tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72127889251905137112024-02-07T03:17:14.520-08:00Sprigged MuslinUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-62490584834458228192012-12-31T14:42:00.001-08:002013-01-01T13:06:08.111-08:00Fashion in Film: Les MiserablesHey there! I hope you had a great Christmas and are enjoying the last day of 2012.<br />
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Being the theatre nerd that I am, I've been anticipating the film version of "Les Miserables" for months now. I finally saw it the day after Christmas and fell in love with it. It was a beautiful adaptation of both the musical and the book. It had wonderful music, poignant emotions, and of course, brilliant costumes. I knew as soon as I left the theater that I wanted to discuss them, so here we go.<br />
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<b>For those of you who don't want spoilers for a 27 year old musical or a 150 year old book, turn back now!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cbsnews.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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In this post I'm going to cover the three main female characters: Fantine, Cosette, and Eponine. I know, I know, that means no Helena Bonham Carter. But honestly, I don't think <a href="http://images.bwwstatic.com/upload10/420289/tn-500_1.jpg">this</a> will teach us anything about historical accuracy or character depth. Although I must admit that it is pretty fabulous.<br />
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Let's start with Fantine, shall we?<br />
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When we first meet Fantine, the year is 1821. The first outfit we see Fantine wearing is her factory uniform, a blue cap and smock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ttcritic.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Under her smock is a pink, empire waisted dress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.texarkanagazette.com/content/uploads/pictures/2012/12/cmyk-Film-Tom-Hooper_Mill-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.texarkanagazette.com/content/uploads/pictures/2012/12/cmyk-Film-Tom-Hooper_Mill-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.texarkanagazette.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Though the empire waistline was declining in popularity by the 1820's (as seen on the dress on the far right), Fantine's dress is probably from an earlier year due to her poverty. I think the color contrast here is interesting. Fantine's pink really pops against the blue of every other factory worker. I think this was done intentionally to further set Fantine apart from her coworkers in this scene.<br />
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Another interesting thing to note as we continue looking at Fantine's costumes is that Anne Hathaway recently went completely vegan. That goes for her clothes as well. It's very interesting to see how the costume designer attempted to replicate period textiles without using any animal products. Most of her dresses look cotton to me, but I'm no textile whiz.<br />
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As you know, Fantine's fortunes soon take a turn for the worse, and she soon finds herself "at the bottom of the heap."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.popdust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/les-miserables-film-hathaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://cdn.popdust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/les-miserables-film-hathaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://popdust.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Sans hair, teeth, and dignity, Fantine appears to be wearing some sort of shift and corset combo. The fingerless gloves point to the ever present winter in the film, which had varying points of success at different parts of the movie. Here I think it works really well. This may be costume analysis overkill, but I think it's interesting how this dress is just a faded version of the same color palate we've seen her wear before: lots of pinks and purples, getting progressively more faded as her downward spiral continues. Here we see her color, or her vibrancy/hope/will to live/what have you almost completely faded away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2012/stylewatch/blog/121231/anne-hathaway-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2012/stylewatch/blog/121231/anne-hathaway-600x450.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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This next costume shows Fantine at rock bottom. It's obviously been a significant amount of time since her descent into prostitution (although evidently not enough time for her hair to grow back), because she's had a wardrobe change into this silky red number. Scarlet was (and still is, in some corners of the world) strongly associated with prostitution, so this color is appropriate for Fantine. The character might have even intentionally chose this color as an advertisement of her profession. One thing that I find interesting about this outfit is the shred of dingy, faded purple at her shoulder. I can't tell if this is what's left of her undergarments from before, but if it is, the symbolism is pretty strong. Fantine's wearing a color that's completely alien to her palate thus far, and only a shred of her own color remains. Again, costume analysis overkill, but the colors do subtly represent Fantine's situation (in my mind, at least).</div>
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The last costume we see Fantine wear is a lavender, just-a-little-lower-than-empire waisted dress with long sleeves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://collider.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Now, I'm reasonably certain that we've seen this dress on her before, but without another go at the film, I can't be 100% sure. We see glimpses of what appears to be the same dress in <a href="http://p.twimg.com/A5Fm8JhCUAEJ65Z.jpg">promotional</a> <a href="http://static.hypable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Les-Miserables-poster-Anne-Hathaway.jpg">images</a>, but I think until I can confirm that it shows up earlier, I'll just treat it like her "ghost" dress.<br />
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As you can see, there's not a whole lot to the dress other than the fact that it's lavender. And given the color analysis I've done on past costumes, that's pretty significant. Another interesting point is that her hair is still short. I've seen many stage productions opt to restore Fantine's hair to her in her heavenly form, but it might be a deliberate choice here to keep the hair short. Maybe it's to say that Fantine's hardship shouldn't be ignored or undone. Or maybe it's just because Anne Hathaway actually cut her hair and couldn't magically have it back for this scene.<br />
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Let's move on to Eponine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcVya_PpBaGbK5NMhasI8UwZHuYfEyWZnm01FQobhRPcv2r6jqsxNtPiejq9YvUo3E83Uax52cLBGKdKysPrUGyS1yk10uoy224hxSXe9FzKJMHixtJvgrinLwTkx1TVnKH3aRGnTB8Ig/s1600/movies_les_miserables_still_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcVya_PpBaGbK5NMhasI8UwZHuYfEyWZnm01FQobhRPcv2r6jqsxNtPiejq9YvUo3E83Uax52cLBGKdKysPrUGyS1yk10uoy224hxSXe9FzKJMHixtJvgrinLwTkx1TVnKH3aRGnTB8Ig/s400/movies_les_miserables_still_8.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ramblings-janeite.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Eponine's first costume for the film consists of a brown skirt (probably with a petticoat or two underneath, given the volume), some sort of green top, and a green scarf/shawl tucked into a thick belt. Compared with the <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lceycmuny81qc60slo1_400.jpg">costume Samantha Barks wore when playing the role onstage</a> (which is literally her <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiVvRnl7580H7PrsUOQo_ZYGBYp4mIeLKANvPTRQw7c87vtA9wcC5l4UPVkvCCLMwG8FHJd-zbjMakQqmRfyxdZe5q3eHS1As5s3UDzwh5f3zaTpqiU5ZCIDMRxRRjwAfzIph5H4eIz0p/s1600/tn-500_lesmis14.jpg">"boy" outfit</a> with some pants and without the coat), this costume is very feminine. I really appreciate that choice to show off Eponine's femininity, rather than make her a rough-and-tumble foil for Cosette. Yes, Eponine's very tough, but she's still a girl.<br />
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That is, until she puts on a disguise and becomes a boy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://facebook.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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This is another great costume, especially when compared to <a href="http://www.comingsoon.net/nextraimages/samantha-barks-miz.jpg">stage versions</a> of the same transformation, in which Eponine simply puts on a coat, some pants, and a hat (without even tucking her hair in) and magically becomes a boy. This is a much more believable getup (which may be why Marius doesn't recognize her immediately like he does in the show). I like that the scarf and belt she's wearing appear to be the same pieces from before. The transformation from feminine to masculine is much more distinct here than it has been on stage, and I think the designer pulled it off very well.</div>
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Last, but certainly not least, we have Cosette, who certainly brings it in the fashion department.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dailyfill.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/amanda-seyfried-in-les-miserables-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://dailyfill.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/amanda-seyfried-in-les-miserables-2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dailyfill.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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This first dress worn by Cosette could be a subtle homage to the traditional black and white dress worn by Cosette onstage. While it's the definition of 1830's fabulous with huge puffed sleeves and tons of girly accessories, it's also significantly simpler than most dresses of that opulent decade. Crazy prints with fussy ribbon trims were all but mandatory in the 1830's, but Cosette only wears one printed dress (maybe two?) over the course of the film, and it's a subtle print at that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.indiewire.com/static/dims4/INDIEWIRE/84ff220/4102462740/thumbnail/680x478/http://d1oi7t5trwfj5d.cloudfront.net/98/9038303d0711e2af4922000a1d0930/file/eddie-redmayne-amanda-seyfried-les-miserables.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://www.indiewire.com/static/dims4/INDIEWIRE/84ff220/4102462740/thumbnail/680x478/http://d1oi7t5trwfj5d.cloudfront.net/98/9038303d0711e2af4922000a1d0930/file/eddie-redmayne-amanda-seyfried-les-miserables.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.indiewire.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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I think this shows how <i>pure</i> Cosette is, for lack of a better word. In the entire story, Cosette is the bright spot in a sea of darkness, untainted by the misery that surrounds her. And to some extent, her clothes are the same way. When the world around her is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSczouT6eN7zO6ACeqASFQ2LrL54idNIkZgDfiE45Mth9PC2ewT_Q1KQWsBVhRh9aBKrXdrARINR9XcsPKDjvS3UpoIBnij0n56vYmHsB3S5AL8A4zRK_YbzHewkabh3lyT6SpQ51mwoTa/s1600/1830+desDamesPlate.jpg">going</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRHl2x4jUshyphenhyphenq1BjDLBj57NHkygWz6dhNtAALO7UTEOFQLvGUzF8IL2ux__q9Ilmo7n3y-mCcHXyfW4O6FlaOVgJ3-nyGfEXxdxHKX32J8IFNBvhuh6MVZaQi_TnFWRdRbcXRN5QVfSgA/s1600/Fashion1jmg.jpg">absolutely</a> <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Waist-and-Extravagance-ca-1830-fashion-satire-Heath.jpg/443px-Waist-and-Extravagance-ca-1830-fashion-satire-Heath.jpg">crazy</a>, Cosette stays simple, sweet, and pure.<br />
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Another great costume worn by Cosette is her wedding gown.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelowdownunder.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Well, the first thing I notice about Cosette's dress is that it's white, even though "Les Miserables" is a pre-Victorian story. As I've <a href="http://spriggedmuslin.blogspot.com/2012/10/fashion-in-film-little-dorrit.html">discussed</a> <a href="http://spriggedmuslin.blogspot.com/2012/11/fashion-in-film-pride-and-prejudice.html">before</a>, this isn't a complete inaccuracy, and it shows the innocence and the purity of the character well. I'm very puzzled by the panel on the front of the dress. I don't remember it from seeing the film, and I certainly don't think the designer would do this, but in the lighting of this photograph, it looks sheer. I'm not entirely sure what it is in reality, but if there's something that does <i>not</i> show the innocence and purity of the character, that would be it. Another interesting thing here is that this is the only time we see Cosette with her hair up. I think this shows her coming of age in a way, her passage from childhood to womanhood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blackfilm.com/read/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Les-Miserables-Vogue-8-Amanda-Seyfried.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.blackfilm.com/read/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Les-Miserables-Vogue-8-Amanda-Seyfried.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blackfilm.com/">S</a>ource</td></tr>
