The La Maison du Boutis museum in Calvisson also sells traditional fabric. It was there that I found my muse for this year’s costume. It will be created in the style of dress worn by those in the Provence region in the 18th century.
Vive la France!
Laura
I can’t wait to see what you make. All of your costumes are always amazing.
I enjoyed reading this, Laura! I always love seeing the costumes you come up with, both for the historical value plus the creativity needed to do them on a budget.
Laura I am excited to see what you create as each costume is amazing. You are so talented and model each dress so beautifully. I envy your talent as a seamstress.
Kari@meandmycaptain
You are a wealth of both talent and historical information. What fun it must be to know you. You post things so different from the mainstream blogs and while I’m not a seamstress, I so appreciate the artwork that is historical fashion. Thank you.
I have to echo what Pat M. said: ” What fun it must be to know you.” I am stunned at the beauty of these traditional clothing of France. They never came alive for me until I saw the fabrics you put together. My grandfather’s father’s family came from Picardy. I can’t wait to look up the traditional dress from there. The others came from Paris, so I imagine they were not as “individual.” Laura, you are amazing.
I always finish reading your posts with a sense of awe! You are smart, industrious, and entertaining. You have so many varied interests that you pursue with a good amount of zeal.
I’m new to the costumes you’ve been making, I’ve been a very scatterbrained blogger! lol! I love all of the photos and images. Please keep us updated! And I need to go back to read your posts about your trip. They have been saved in my mailbox so I can read them at one time.
Happy Weekend!
Jane x
I’m so excited to see what you come up with! I had an aunt who was a real francophile and had many authentic provencal linens, so that kind of fabric seems very homey to me (and also I inherited a lot of her things.) Hope all your seams come out straight and your sleeves set in right!