Hello dear friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend. I got the upstairs bathroom painted and Sweet Guy attended his Homecoming Dance. As promised in last week’s Downton Abbey dress post I am sharing several Pretty Costumes For Fall as worn by members of the D/FW Costumers Guild.
Several of the guild members recently attended the Monet at the Kimball event. The exhibit focused on the late years that the artist practiced which covered 1913 to 1926.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl and Harry.
Pretty Costumes For Fall
First things first: My apologies that the photos are a bit blurry. It was EXTREMELY humid on the day the photos were taken. I did occasionally wipe the excess moisture off of my lens but it was obviously not enough. Still, I think the images are worthwhile of your viewing time.
Every time I attend an event with this talented crowd I come away feeling so inspired. The talent within the group is just jaw-dropping.
Christy is truly amazing. She constructs all of her garments by draping, Meaning she does not use a pattern but folds and manipulates fabric until she achieves the desired shape.
A costumer after my own heart, a vintage sari and tablecloth helped to create her ensemble.
She mentioned that she did not have quite enough of the tablecloth for the blouse so she stretched the fabric by adding some intersertions of linen. Brilliant and a true talent!
The belt, I imagine is an antique.
My hunch is that it is from the Art Nouveau time period. It is very much in the style of Alphonse Mucha.
The hat might just be my favorite element of Christy’s ensemble. She took the border of a vintage sari and shaped the strips with wire.
Festive Fashion
Jen is another truly talented costume designer. She uses both draping and patterns to create her fashions.
If you would like to travel down a rabbit hole of deliciousness she writes about her fabulous sewing adventures at Festive Attyre.
Pretty posy accent.
While I could not locate a post about this particular, possibly circa 1915, dress I found a link for Jen’s fabulous asymmetrical hat.
Jen brought two of her working antique cameras. They included a Kodak No. 2 Folding Autographic Brownie and a Kodak No. 2A Brownie Model B.
Jen graciously allowed those who were interested to take a few shots. (I was interested. 🙂
The shots are TOTALLY amazing. Here is the one she took of me.
It just goes to show you that even the most vibrant of colors looked muted in black and white.
Thank you so much, Jen!
More Talent
It is always truly amazing how much fashion changed over the decades even one hundred years ago.
Becky’s fabulous look reminded me of the fashions in My Fair Lady.
She often creates her lovely looks from Goodwill finds.
Loved this sweet handbag.
Megan wore a gorgeous 1890’s dress.
She also has a wonderful blog, Mistress of Disguise, that is full of delicious eye candy.
Marvelous Leg-Of-Mutton sleeves.
Isn’t this hat just perfect for fall!
Pretty and Pragmatic
Liz wore a wonderful Edwardian dress.
She documents her sewing adventures at The Pragmatic Costumer. You can view the construction of this dress HERE.
Love lives in the details of her garments.
Even more impressive is that she strives to do everything on a budget.
Ready For Afternoon Tea
What a terrific trio! And yes, there are quite a few men who are members in the guild.
Isn’t Jane picture perfect in her one hour dress?
She was truly a picture against Monet’s lilies.
I adore the cloche she made.
I believe we are fashion kindred spirits as I recently purchased a very similar antique handbag at an estate sale.
My dear friend Cheryl is always the epitome of elegance.
Cheryl is an AMAZING milliner (hat maker) and costume designer. She studied her craft in France.
She is currently creating an 1880’s bonnet for me and I can’t wait!
You may have to wait a few months on a Palmer House Designs commission for a hat or gown.
But she is truly worth the wait.
Cheryl and her husband, Harry, are the happy cohosts of the Grand Victorian Tea Reception held every December during the Dickens Festival. Tickets sell out in advance. You can get yours HERE.
I hope you have enjoyed all these Pretty Costumes For Fall.
It was a joy to share them with you.
I’ll be back on Wednesday with a progress report on my $100 bathroom makeover.
Laura
The detail on every single one of these just knocks me flat! All are gorgeous and represent so much time, research and creativity. Loads of good eye candy here too! The photos are far better than you give yourself credit for!
The “costumes” are all amazing, although it pains me to call them costumes. They are works of art! What a wonderful and fulfilling hobby and passion you ladies have – and while no doubt frustrating at times, it must be such fun. Thank you for sharing your photos, and by the way, your “costume” is perfect for you. It’s as though you time traveled from your intended era. It suits your personal look and style to an absolute “T”.
A wonderful post Laura! I love how you point out all the details and give some background info on the guild members. It would be so fun to join your group! I thought I might make it to the Georgian picnic, but that’s the same time as the International Quilt Festival in Houston and I’ll be going to that. Someday………
Gorgeous costumes! Such wonderful talent!
Oh my God, It’s soooooo beautiful !!!!, I LOVE all the costumes!!!! In especial the handbags. !!!!!!