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Well, that wraps up my costume analysis of "Les Miserables." I really, <i>really </i>enjoyed the film, and I heartily recommend it whether you're a long time fan of the musical and/or book, or you're just looking for a way to spend three hours and shed several million tears.<br />
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<i>Huge props to Paco Delgado, the costume designer for the film</i>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-26858802553822117732012-12-24T05:00:00.000-08:002012-12-24T05:00:09.508-08:00Merry Christmas!Who has two thumbs and missed her blog post last week? That would be this girl. But let's put aside my schedule issues for a moment so that I can wish you a Merry Christmas.<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a beautiful time with your family. As my Christmas gift to you, here's an incredible picture of 1880's ladies making a fabulous-looking snow lady.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vaguerecollectionsofafuturelife.tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Merry Christmas! :)<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-29262810942981293352012-12-10T15:11:00.000-08:002012-12-10T15:11:47.177-08:00WhyYou should just expect posts to be late by now, honestly. ;)<br />
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I fully intended to do a Fashion in Film post today, I really did. Pinky swear. But I was doing some thinking last night, and today I'd like to present those thoughts to you in a rambling, formless post.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Life has been crazy recently, as I'm sure it has been for you as well. The normal cocktail of school, work, activities, and other commitments gets a deadly shot of Christmas stress this time of year. And it's a wonderful and exciting whirlwind. Recently I've had to take a step back and ask myself "Is this thing I'm doing necessary?" I can't tell if it's prioritizing or being an expert procrastinator, but because of some major changes in my life and schedule, I know that I have the time to run this blog and do it well.<br />
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So why am I not?<br />
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Well, the easy answer is that I'm a lazy, unorganized mess. But lately I've also felt a lack of gusto, passion, zeal for the topic on which I am blogging. I still enjoy fashion, history, and the combination thereof, but getting my excitement in front of your eyes stumps me to no end. That's the one hurdle of art, I guess. Getting what's in your brain down on paper or online or on your piano or on the side of your neighbor's house (not the side of your neighbor's house, that's vandalism, not art).<br />
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I've been asking myself the same question over and over recently: Why do I like historical fashion? And the answer that keeps coming up is silly and sentimental, but the best one I can think of: magic. It's incredibly magical to look into the world of the women who lived before us. What we wear says so much about us, and you can learn so much about the history of the world by what women wore. It's one woman's story, the world's story, and our story all rolled up into one beaded, midnight blue chiffon evening gown.<br />
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So, it may take a few bumps in the road, several more posts may be late, I may disappear and reappear intermittently, and I may start some whiplash-inducing changes, but I'm going to do my best to continue delivering your daily dose of magic. Or weekly. Haven't figured that one out yet.<br />
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If you've been nice enough to stick with me through my incoherent drabble, have a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ-SAaiudCY">clip of a scene from "The Hollow Crown: Henry V</a>" in which Hal woos Catherine of Valois. Catherine's wearing a gorgeous 15th century gown, and there's the added bonus of Tom Hiddleston. Enjoy.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-21361652720556203912012-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:002012-12-05T05:00:14.979-08:00The Game: Round TwoGood morning! I'm making an executive decision and moving my Fashion in Film posts to Monday. Thanks for bearing with me as I monkey around with the schedule and content. Just so I don't leave you in the lurch, let's play a game. No, not <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086567/">thermonuclear war</a>. I was thinking more about The Game. Check out <a href="http://spriggedmuslin.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-game.html">the rules</a> if you don't know how the game works. Let's get started!<br />
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All of the images in this post are courtesy of ornamentedbeing.tumblr.com, a very nifty historical fashion Tumblr.<br />
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This is raising a lot of question marks for me. It's 19th century, that's for sure, but I can't tell when exactly. The low bodice and the full skirt say 1850's to me, but the skirt isn't nearly humongous enough, and the details on the dress isn't anything like the mid century. If I were to take a shot in the dark, I'd say that this is a court dress, since those were notorious for not following the fashions of the day. The stately ribbon detail hints this as well. It's somewhere in the second half of the 19th century, but I can't say when for certain. I'm thinking it must be some time where a fitted, low-necked bodice was in style for evening wear, but a fuller skirt was just going out of style. An era that matches up with that is the late 1870's. I'm inclined to think that it was the later 1870's, since skirts were still rather full at the beginning of the decade. So, I'll call it 1878.</div>
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<b>My guess:</b> 1878</div>
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<b>Actual date:</b> 1867. Hey, not too bad for a total guess. Let's see if I can do better with this next one.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m966rcgAvQ1qegasto3_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m966rcgAvQ1qegasto3_400.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Well, this photo of the bodice already screams 1870's to me (what with the high collar, dark jewel tone fabric, and structured corset), but with the help of some <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m966rcgAvQ1qegasto2_250.jpg">handy</a> <a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m966rcgAvQ1qegasto1_250.jpg">additional</a> <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m966rcgAvQ1qegasto4_500.jpg">images</a>, we can see that this dress has a slight bustle, and a massive train that shows that this is no ordinary day dress. I honestly don't know what the crazy train is all about, but I do know that the bustle matched with the relative fullness of the skirt means we're dealing with the early 1870's. Perhaps early to mid-decade, since the bustle seems a bit lower than those at the beginning of the decade. I'll go with 1874.<div>
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<b>My guess:</b> 1874</div>
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<b>Actual date: </b>1885. And hey, guess what? It's a court dress. I guess that explains the funky train, and the fact that I thought it was earlier.</div>
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8bdzlfjNv1qegasto1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8bdzlfjNv1qegasto1_500.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
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Well, this fluffy white cloud definitely says mid-century. It's not the 1850's, since the skirt doesn't resemble a sphere. The volume seems to be drifting more towards the back of the skirt, so I think we're looking at the mid to late 1860's. The high-necked, long-sleeved nature of the bodice lends to that as well. I'll go with 1867.</div>
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<b>My guess:</b> 1867</div>
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<b>Actual date:</b> "1870's." Close enough? I'm dying for a win after two strikes. Well, let's try one more and see if I can make it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m85tnxkiqK1qegasto2_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m85tnxkiqK1qegasto2_500.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Those sleeves definitely say 1890's. The corset and the high neck say the same thing. Those sleeves aren't the size of young children, so I have to think that this is from the early decade. I'll say this is from 1893.<div>
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<b>My guess:</b> 1893<br /><div>
<b>Actual date:</b> 1885-89. At least it's within my five-year range for a correct guess. </div>
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Well, the fun thing about writing this blog is that I always have things to learn. See you on Monday for the new installment of Fashion in Film!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-51852501524879809492012-11-28T18:49:00.004-08:002012-11-28T18:49:35.201-08:00Fashion in Film: SabrinaWell, this is very late, isn't it? I hope you're having a lovely week. I'm starting my Christmas preparations earlier than ever this year, so life has been a little nuts, but we keep calm and carry on. Anyway, enough chatting, on with the show.<br />
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The other day, I was feeling a little down, and so to cheer up, I compiled a mental list of my favorite romantic comedies. Of course, the movies that immediately came to mind were the Meg Ryan rom-coms of the 1990's. When I asked my much-classier mom, she replied with <i>Sabrina</i>. This opened the floodgates in my mind to an era where films were glamorous, gentlemen were dapper, ladies were classy, and fashion was fabulous.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/10/93/36/10933669_det.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/10/93/36/10933669_det.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rottentomatoes.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Sabrina</i> was made in 1954, and the wardrobe has 1950's written all over it. It's a little difficult to pin down one specific costume designer for this film, especially because there isn't one credited. And there isn't one credited because no costumes were actually designed for this film. According to<a href="http://alisonkerr.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/style-on-film-sabrina/"> this excellent costume analysis</a>, Edith Head was originally supposed to design the costumes, but Audrey Hepburn asked to wear some actual Paris couture to fit Sabrina's story. She met with Balenciaga, who was too busy to see her, and in turn sent her to Givenchy. Givenchy was also too busy to design costumes, since he was working on a collection at the time. Audrey, being the amazing fashionista that she was, selected and styled her own outfits from Givenchy's line. In a manner of speaking, it really did take a village to get the costumes for the film together.<br />
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In the beginning of the film, Sabrina wears simple, childlike outfits.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://elysesnow.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/sabrina-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://elysesnow.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/sabrina-1.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://elysesnow.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we can see here, Sabrina is wearing a printed dress with a long sleeved, high-necked black top underneath. Her hair is worn in a ponytail with a bow on top. Obviously, this costume is meant to give off a shy, youthful vibe. The thing that interests and slightly confuses me about this costume is that though it's intended to be dowdy and young, it still really fits and flatters Hepburn's figure. This is typical of Sabrina's pre-Paris outfits: they're sweet, demure, and young, and yet she still manages to look amazing in them. Maybe this is to show how Sabrina is ready to grow up. Maybe it's just because Audrey Hepburn would look good in a brown paper bag.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbCdoIsoZNMD3Vk25uUt12xVvaCyJNgA5ww6evUJX8M2TZs_rcBR_ynDtyHZwbysnlzIB2MkhyphenhyphenJp1Vr33LzSDJMu1d1NcVOwQJmg18WrsVLsrejtWiAEES1PoFJfenj62KN26kj71Jf8/s1600/annex-hepburn-audrey-sabrina_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbCdoIsoZNMD3Vk25uUt12xVvaCyJNgA5ww6evUJX8M2TZs_rcBR_ynDtyHZwbysnlzIB2MkhyphenhyphenJp1Vr33LzSDJMu1d1NcVOwQJmg18WrsVLsrejtWiAEES1PoFJfenj62KN26kj71Jf8/s400/annex-hepburn-audrey-sabrina_13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bramblewoodfashion.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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After a life-changing trip to Paris, Sabrina returns to her childhood home with a new outlook on life and a new style.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://elysesnow.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/tumblr_lo501vfxfm1qa70eyo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://elysesnow.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/tumblr_lo501vfxfm1qa70eyo1_500.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://elysesnow.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sabrina's sleek peplum suit, black heels, and white hat are super sophisticated. Not to mention the iconic Audrey Hepburn pixie cut. This is where the fun really starts with the costumes. We get a taste of everything, from the full-skirted "New Look" dresses of the early 1950's to the polished straight lines of what we'll see later in the decade. But of course, the Sabrina outfit that takes the case is the gorgeous black and white ballgown. You know the one I'm talking about.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mademoiselleflorens.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/sabrina-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://mademoiselleflorens.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/sabrina-7.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mademoiselleflorens.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This dress seems to encompass everything that was great about 1950's evening wear. We've got a strapless neckline, amazing embroidery, and a beautiful full skirt. The skirt is what's really interesting about this ensemble, it appears to be a straight ankle-length skirt with a removable, fuller skirt at the back. The high-low effect that this brings is what makes this dress special.<br /><div>
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Among all of the beautiful, put together outfits, there's one that particularly stands out, and that's the casual outfit Sabrina wears while boating with Linus.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp7Y3BWjHt_QL-n6gFfcRBKSk4gGgu4jjBayuLh7E1vD8HQelMHsnREvLpZyRGxpChKB6xA7rq6AKLkNMSkaO0FfV_kx2rIzLUUJd2bs-DjdPgQLJgNl2srTTa98wkiPNe3MZvfhDU5MS/s1600/Sabrina-audrey-hepburn-824948_374_480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPp7Y3BWjHt_QL-n6gFfcRBKSk4gGgu4jjBayuLh7E1vD8HQelMHsnREvLpZyRGxpChKB6xA7rq6AKLkNMSkaO0FfV_kx2rIzLUUJd2bs-DjdPgQLJgNl2srTTa98wkiPNe3MZvfhDU5MS/s400/Sabrina-audrey-hepburn-824948_374_480.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://star-spangledheart.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is the polar opposite of every post-Paris outfit Sabrina's worn. The plaid shirt, white shorts, and bare feet are a far cry from her put-together suits and ballgowns. There are still some hints of style to it, though, like the shirt being tied to be more tailored, her amazing hair, and some pretty fantastic earrings.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60USipAiIpBligmDvwkhUVErLKsrrsqxGNFuNCwJ8GkkPskfv-hg4558C_RJxuCIy6F_9MobeiSNaTlZjZwzHZqOw8gFGojl2JZvsLf9_DRKa0hm2-j4dBTiU3N203WPsuNBGCU_tBT5U/s320/HepburnSabrina2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60USipAiIpBligmDvwkhUVErLKsrrsqxGNFuNCwJ8GkkPskfv-hg4558C_RJxuCIy6F_9MobeiSNaTlZjZwzHZqOw8gFGojl2JZvsLf9_DRKa0hm2-j4dBTiU3N203WPsuNBGCU_tBT5U/s400/HepburnSabrina2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://star-spangledheart.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another pretty famous costume from this film is the little black dress worn in some promotional images and near the end of the movie. Sabrina pairs it with a fun sparkly hat and black gloves.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tessdress.com/images/sabrina_audrey%20hepburn_givenchy%20dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://www.tessdress.com/images/sabrina_audrey%20hepburn_givenchy%20dress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tessdress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This dress was reproduced and emulated by many designers in the 1950's, as well as by modern Hollywood enthusiasts. It's so simple and classic, and the hat adds a little bit of whimsy. I think it shows Sabrina's maturity mixed with her still-present spirit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e-Xc9_6NB5vMALsraT6QLAdrXY_jgik6TvRnCR60tnchJG9vpKFX70Y4Y9885g0VmfE4pZ5EnaEeli3OpbIH94VPBLUNB7OjkurSP8HP5aW_b7N6TU7xudzR2GbbamsP9E7eE0t_suwp/s400/sabrinadress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e-Xc9_6NB5vMALsraT6QLAdrXY_jgik6TvRnCR60tnchJG9vpKFX70Y4Y9885g0VmfE4pZ5EnaEeli3OpbIH94VPBLUNB7OjkurSP8HP5aW_b7N6TU7xudzR2GbbamsP9E7eE0t_suwp/s400/sabrinadress.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hollywoodfashionvault.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That wraps up Fashion in Film for this week. Before I wander off into the sunset, I've got a question I want to run by you. I've been thinking of moving my blog series updates to Monday. I'm so busy during the week these days that giving myself some time over the weekend to work might boost my productivity. Let me know, times are a'changing!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-52722613666585788032012-11-21T10:30:00.003-08:002012-11-23T10:03:32.542-08:00Fashion in Film: Pride and PrejudiceI'm sure you're familiar with the story of Pride and Prejudice. Even if you've never read it or seen an adaptation, the story is a huge part of our culture. It's the ultimate classic novel, and by extension, the ultimate costume drama.<br />
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When I say "the ultimate costume drama," I'm of course referring to the 1995 adaptation, in all its five-hour, Colin Firth-y glory. My mom was the one who got me started on this adaptation when I was just a wee child. I've since seen it upwards of twenty times. Not to toot my own horn, but I can also quote pretty much every scene word-for-word. It's the film that got me started on Jane Austen, and it's been a big part of my life for a long time. It's our feel-good movie. Whenever we're having a bad day, we pop in the disc and watch an hour of it here or there. It doesn't even matter whether we watch it in order or not. We're sucked into the beautiful story every time.<br />
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So, without further adieu, let's take a look at the costumes worn by that singular, indefatigable, beloved Austen heroine, Elizabeth Bennet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTU1MDY4OTU5OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTg5NzAyMw@@._V1._SY317_CR5,0,214,317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTU1MDY4OTU5OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTg5NzAyMw@@._V1._SY317_CR5,0,214,317_.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imdb.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're a fan of reading<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112130/trivia"> IMDb trivia pages</a> like I am, you'll know that the BBC loves to reuse costumes. The page for pretty much every British period drama has a piece of trivia that reads like this:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The green striped gown with velvet Spencer jacket </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0151250/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Anna Chancellor</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> (Caroline Bingley) wears at Netherfield Hall is the same costume worn by </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0204919/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Julia Davis</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> (Elizabeth Elliot) at Kellynch Hall in </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844330/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Persuasion</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0672621/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Vicki Pepperdine</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> (Ann Dobbin) in the park scenes in </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0159090/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Vanity Fair</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, and an extra at the London party where Annabella Milbanke meets Byron in </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0369084/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Byron</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. The Spencer also appears, without the striped gown, in </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1178522/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Little Dorrit</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, worn by </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0682753/" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #70579d; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Emma Pierson</a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> as Fanny Dorrit. </span></blockquote>
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This means that several of the costume pieces in Pride and Prejudice weren't built specifically for the production. The real design of the costume lies in how the designer selects, matches, and styles the various pieces. Let's take a look.<br />
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The first time we meet Lizzy is when she's on a walk near her home. She's wearing a simple day dress, a structured spencer jacket, and a bonnet. This scene and her outfit set the tone for her character- she's outdoorsy, adventurous, and free-spirited, but still sensible and put-together. <span style="text-align: center;">Lizzy's costumes, unlike those worn by the ladies around her, aren't fussy in the least. This sets her apart from the other women and shows her independent nature.</span> We'll see several variations on the dress, spencer, and bonnet combo as the story progresses.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLZhsIcUFCJD-BJAtd2FRCAoWpP7ESPuIo5x1YITieHDyfbOGq7dfN5TTKE4BxiAwkbKaZqJ9yvD1Higxv5S4zde_o2ymcJ1t8kJfeorp_w1gyjBQe3U4ZkgDb-0eO5jcO8fXUiC6SyLV/s400/prideprejudice02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLZhsIcUFCJD-BJAtd2FRCAoWpP7ESPuIo5x1YITieHDyfbOGq7dfN5TTKE4BxiAwkbKaZqJ9yvD1Higxv5S4zde_o2ymcJ1t8kJfeorp_w1gyjBQe3U4ZkgDb-0eO5jcO8fXUiC6SyLV/s400/prideprejudice02.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecuausten.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH8G5UopeEApDi4S30CQRZq7lYzi3fA5KVkBBHzQ1VrBLTiO73yAyxUsrPsA_Blxu0nxte46p9-6pnNSqo7nJ5M65m5dgiRkdgD03KVx4Tbf5Z-0H0qGSIdb0g9Jg-_6ZzH9vlH05ILq-/s320/at+rosings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH8G5UopeEApDi4S30CQRZq7lYzi3fA5KVkBBHzQ1VrBLTiO73yAyxUsrPsA_Blxu0nxte46p9-6pnNSqo7nJ5M65m5dgiRkdgD03KVx4Tbf5Z-0H0qGSIdb0g9Jg-_6ZzH9vlH05ILq-/s400/at+rosings.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/">I especially love this pelisse.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.libertasfilmmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Widescreen-Screencaps-Wallpapers-pride-and-prejudice-1995-6152330-1920-1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.libertasfilmmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Widescreen-Screencaps-Wallpapers-pride-and-prejudice-1995-6152330-1920-1080.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.libertasfilmmagazine.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elizabeth's day dresses are equally simple. They're usually white or have some sort of subtle pattern (as seen in the image above), and they show her no-nonsense personality well. Check out the image below and compare Lizzy with the rest of her sisters. She's the only one who isn't wearing a pattern, and her dress is a demure cream color.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NPIBmxVSSs4/TIyDKc0KTSI/AAAAAAAAOiw/kdUBX3Kqhjo/s1600/000r953r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NPIBmxVSSs4/TIyDKc0KTSI/AAAAAAAAOiw/kdUBX3Kqhjo/s400/000r953r.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://felicelog.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of Elizabeth's more elaborate day dresses is also my favorite. The coral dress she wears at Netherfield is one of my favorite Regency costumes of all time. The cheery color compliments her well, and it's very vibrant compared to the rest of her relatively tame wardrobe.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/t/2/t2ng4oyu4wzun24z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://img2.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/t/2/t2ng4oyu4wzun24z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lucywho.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, no analysis of Elizabeth's costumes would be complete without the iconic white ballgown that she wears at the Netherfield ball.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m70bu1HynF1r516e0o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m70bu1HynF1r516e0o1_500.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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This is pretty much your textbook Regency era ballgown. White was a popular color for young women because it looked great in candlelight. The short sleeves and gloves line up with both the fashion and the etiquette of the time. The one thing that makes this outfit stand out is her floral ribbon crown. Yet again, we see something that's beautiful in its simplicity, and some very smart fashion choices on Lizzy's part.<br />
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To round it all out, we have the final scene of the mammoth drama, in which Lizzy and Darcy get married.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdcp06YbpH1rdfezko5_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdcp06YbpH1rdfezko5_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It looks like Lizzy's wearing a long-sleeved white gown with pleating and buttons on the bodice, and some sort of white pelisse on top. Elizabeth and Jane are both wearing white, which I've touched on before, and it's interesting to see how both of their wedding gowns express their personalities. Elizabeth's is simple and structured, while Jane's has demure lace accents and a more feminine cut.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgxFn9VR4oeVjJx0S1OjC6l3Qg7yPstnywV3KQmAS44fkYdrK_QkqDODvtV4BfXhxMPdkYrRHc-BKgHy78I4CXIUZ2IwBJc2VUtU6Dr4bvvkJbQBpnRAODxsBDJDjThEDqUF8EaM6whn0/s400/pride-and-prejudice_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgxFn9VR4oeVjJx0S1OjC6l3Qg7yPstnywV3KQmAS44fkYdrK_QkqDODvtV4BfXhxMPdkYrRHc-BKgHy78I4CXIUZ2IwBJc2VUtU6Dr4bvvkJbQBpnRAODxsBDJDjThEDqUF8EaM6whn0/s400/pride-and-prejudice_l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://worthyofnotereviews.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That wraps up this week's Fashion in Film post! It's been so fun to write about one of my family's favorite films, especially on the day before Thanksgiving. I hope you have a lovely holiday, and I'll see you next week. God bless.<br />
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Bonus Round: Check out<a href="http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/dressing-for-the-netherfield-ball-in-pride-and-prejudice-regency-fashion/"> this amazing analysis</a> of different adaptations of the Netherfield ball. It has some great info on Regency era fashion and ballroom etiquette.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-17937538237936109362012-11-20T05:00:00.000-08:002012-11-20T05:00:05.719-08:00Titanic: The MusicalEver since I did <a href="http://spriggedmuslin.blogspot.com/2012/10/fashion-in-film-julian-fellowes-titanic.html">a costume analysis of Julian Fellowes' <i>Titanic</i> miniseries</a>, I've had a spot of <i>Titanic</i> fever. I don't know what it is, but something about the tragedy is at once haunting and fascinating. Maybe it's the thousands of emotional stories that came from that one night. Maybe it's the comparison in classes; the decadence with which some lived and the poverty of others. Maybe it's the clothes. You know I'm a sucker for the clothes.<br />
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Whatever the reason, I was very excited when I discovered that there's actually a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(musical)">musical </a>that tells the story of passengers aboard the doomed ship. I poked around on YouTube, hoping to find some clips of the show, and happened across<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb91dVfIRaQ&feature=related#!"> this full video of the 2006 Australian production</a>. I watched five minutes of it here and there and managed to get through the whole thing. Several hours and buckets of tears later, I'm ready to tell you all about it.<br />
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This review is <b>spoiler-free</b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theatregold.com/gold/wp-content/themes/shopperpress/thumbs/titanic2006austcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://theatregold.com/gold/wp-content/themes/shopperpress/thumbs/titanic2006austcover.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theatregold.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first thing you need to know about this show is that it isn't an adaptation of James Cameron's <i>Titanic</i> film. In fact, as I found out as I researched it, the show premiered in 1997, a few months before the film did (and picked up five Tonys, I might add). In plot, it more closely resembles the Julian Fellowes series, in that it follows the stories of several different characters through strung-together vignettes. Characters from all social classes are represented, from the American millionares and British aristocracy in first class to the Irish immigrants and coal-covered stokers in steerage. All of the characters in the show are based off of real people to some extent, with ship designer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Andrews_(shipbuilder)">Thomas Andrews</a>, owner <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Bruce_Ismay">J. Bruce Ismay</a>, and captain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Smith_(sea_captain)">Edward Smith</a> all playing pivotal roles in the plot. Some characters, like spunky Irish lass Kate McGowan, are compilations of multiple passengers' stories.<br />
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One of the very first things that made an impression on me as I watched was the set. It's beautiful in its simplicity; for the majority of the show, we have nothing but a starry backdrop and a suspended walkway to show the chilly nights on deck. A few other set pieces fly in and out to show the docks, the first class dining room, and other scenes on the ship. Another interesting feature is the time and date that's occasionally projected onto the set to keep the audience updated on the timeline of the show. An eerie, but captivating effect takes place after the ship hits the iceberg at the end of the first act (spoiler!). The entire set is put on a tilt, which gets steeper as the story progresses and the <i>Titanic </i>sinks deeper into the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Px98Ecbklxg/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Px98Ecbklxg/0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://article.wn.com/">Unfortunately, not many photos of the set are available online. Here's a shot of a dock scene.</a></td></tr>
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I feel like I should pause a moment and tell you a bit about the costumes. It's only fair, considering the fact that this is mainly a costume blog. The costumes were historically accurate and fit the characters who wore them, but they were also very unobtrusive to the story, which I appreciated. From what I've seen, a lot of other productions go a little crazy with the costumes (the costumes for the American characters get especially wacky. Thanks, guys), which really feels unfitting for such a somber story. However, this production did have a little fun with their millinery, but honestly, would it be a 1910's costume drama without it? The lower class ladies wore shirtwaists, plain skirts, and jackets. Upper class ladies had glittering gowns and tailored traveling suits.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/140/326432247_5a005e3b47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/140/326432247_5a005e3b47.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chopper28/">One of the very few photos that shows the costumes in detail. It still isn't great, but at least the lighting is pretty.</a></td></tr>
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The score is yet another high point of this show. It's beautifully written, and wonderfully performed by the cast I watched. There isn't a bad voice in the cast (and that's coming from me as a picky theatre-goer/YouTube-watcher), and the musicians in the pit handle the soaring orchestration perfectly. With such talented singers and musicians, every single number in the musical is a showstopper. That might be one of my only complaints about the show. Since every number is so emotional, the story does tend to get heavy at times, with no moments of levity (with the exception of some funny lines of dialogue and the song "The Latest Rag" which incorporates period-accurate ragtime music and a lively dance sequence) to break up the drama. "Still" is a particularly moving duet about the lasting love between real-life couple Isidor and Ida Straus, who were married for more than forty years and refused to be separated during the disaster.<br />
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As I mentioned before, this cast is absolutely superb, and not just musically. There are some beautifully acted scenes, particularly in the captain's bridge, where a few men are completely aware of the fact that they are responsible for thousands of lives. I didn't realize until after I finished watching the video that this production was Australian. Although some of their Irish and American accents could use a little work (particularly second class American Alice Beane, whose over-energetic fawning over the first class passengers becomes a little grating on the ears), their British accents are superb. An honorable mention goes to the actor playing crew member Mr. Murdoch, who has a flawless Scottish brogue (or at least it sounds flawless to these American ears).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2006/11/04/va1237219445717/titanic-5293582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2006/11/04/va1237219445717/titanic-5293582.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://couriermail.com.au/">Source</a></td></tr>
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When I did my costume analysis for the Julian Fellowes series, I talked about how the most riveting part of the story was finding out who lives and who dies. The same holds true for this show. Some of the 30+ characters are more lovable than others, but all of them are interesting, and the show does a good job of balancing the multiple plotlines to give each one the development it needs. The only thing that bothered me about the script was the oft-repeated line "it's a new world out there." At least five different characters who have no relation to one another say this in several independent cases. We get it. The <i>Titanic</i> was a huge step forward in technological progress.<br />
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One of my favorite characters was the relatively small role of Harold Bride, the radioman on the <i>Titanic</i>. His song "The Night Was Alive," wasn't my favorite in the show (mainly because it was layered with "The Proposal," and Harold singing about his love for his job while another man was singing about his love for his sweetheart was downright awkward), but the beautiful lyrics and occasional verse sung in Morse code were really interesting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/30/Titanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/30/Titanic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/">Source</a></td></tr>
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There are so many more lovely moments in this show that I'd love to tell you about, but I really shouldn't. You just have to experience it for yourself. <i>Titanic: The Musical</i> is so emotional, and the story is so gripping. The events of that fateful night are told in a respectful, historically accurate, and creative way. It's a dream come true for history nerds. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb91dVfIRaQ&feature=related#!">Watch it on YouTube here</a>.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">And now for some legal stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I don't own </i>Titanic: the Musical<i>. If I did, I would bribe the producers to cast me in the show, after which I would run around in a giant, feather-and-flower-covered hat. I'm also not making any profit from this blog post. If you have any reason to believe that the YouTube video </i><i>I've promoted on this blog </i><i>posted by the user<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MusicalFrance"> MusicalFrance</a> is pirated or illegal in any way, let me know, and I'll remove the content.</i></span></div>
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See you tomorrow for Fashion in Film!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-74529876488823281462012-11-19T05:00:00.000-08:002012-11-19T05:00:01.107-08:00The Game<i>(No, not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Game_(mind_game)">that one</a>)</i><br />
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I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Hint: it's not a secret at all. I'm a huge nerd when it comes to historical fashion. One thing I love to do for fun is to look at old paintings and photographs of historical clothing and guess what year they're from. It's a little nerdy (Read: <i>very</i> nerdy. Frighteningly nerdy), but it's also really fun, and it stretches my knowledge to its limit, and way beyond. Let's play a round, and I'll show you what I mean.<br />
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Here are the rules of the game.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Go to oldrags.tumblr.com, historicalfashion.tumblr.com, or some other website that has photos of clothing with the year underneath. I'll be using a mixture of both sites for this round of the game (mainly because both sites also have photos of nightgowns, hats, and things that are outside my expertise). <b>All images in this post are from either oldrags.tumblr.com or historicalfashion.tumblr.com</b></li>
<li>Scroll down so that you can see the photo, but not the caption.</li>
<li>Guess the year from which the garment comes.</li>
<li>Scroll down to see if you're right!</li>
</ol>
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It's as simple as that! Of course, it's pretty difficult to get the year exactly right, so I count it as a correct answer my guess is within five years of the correct date.</div>
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Let's get going!</div>
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md4nrzPYKm1qidnqfo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md4nrzPYKm1qidnqfo1_500.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The first thing I'm seeing here is the bell-shaped skirt, which says we're somewhere between 1830 and 1850. The narrow sleeves rule out the 1830's, so we're looking at something in the 1840's. The oversleeves, the high neckline, and the v-shaped bodice all look like fashions that came near the beginning of the 1850's, but the skirt just isn't big enough. I'm thinking we're looking at something in the late 1840's. I'll go with 1848.</div>
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<b>My guess</b>: 1848</div>
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<b>Actual date</b>: 1835-1840. It looks like I was about a decade off. Shame. Let's see if I do better with the next one.</div>
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwhh035yp91qgdirfo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwhh035yp91qgdirfo1_400.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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Okay, well the beautiful quality of the photograph rules out anything before the 1860's-70's, we can tell that without even looking at the gown. The crazy amount of corseting going on here also points to the late Victorian era. The lady's hairstyle says 1880's, with the frizzled bangs and high bun. The sleeves are really what's throwing me here, married with the fact that I really only have the bodice to work with.The waistline looks very pointed, which also says 1880's. I'm puzzled by this gorgeous gown. My gut is saying early 1880's, though. I'll go with 1884.</div>
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<b>My guess:</b> 1884</div>
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<b>Actual date</b>: The site just lists it as "1880's-90's," so I guess I'm in the clear.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9sgmk3xkH1qidnqfo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9sgmk3xkH1qidnqfo1_400.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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Well, my first inclination is to scream "<i>Downton Abbey</i>," so I'm thinking we're in the pre-war 1910's here. In the interest of going off of some cold hard evidence instead of my fangirl tendencies, I'll also point out the loose draping, high waistline, lace, and silk that were characteristic of the era. I'll say 1911 for this one.<br />
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<b>My guess</b>: 1911<br />
<b>Actual date</b>: 1910-11. Let's just say I feel like Charlie Sheen right now. <i>Winning</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9y6m5hgHD1qcwhbgo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9y6m5hgHD1qcwhbgo1_400.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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We don't get to see much of the dress here, but I think the few details we can see from the back will be enough. The hoop skirt is the big piece of evidence (literally), and it lands us firmly in the 1850's or 1860's. What little I can see of the bodice makes me think we're somewhere between 1855-1865, because of the low neckline that was briefly unpopular for evening in the later 1860's. I'm going to take a shot in the dark from there and say 1861.</div>
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<b>My guess</b>: 1861</div>
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<b>Actual date</b>: 1860's, which doesn't tell us much. I'll call it a tentative win? A win with an asterisk?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mczbrtrdiw1qidnqfo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mczbrtrdiw1qidnqfo1_500.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
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The empire waist says we definitely have something in the Extended Regency. From there, things get a little difficult. If you've read my Decade Wednesday posts on the era, you'll know that fashion didn't progress much during the Regency era because of the Napoleonic wars in France, which makes it hard to pin down a specific year for this outfit. Still, we'll give it a go. The bonnet is something from earlier in the Regency, not like the more hat-like chapeaus we see in the 1820's. The dress is simple and understated, which also says early Regency, with the "return-to-nature" vibe at the turn of the 19th century. I honestly have no idea what's going on with the ruff, so I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist. Another honorable mention is the background of this painting, which features nature and neoclassicism with that snazzy pot-and-pedestal combo. I'll go with 1803.<br />
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<b>My guess</b>: 1803<br />
<b>Actual date</b>: Listed as "early 1820's." Ooh, that's pretty embarrassing. Well, I guess that means I need to brush up on my Regency era fashion. Does watching Jane Austen adaptations count as homework? I'm not entirely sure.<br />
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Three for five isn't too bad, I'd say. I'd love to do a little cramming (via Jane Austen marathons and Pinterest, like the pros do) and play another round in the near future. In the meantime, you should <a href="http://spriggedmuslin.blogspot.com/search/label/decade%20wednesday">study up with Decade Wednesday</a> and try the game yourself!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-32247102354207726332012-11-14T07:01:00.000-08:002012-11-14T07:01:01.679-08:00This Week<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/460985711827543261_ycUdan7W_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/460985711827543261_ycUdan7W_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Good morning/afternoon/evening/whenever you read this!<br />
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These past few weeks have been busy ones for me. The good kind of busy, but busy nonetheless. I won't go into all the messy details, but suffice to say that blogging has been on the back burner for quite a while. So I'm taking the week off from blogging in hopes of writing several posts in advance. I'd love to bring more quantity AND more quality to Sprigged Muslin, and the best way I can think of to do that is to give myself a head start.<br />
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In lieu of Fashion in Film this week, have some link love from around the internet!<br />
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Maybe I'm late to the party, but I just found out about <a href="http://librivox.org/">Librivox.org </a>yesterday. For those of you (like me) who don't know, volunteers sign up on Librivox to make audio recordings of books, plays, and poems that are in the public domain. Of course, my nerdy, classic literature-loving heart is fascinated.<br />
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The other day, I watched<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8GhcxDeo"> this retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth</a> with my family. At first I was hesitant about Macbeth being set in a restaurant (lots of meat butchering ensues), and I really did miss Shakespeare's language, but the themes of the play were so poignantly and perfectly translated to the modern day (especially some expansions made to Lady Macbeth's character that are hinted at in the original text). Definitely worth a watch, especially with the bonus selling points of James McAvoy as Macbeth, Keely Hawes as Lady Macbeth, and Richard Armitage as an understated Macduff.<br />
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<a href="http://mapcrunch.com/">This website</a> will use Google Maps to drop you at a random place on Earth. I've been using it these past few days to just unwind and explore.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-85791613789140516272012-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:002012-11-07T12:26:00.424-08:00Fashion in Film: GaslightI have a confession. Despite my love for classic film, I have yet to see <i>Casablanca</i>. Criminal, I know. As it stands at the moment, my favorite Ingrid Bergman movie is the 1944 adaptation of the play <i>Gaslight. </i>The film features a genius psychological plot, a twisted romance, and Joseph Cotten before I saw him in <i>Shadow of a Doubt</i> and became terrified of him. The movie is set in the year 1880, and in the interest of full disclosure, a big reason why I like the film so much is because of the amazing, late Victorian costumes. Let's jump right in.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/66/Gaslight-1944.jpg/399px-Gaslight-1944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/66/Gaslight-1944.jpg/399px-Gaslight-1944.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wikipedia.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Near the beginning of the film, Paula's costumes are youthful, with whimsical details such as lace, flowers, and ruffles. This costume we see below is a white or pastel walking dress with a high, ruffled collar and lace accents. The hat is by far the centerpiece of the outfit, with flowers and floral lace covering it entirely.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDAx1M5MX6JVGsqe0y9oPm1ODOB-cBGJKShXtNEEJKhoHUIVKkaoK7UMqbWmXMdSXqU6TmpvSTYl2tRtkJi3BMdQuC4TqAfPcFuxHgSz8zavW73F_pjt5WoutdvgwOwCsmoTIZPE8L7zY/s1600/Gaslight-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDAx1M5MX6JVGsqe0y9oPm1ODOB-cBGJKShXtNEEJKhoHUIVKkaoK7UMqbWmXMdSXqU6TmpvSTYl2tRtkJi3BMdQuC4TqAfPcFuxHgSz8zavW73F_pjt5WoutdvgwOwCsmoTIZPE8L7zY/s400/Gaslight-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://classic--movies.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Another costume from a little earlier in the film is a suit that Paula wears when she first returns to the house where her aunt was murdered years ago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/9882/10657985_2.jpg?v=8CE70FE1D1F1900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/9882/10657985_2.jpg?v=8CE70FE1D1F1900" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://icollector.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/9882/10657985_1.jpg?v=8CE70FE1D1F1900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/9882/10657985_1.jpg?v=8CE70FE1D1F1900" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.icollector.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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From the above picture, we can see that this dress has a princess bodice that ends well below the hips. The lack of bustle lends itself well to the early 1880's. The color is a light tan with an ombre effect on the ruffles of the skirt. The neck kerchief and ruffled hem make it fun, but the structure and smart buttons make it a little more mature than the lace-and-flower extravaganza we saw before. Not that I have anything against lace, flowers, and ruffles, but it does seem like the costume designer is trying to show Paula's youthfulness and innocence, or perhaps how she hasn't moved on from the traumatic event that happened in her childhood.</div>
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Paula's costumes go downhill as quickly as her marriage and peace of mind do. She goes from feminine, put-together suits to dark, simple dresses, and eventually wears a loose-fitting suit that looks like little more than a housecoat. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hpvf.com/catalog/dc_1_b_3030_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.hpvf.com/catalog/dc_1_b_3030_1.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hpvf.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gF1Kd2sPR-LTSZUCKomYiOihLEuXMB_fw9usNvHkIcaoGZrEyciLbodusOdkgCY-NaepWncfgGCiYzUNxYt5EM_odE4JPyTvomhD9I0SUgaUfmPUI1nAcGkYw7kzfe4k7rRhvaUPoRNK/s1600/Gaslight-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gF1Kd2sPR-LTSZUCKomYiOihLEuXMB_fw9usNvHkIcaoGZrEyciLbodusOdkgCY-NaepWncfgGCiYzUNxYt5EM_odE4JPyTvomhD9I0SUgaUfmPUI1nAcGkYw7kzfe4k7rRhvaUPoRNK/s320/Gaslight-06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://classic--movies.blogspot.com/">Source</a>. Her hair also seems to be slightly mussed here.</td></tr>
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I think this sliding scale from dainty to disheveled shows the corruption of Paula's innocence. At the beginning of the film, Paula is energetic, optimistic, and seems to finally be healing after the tragedy that struck her family. As we near the film's climax, we see her become paranoid, bitter, and broken-spirited as she doubts the man she loves and her own mind.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc0fB2XJGFidFb8ns2Ms072UCmveYjjCNPgW5v86wexROxo2qVIvTRdM1vyn6Rf6RogON3p12tfhOvgL1iubwspgYGIjSTCdEPnU91cePH8mTvpcdquteEXvsyPmH6UfnuqfjLV0R1-Uo/s1028/Gaslight-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc0fB2XJGFidFb8ns2Ms072UCmveYjjCNPgW5v86wexROxo2qVIvTRdM1vyn6Rf6RogON3p12tfhOvgL1iubwspgYGIjSTCdEPnU91cePH8mTvpcdquteEXvsyPmH6UfnuqfjLV0R1-Uo/s400/Gaslight-12.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://classic--movies.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Paula's hair is one of my favorite elements of the character's style. It's textbook 1880's, with frizzled bangs in front of a high bun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ln4pub9T8K1qdowoto1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ln4pub9T8K1qdowoto1_500.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/">Source</a>. Love the cameo earrings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My favorite costume in the film is the evening gown Paula wears to a party late in the story. Despite her increasingly haggard appearance at home, she cleans up very nicely. Perhaps this is because of how hard she had to fight for the social interaction she's been denied for several months. If you only leave your house once every few months, I guess you've got to look your best.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIdxYB1B1_qq3QmDJKwkVoyHHFHyFhZBvtpEgduIoDWcFemUxgbzPrykfizAouI2PTl0piQz0EaiJkcasJGmB901UjMaastnyCnbCO3Ws3uY2XwjoE3uiKXaMUml8eEPllweiXgQh5elj/s320/3204069353_886ab6e6ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIdxYB1B1_qq3QmDJKwkVoyHHFHyFhZBvtpEgduIoDWcFemUxgbzPrykfizAouI2PTl0piQz0EaiJkcasJGmB901UjMaastnyCnbCO3Ws3uY2XwjoE3uiKXaMUml8eEPllweiXgQh5elj/s400/3204069353_886ab6e6ed.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://noodleinahaystack.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The dress is a spot-on example of early 1880's evening wear, with a low neckline, thin sleeves, no bustle, a gathered overskirt, and a respectable train. The floral trim near the hem is gorgeous.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://denverlibrary.org/files/gaslight1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://denverlibrary.org/files/gaslight1.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://denverlibrary.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the above photo, we get a better look at her accessories. It looks like she's sporting a gorgeous brooch, with a matching flower-and-pearl piece in her hair. A thin choker also seems to be involved.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebestpictureproject.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/gaslight2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://thebestpictureproject.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/gaslight2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebestpictureproject.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Is it just me, or does this light, decadent gown feel like kind of a throwback to the costumes Paula wore earlier in the movie? To me, this shows how Paula is striving to regain the normalcy she lost.</div>
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The attempt was valiant, but unsuccessful. Paula immediately goes back to her dark robes and dark thoughts. But as the film draws to a close, it's interesting to see how Paula manages to compose herself when facing the man who's been torturing her all this time. The black, scalloped suit seems more fitted than before (perhaps because she's wearing it closed now? I can't be sure), and her hair is once again perfectly in place.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RzDOj-VYp3k6Vo3GsrKQinjAFYjVFEq7o7b8rody2hWeTDp_GLElKB-_ShyphenhyphenDgQf9QZgJgK7sA0zetbUh3NOCh3oms7XXm-RBaI9YOflleEYIiV73LhCyFt_uXmZ9U-bVH5tFumMGgyGD/s1031/Gaslight-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RzDOj-VYp3k6Vo3GsrKQinjAFYjVFEq7o7b8rody2hWeTDp_GLElKB-_ShyphenhyphenDgQf9QZgJgK7sA0zetbUh3NOCh3oms7XXm-RBaI9YOflleEYIiV73LhCyFt_uXmZ9U-bVH5tFumMGgyGD/s400/Gaslight-10.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://classic--movies.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I won't spoil the ending, but I will say that by the film's close, Paula is decided, strong, and very much in her right mind. This last costume shows this very well. </div>
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Paula's costumes in <i>Gaslight</i> reflect the themes of the film itself: destroyed innocence, deterioration, and restoration.<i> Gaslight</i> is a lovely, thought-provoking piece of classic film, and it's definitely worth a watch.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRbm2HkMWTlPnETBPiYw0WBuWWmAz0eU_8VP4KSnNq5NqTbzCnwtI85uVTVoUq1twKRbq3_xMi9fqLjWIi3qVoeS-8Tl43XR9ERGaGz1LwuB82yLjh_LdgjKCf66GygsTzu39AlhvbyUJ/s1600/Gaslight-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRbm2HkMWTlPnETBPiYw0WBuWWmAz0eU_8VP4KSnNq5NqTbzCnwtI85uVTVoUq1twKRbq3_xMi9fqLjWIi3qVoeS-8Tl43XR9ERGaGz1LwuB82yLjh_LdgjKCf66GygsTzu39AlhvbyUJ/s400/Gaslight-14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://classic--movies.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Bonus Round</b>: Check out <a href="http://angiefanatic.blogspot.com/2012_07_01_archive.html">this gallery</a> of Angela Lansbury's character in the film. Her fun, flamboyant costumes (when she's not wearing her maid's uniform) show the character's conniving, attention-seeking nature. Plus, it's just really neat to see a young Angela Lansbury.<br />
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<b>Bonus Bonus Round: </b>When looking for sources for this post, I happened upon <a href="http://www.icollector.com/Debbie-Reynolds-The-Auction_as20092">this auction of Debbie Reynolds' Hollywood memorabilia collection</a> (from whence I got the color photo of Paula's suit from the beginning of the movie). It contains hundreds of iconic costume pieces from different movies, and it made my nerdy heart skip a beat.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-11352155453796870982012-10-31T07:01:00.000-07:002012-10-31T07:01:13.311-07:00Fashion in Film: Little DorritThe 2008 adaptation of <i>Little Dorrit</i> is one of my favorite Charles Dickens adaptations of all time (tied with <i>Bleak House</i>). One of the really interesting parts of the series is the contrast between Amy Dorrit, the title character, and her sister Fanny. Meek, sweet, responsible Amy couldn't be more different from her flamboyant, outspoken, domineering sister. These differences are reflected in her costumes.<br />
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Warning, this analysis contains spoilers for<i> Little Dorrit</i>. Tread with caution!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoFQbfgKUhXkduht-0D1cGj9zZx5Y6KwtDQhdkPLSBNG541YGSKYv-SrlMT3S44EM7XKyG0N2jDcV4xiRNPaWne3Eh9DTGLvKbpWzA_aNtubT8axiAw34FDuiCV-24KGBMaEcwWvICZ4/s640/tumblr_lqgycjxrer1qgx92io1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoFQbfgKUhXkduht-0D1cGj9zZx5Y6KwtDQhdkPLSBNG541YGSKYv-SrlMT3S44EM7XKyG0N2jDcV4xiRNPaWne3Eh9DTGLvKbpWzA_aNtubT8axiAw34FDuiCV-24KGBMaEcwWvICZ4/s400/tumblr_lqgycjxrer1qgx92io1_500.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rebel-days99.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<i>Little Dorrit</i> is a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story, and at the beginning of the series, we see the Dorrit family decidedly in the rag category. For the majority of the series, Amy wears the same striped purple dress with an apron pinned onto the front.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fyllepennen.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/little-dorrit-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://fyllepennen.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/little-dorrit-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fyllepennen.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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The book and film are set in the late 1820's. Though Amy's dress shown above is by no means fashionable, the natural waistline and full sleeves show the time period well. </div>
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When she's outside her home at the Marshalsea debtor's prison, Amy pairs this dress with a simple cape and a dated straw bonnet.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbs.org/remotelyconnected/little_dorrit_photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.pbs.org/remotelyconnected/little_dorrit_photo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pbs.org/">I don't believe her bangs are too period accurate, but they show the character's sweetness and shyness well.</a></td></tr>
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Fanny isn't too involved in her sister's life near the beginning of the story, so we don't see her too often. The few times she does appear, she's wearing clothes with bright colors and ornate details, and bold makeup that fits her occupation as a showgirl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/littledorrit/images/characters/fanny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/littledorrit/images/characters/fanny.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bbc.co.uk/">Source</a></td></tr>
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I think it's interesting that the first outfit we see Fanny wearing is very detailed and showy, but made out of some sort of worn imitation velvet. </div>
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Amy and Fanny's lives change dramatically when it's discovered that the Dorrit family is actually entitled to a large sum of money. Of course, Fanny and Edward (Amy and Fanny's brother, played by Arthur Darvill of <i>Doctor Who</i> fame) move back in, and the entire family sets off for Italy.</div>
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Of course, the Dorrit family spares no expense when buying their new wardrobe, and both girls wear gowns that feature expensive material, fashionable construction, and intricate detail.</div>
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When the two sisters actually start wearing more than one outfit, it becomes evident that both of them wear certain colors very often. Amy wears a purple gown in every scene but one (when she's wearing black in mourning for her father), and Fanny tends to wear a lot of green (although not exclusively). </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVzzDFooeEyPT8H-40kmHL01wBzgJsApVtrUViemFgaI1-uzNxJFtHFOg2i0UQIvUsxbo30alf_AzwHqdmSy2lqcWJC0YagmExJj3FwtthQehboQN4Apqzi7ewCBFrwNWzvCt8jaVEWI/s640/LIttle+Dorrit+Stills_31_595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVzzDFooeEyPT8H-40kmHL01wBzgJsApVtrUViemFgaI1-uzNxJFtHFOg2i0UQIvUsxbo30alf_AzwHqdmSy2lqcWJC0YagmExJj3FwtthQehboQN4Apqzi7ewCBFrwNWzvCt8jaVEWI/s400/LIttle+Dorrit+Stills_31_595.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rebel-days99.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://c300221.r21.cf1.rackcdn.com/emma-pierson-as-fanny-dorrit-in-little-dorrit-tv-mini-series-2008-1347158156_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://c300221.r21.cf1.rackcdn.com/emma-pierson-as-fanny-dorrit-in-little-dorrit-tv-mini-series-2008-1347158156_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://pictify.com/">I think it's interesting that her dress has an empire waistline. It shows that some empire-waist dresses were still popular by the end of the 1820's.</a></td></tr>
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Though they have a significantly larger amount of money by this point in the series, Amy and Fanny's personalities show through in their clothing in much the same way as when they were poor. Amy still prefers to keep her wardrobe very simple, with minimal details on her gowns.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENYpbS-_aLHkcIfQKSAhRjJzAf5DostDKFNWdQF2A92DTuA51xUuuvyqIArZirmrnbAxZbfUv5U1E6dNvRIpwMmyYc5G4QoGMsAcehaZ6wJWVatF6pDZL9IUo2fjzq1og6Q0Tdcm16x8/s640/tumblr_lqgz734bMM1qgx92io1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENYpbS-_aLHkcIfQKSAhRjJzAf5DostDKFNWdQF2A92DTuA51xUuuvyqIArZirmrnbAxZbfUv5U1E6dNvRIpwMmyYc5G4QoGMsAcehaZ6wJWVatF6pDZL9IUo2fjzq1og6Q0Tdcm16x8/s400/tumblr_lqgz734bMM1qgx92io1_500.jpg" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rebel-days99.blogspot.com/">Her dress is a very light shade of purple, but purple nonetheless.</a></td></tr>
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Meanwhile, Fanny throws caution to the wind, and her sense of style is only heightened by wealth. Her style becomes a strange mix of the past and present; though she wears dresses with fashionably voluminous sleeves and tons of decoration, and her hair has the distinctive, wacky loops that hint towards the 1830's, she continues to sport her showgirl makeup. Of course, makeup really wasn't socially acceptable until the 1920's, so I think this says something interesting about Fanny's character. More on that later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m26jzmbId11ro2oa5o1_250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m26jzmbId11ro2oa5o1_250.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Let's play a game of compare and contrast with Amy and Fanny. Take a look at this photo below.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD9SYjo2oB_Bsltwsu5e1-9tfMML4yFCrjpz5n3d-1oUwJ9-Zh6UtBn9ayNdoeCpV5JCIlGbDrKH7X80h4udfv_iMWxCo5pXX0owDMBeDp6ahX5VK2lxVG_ux9MEr9nxaNznQYvxHQC0/s640/Production-Still-little-dorrit-3214071-2048-1365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD9SYjo2oB_Bsltwsu5e1-9tfMML4yFCrjpz5n3d-1oUwJ9-Zh6UtBn9ayNdoeCpV5JCIlGbDrKH7X80h4udfv_iMWxCo5pXX0owDMBeDp6ahX5VK2lxVG_ux9MEr9nxaNznQYvxHQC0/s400/Production-Still-little-dorrit-3214071-2048-1365.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rebel-days99.blogspot.com/">I see you creeping back there, Arthur Darvill.</a></td></tr>
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First, we see that both Amy and Fanny are wearing their customary colors, purple and green. Their gowns are very similar in cut, with the natural waist line, structured bodice, and puffy sleeves of the late 1820's. Both of them wear simple necklaces and fingerless lace gloves. And that's pretty much where the similarities end. Amy's dress is a simple satin with a buckle on the waistband, whereas Fanny's gown is decked out in lace trim.</div>
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The hair is another interesting point of contrast. Of course, my eye is immediately drawn to Fanny's peacock feather extravaganza (very 1830's), but Amy's tiny attempts at hair loops are also very interesting. She's trying to follow the fashion, but is very timid about it. Meanwhile, Fanny is pulling out all the stops (which might say something about each girl's attitude towards their new lifestyle). Another interesting point about the hair is the part that frames each girl's face. Fanny's hair is severely pulled back from her face, with one curl intentionally plastered to her temple. Amy's hair is more natural, with lighter curls framing her face and neck.</div>
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Not to draw attention to anything inappropriate, but Fanny's neckline is significantly lower than Amy's, which was actually rather unfashionable for the time. Necklines on evening dresses really didn't get that low until the early 1840's, over ten years later. This paired with Fanny's makeup tells me that Fanny still yearns for her showgirl days. Although she claims to want to leave the past behind her, her wardrobe tells a different tale.</div>
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All good things must come to an end, the Dorrits' wealth included. When Mr. Merdle (the Bernie Madoff of the 19th century) commits suicide because of his unraveling financial scam, the Dorrits lose all of their investments and are sent back to poverty. Well, Amy is. Fanny has escaped the clutches of financial insecurity by marrying Edmund Sparkler, Mr. Merdle's flamboyant stepson.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7bu4quvPK1qet75po1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7bu4quvPK1qet75po1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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In the picture above, Fanny is in mourning, both for her father (who died while the Dorrits were still wealthy) and her father-in-law. That doesn't seem to phase her, because we still see her in bright makeup, jewels, and with her crazy, fabulous hair loops perfectly intact.<div>
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Amy stays with her sister and the in-laws for a while, but understandably grows weary of it. When she goes to help a friend (or more than a friend? Perhaps, it's too lengthy to explain here, the story has a... Dickensian amount of characters and plot lines) who has found himself in the Marshalsea, she is most likely in half mourning, and so her purple-wearing tendencies are justified.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JFbQO0AFD_j4CexwYSDGICXXoMTDvXYhPYmegonWkAM1Hxe9H9aMpEVQAXuWzKPklfjJM8RKiQm8sxHVq-Wf-aghltCWZM0NcwrUTcEJjdL203cM0AiooIg6CQpo7VFhdvbYb5jiU_A/s640/gallery-bbc-costume-drama-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JFbQO0AFD_j4CexwYSDGICXXoMTDvXYhPYmegonWkAM1Hxe9H9aMpEVQAXuWzKPklfjJM8RKiQm8sxHVq-Wf-aghltCWZM0NcwrUTcEJjdL203cM0AiooIg6CQpo7VFhdvbYb5jiU_A/s400/gallery-bbc-costume-drama-005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rebel-days99.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Amy's choice of clothing here is very simple. Her dress is dark, structured, and tailored well, and her sleeves are almost unfashionably slim. She's back to wearing her hair with straight bangs, and her bonnet simply matches the dress, with no more fuss required. Though it's very basic, this costume feels very strong to me, and it's more mature than the girlish things Amy's worn up until this point. It shows her character change well. She goes from a young, shy seamstress who is nicknamed "Little Dorrit," to a determined woman who has seen her share of sorrows and has the courage to soldier on.</div>
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Another interesting point for comparison and contrast is that both sisters get married at different points in the series: Fanny (as mentioned above) to Edmund Sparkler, and Amy to... someone else. I'll keep one spoiler unspoiled for you.<br /><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ydt92Nrn1qlll6ko1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ydt92Nrn1qlll6ko1_500.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tumblr.com/">I would like to call attention to Edmund's face.</a></td></tr>
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Although we don't see much of Fanny's dress in this brief shot, it is pretty clear that her personality is just as present on her wedding day as it is in every other scene. Makeup? Check. Expensive details? Check (in the form of the gold embroidery trim). Low neckline? Check. Jewels? Check. Enormous pillow-sleeves? Check. The only thing that's missing is a crazy hairdo, which is replaced by a starburst tiara. Also, I have to say, I'm in love with the way she draped her veil over her massive sleeves.<br />
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Now, you may be asking yourself, "Why is Fanny wearing white? Queen Victoria hasn't gotten married at this point, and Queen Victoria started the tradition of white bridal gowns." Well, the short answer is that this (semi) anachronism pops up in a lot of period films. Modern audiences want to see brides wearing white. It's just our thing. However, Her Majesty wasn't the first bride in the universe to wear white. She did popularize it, but many ladies' magazines prior to the Victorian Era advised brides to wear white because of its connotations with purity. In Fanny's case, that's pretty ironic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX0svA3REO5LF2pqbA6Cs4E2L38JJb5tAT2Ie71LtTETLfyMRb0-BfNAZPzBYRdAEdheq1Ndg393H69tTWiHpS6jaC3OBVcMxYiz-R8IsX3CZntVrIx63FptR-Z-ZceDi7NkVM1L4-r4S/s1600/Little+Dorrit-Claire+Foy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX0svA3REO5LF2pqbA6Cs4E2L38JJb5tAT2Ie71LtTETLfyMRb0-BfNAZPzBYRdAEdheq1Ndg393H69tTWiHpS6jaC3OBVcMxYiz-R8IsX3CZntVrIx63FptR-Z-ZceDi7NkVM1L4-r4S/s400/Little+Dorrit-Claire+Foy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://miss-dashwood.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Amy's wedding look is much more typical of the average pre-Victorian bride. Like most women of the time, Amy is simply wearing the best dress she owns, which appears to be the purple evening gown from before. She pairs it with her lace gloves, a lace veil, and plenty of flowers (purple, of course) in her hand and hair.<br />
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The way Amy wears her hair is really interesting to me. She's got this totally off-the-wall curly side ponytail thing going on, and still manages to work in her trademark bangs. This looks like it's more of a character development thing and less of an actual historical hairstyle. To me, it shows how Amy has blossomed as a woman, (partially loose hair, flowers) but still retains her old sweetness (bangs).<br />
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Amy and Fanny couldn't be more different, and that's masterfully shown in the series. I heartily recommend Masterpiece Classic's adaptation of <i>Little Dorrit. </i>Trust me, I haven't spoiled even a fraction of the massive, beautiful story. See you next week.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-9353209557603332132012-10-24T06:53:00.005-07:002012-10-24T06:59:58.026-07:00Fashion in Film: Julian Fellowes' TitanicOver the past few nights, I've been watching the Julian Fellowes <i>Titanic</i> miniseries. Well, without spoiling anything, I'll just say that <i>I'll never be happy again</i>.<br />
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Through my flood of tears, I happened to notice that there were some lovely costumes in the series. All classes of women are represented in the story, so the variety of costumes is simply astounding. I'm super excited to analyze them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cheeseontoast.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Titanic_Web.jpg.crop_display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://cheeseontoast.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Titanic_Web.jpg.crop_display.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cheeseontoast.co.nz/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Since the variety of costumes is so vast, it's really hard to know how to tackle them, and I certainly won't be able to cover them all in one post (the four episode series has <i>89</i> prominent characters, folks). I think the best way to look at this is in broad chronological chunks. Bear with me, and I think it will all sort out.<br />
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The first time we see a significant number of female characters together (other than a rather shady jail scene at the very beginning) is when the first and second class families gather for dinner and dancing on the first night of the voyage. As is tradition, the travelers don't change for dinner on the first night, so in this scene, we get a good look at some Edwardian traveling clothes.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTYzMTI3ODg5Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjU3ODY2Nw@@._V1._SX640_SY427_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTYzMTI3ODg5Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjU3ODY2Nw@@._V1._SX640_SY427_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imdb.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2012/04/13/13_titanic.o.jpg/a_560x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2012/04/13/13_titanic.o.jpg/a_560x375.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://pixel.nymag.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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The ladies' traveling dresses are dark and sturdy, and not nearly as extravagant as the evening gowns we'll see later on. However, even these plain frocks meant for automobiles and trains are decked out in fantastic detail and beautiful draping typical of the pre-war 1910's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.zap2it.com/images/tv-EP01410493/titanic-perdita-weeks-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.zap2it.com/images/tv-EP01410493/titanic-perdita-weeks-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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The hats in this series are, in a word, stunning. The sheer mass of them paired with the amount of flowers, feathers, and other decoration stuck on top had me starry eyed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/120412/perdita_weeks_17ocmau-17ocmb1.jpg?x=450&q=80&n=1&sig=F8nfK0qhug95GM_IXgajZg--" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/120412/perdita_weeks_17ocmau-17ocmb1.jpg?x=450&q=80&n=1&sig=F8nfK0qhug95GM_IXgajZg--" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/120412/geraldine_somerville_17ocmau-17ocmb0.jpg?x=450&q=80&n=1&sig=nhpq7P99jJoeN31_Ee3blQ--" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/120412/geraldine_somerville_17ocmau-17ocmb0.jpg?x=450&q=80&n=1&sig=nhpq7P99jJoeN31_Ee3blQ--" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://au.tv.yahoo.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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A little later on, we get to see some true-blue Edwardian evening wear. That means gorgeous cuts and colors, lovely fabrics, and of course, tons of sparkle.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.cdnds.net/12/09/618x930/uktv_titanic_gallery_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i2.cdnds.net/12/09/618x930/uktv_titanic_gallery_6.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digitalspy.co.uk/">Source</a>. I think it's interesting that her hair tends more towards the Gibson Girl style here.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/rt-service/image/render/Titanic_sinks_competition_on_launch.jpg?imageUrl=/uploads/images/original/2140.jpg&width=580&height=350&quality=85&mode=crop" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://www.radiotimes.com/rt-service/image/render/Titanic_sinks_competition_on_launch.jpg?imageUrl=/uploads/images/original/2140.jpg&width=580&height=350&quality=85&mode=crop" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Of course, there are way more characters than just the upper class ladies. One of my favorite characters, Annie Desmond (played by future Doctor Who companion Jenna-Louise Coleman), is among the staff of the <i>Titanic</i>. Obviously, her maid's uniform isn't much to write home about, but she's still a firecracker.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.oregonlive.com/ent_impact_tvfilm/photo/10812728-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.oregonlive.com/ent_impact_tvfilm/photo/10812728-large.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://oregonlive.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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One character with a really interesting wardrobe is Mary Maloney, an Irish mother of four in steerage. Though the story is set in the 1910's, Mary's hair and clothes are more old-fashioned. She sports a Gibson Girl hairstyle and 1900's shirtwaists, which is perhaps indicative of her lower class.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/titanic1x02__1007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/titanic1x02__1007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://primeval-cast.livejournal.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/titanic1x02__1128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/titanic1x02__1128.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://primeval-cast.livejournal.com/">I love her gorgeous shirtwaist, but it does seem a little outdated, especially for a younger woman like Mary.</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/titanic1x02__0708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/titanic1x02__0708.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://primeval-cast.livejournal.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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We all know the moment is coming. The unsinkable ship hits an iceberg, and the nightmare begins. It's important to note that in these scenes, all of the women are wearing bulky life jackets over their costumes. Since these jackets obscure the costumes (and since promotional images of the costumes sans-jackets are available), I'm going to be analyzing the costumes without the necessary, but unattractive flotation devices.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.cdnds.net/11/51/618x416/uktv_titanic_2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://i2.cdnds.net/11/51/618x416/uktv_titanic_2_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digitalspy.com/">Here they are, just for reference. Modeled by a rather familiar face to Julian Fellowes fans.</a></td></tr>
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As you can see in the image above, the majority of female characters go to bed before the disaster takes place, only to be woken in the middle of the night and told that the ship is sinking. Most of the ladies, such as Georgiana Grex, seen below, stay in their nightgowns and robes. However, some of the older, upper class passengers (such as Georgiana's parents) take the time to change into tuxedos and jewels before running for their lives. It's an interesting juxtaposition to see ladies wearing giant hats and jewelry along with their life vests. I think this nods to the true events of the <i>Titanic</i> sinking; many of the passengers originally underestimated the danger of the situation.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbcamericashop.com/blog/dvds-in-the-works/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/titanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.bbcamericashop.com/blog/dvds-in-the-works/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/titanic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbcamericashop.com/blog">Source</a></td></tr>
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Two other characters we've glanced at before reappear in braids, nightgowns, and bathrobes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/Titanic_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/kayim/Primeval/titanic/Titanic_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://primeval-cast.livejournal.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.zap2it.com/images/tv-EP01410493/titanic-jenna-louise-coleman-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.zap2it.com/images/tv-EP01410493/titanic-jenna-louise-coleman-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zap2it.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The interesting thing about watching this series (beyond nerds like me ogling the costumes) is that you know how it ends. We all know the story of the devastating loss of lives that night in the Atlantic. Pre-equipped with that knowledge, the viewer is then presented with a superb cast of characters that is wonderfully acted and large enough to fill a passenger liner. One simple question drives the story from there: out of this enormous pool of characters that we've come to care about over the course of four short episodes, who lives and who dies? It's an ending that's surprising, moving, and that is a perfect homage to the tragedy that took place 100 years ago.</div>
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<i>Titanic</i> is available on Netflix Instant View (!!!), for those of you who have it, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Titanic-Toby-Jones/dp/B0074JODXU">and is also available on DVD on Amazon.</a> See you all next week.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-73321532424464277632012-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:002012-10-17T05:00:04.976-07:00Fashion in Film: Roman Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week, I've chosen to take a look at the three costumes worn by Princess Ann in <i>Roman Holiday</i>. This is by far my favorite Audrey Hepburn film, with princesses, adventure, and humor, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Rome. Not to mention fabulous 1950's fashion. Let's take a look.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTg1ODgzODA1Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTI0MzU3Mg@@._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTg1ODgzODA1Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTI0MzU3Mg@@._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imdb.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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The costumes in the film were designed by the legendary Edith Head, and the first costume she designed for princess Ann is a white gown with a full skirt and an off the shoulder neckline. Several royal orders are pinned to the bodice, and a sash is tied from her right shoulder to a bow at the hip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://playingmanyparts.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/romanholiday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://playingmanyparts.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/romanholiday4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://playingmanyparts.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lp7url03Qo1qzdzbuo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lp7url03Qo1qzdzbuo1_500.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://costumerism.tumblr.com/">Check out the detail on the bodice of the dress. The tiara and necklace are stunning, as well.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqgu65uoyk1qzdzbuo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqgu65uoyk1qzdzbuo1_500.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://insidethedustyshoebox.tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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This gown is a perfect example of the "New Look" that surfaced at the end of the 1940's, with a full skirt and a tight bodice. One thing that sticks out to me about this gown is that it is white. Of course, the connotations between a luxurious white gown and brides were as firmly fixed in the minds of the 20th century audience as they are today. I can't help but wonder if this is some subtle reference to the state we find Ann in as the film opens: duty-bound (or "married," as it were) to her country and her work. I think the various royal orders she wears corroborate this as well.</div>
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The second costume we see is very basic compared to the opulent gown of the opening scene, but it also shows Ann's character change in a definite way. When Ann runs away from the palace, she dons a white button-down blouse, white gloves, and a belted skirt.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEKr0j2Rydrl4ObrlKR4sWJfPNGaVQ9yJLyr0FrvSOo5-HWMXDlSfhO6XEgRA9gXvch6yh7Qq0-G59weIW8xfwARXi9D27atw1NEOVANWpVAvdsNwzsfQ5omeFQgQQGySwOZDQ9SrxTk/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+3.57.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEKr0j2Rydrl4ObrlKR4sWJfPNGaVQ9yJLyr0FrvSOo5-HWMXDlSfhO6XEgRA9gXvch6yh7Qq0-G59weIW8xfwARXi9D27atw1NEOVANWpVAvdsNwzsfQ5omeFQgQQGySwOZDQ9SrxTk/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+3.57.49+PM.png" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashionandpower.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Without changing her clothes, Ann manages to completely transform her look. Her blouse sleeves are rolled up, the collar is buttoned down and her white necktie is changed out for a colorful kerchief, and she picks up a pair of very Roman sandals from a street vendor. And of course, an iconic hair cut finishes the look.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ29W5p_Q0GtLJgeoWtyqCYEF0FwbwwC7zKxINOqwzO40RoFdn-0QOrmYoETOzZE9bEa-RfKUrNwQScR5FP1R0VoaIhqGWFGvrelbOiNET2zoY1o_W7KkHF-pABFEYqymTY3cmD9KC7k/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+3.43.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ29W5p_Q0GtLJgeoWtyqCYEF0FwbwwC7zKxINOqwzO40RoFdn-0QOrmYoETOzZE9bEa-RfKUrNwQScR5FP1R0VoaIhqGWFGvrelbOiNET2zoY1o_W7KkHF-pABFEYqymTY3cmD9KC7k/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+3.43.01+PM.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashionandpower.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-24.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.wordpress.com/">You can see the sandals better here.</a></td></tr>
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<div>
This incredible transformation shows Ann's mounting independence, and her fancy-free sense of adventure as the film progresses.</div>
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The film has a bittersweet ending; Ann ultimately decides to leave the life and the man she loves and return to her royal duties. The last scene of the film takes place at a press conference in which Princess Ann wears a full-skirted lace dress with a v-collar and voluminous elbow length sleeves.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-29.jpg?w=500&h=367" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-29.jpg?w=500&h=367" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Once again we see that her dress is white. In comparison with the darkly-clad ladies flanking her, Ann looks very feminine and youthful, even overdressed. Perhaps this shows how she's returned to her station as figurehead, being the face of her country.<br />
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Other interesting elements of her outfit are her hat and pearl choker.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.tfd.com/wiki/3/38/Audrey_Hepburn_Roman_Holiday_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.tfd.com/wiki/3/38/Audrey_Hepburn_Roman_Holiday_cropped.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://english.turkcebilgi.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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The hat and necklace are both very high-fashion pieces of the era, in contrast with her second outfit, which has a thrown-together feel to it. I think this shows how she's put her carefree holiday in Rome behind her and has willingly returned to the controlled environment of royal duties.</div>
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That wraps up week two of the Fashion in Film series! I'm really enjoying it thus far, especially the opportunity to delve into the costumes of my favorite Audrey Hepburn film. See you next week!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-23.jpg?w=500&h=656" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://girlsdofilm.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/audrey-hepburn-roman-holiday-23.jpg?w=500&h=656" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlsdofilm.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Bonus Round:</b> Check out another great costume analysis of<i> Roman Holiday</i> <a href="http://girlsdofilm.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/roman-holiday-audrey-hepburn/">here.</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-32360276449625636482012-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:002012-10-10T05:00:06.192-07:00Fashion in Film: The Young VictoriaGood morning and happy Wednesday! To kick off the new Fashion in Film blog series, I've chosen to analyze the costumes worn by Queen Victoria in "<i>The Young Victoria</i>." Let's jump right in!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/TYV_QueenVictoriaAlbertEntrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/TYV_QueenVictoriaAlbertEntrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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The costumes in the film were designed by Sandy Powell, who also worked on films such as <i>Hugo</i>, <i>The Other Boleyn Girl</i>, and <i>The Tempest</i>. She says that near the beginning of the film, she wanted to give Victoria a more youthful look, since she's still under the control of her domineering mother. This shows in her pale yellow, flower-decked gown she wears for the king's birthday. The light fabric, lacy details, bow at the waist, flowers on the bodice and headpiece, and the general details of late 1830's formal wear all mimic a young girl's party dress.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heyuguys.co.uk/images/2010/02/young-victoria-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://www.heyuguys.co.uk/images/2010/02/young-victoria-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heyguys.co.uk/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The majority of Victoria's costumes for the first half of the film (even including the time between her coronation and marriage) reflect this almost childish aesthetic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5DW2gW2mQllRM8xUI7yRJk9sH-PtOIYl7vdsXrJbwbLvPp64L95iEUTIOTbpeaQgwF2d3yKmht1tBfNfBIei13dpFokiSWfCSZeEcbqjRflJwxOCzi-9jPI2FnZ9zj4RjF6XJlI2N5Bt/s1600/tumblr_l9fl0uH3Nu1qb64pio1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5DW2gW2mQllRM8xUI7yRJk9sH-PtOIYl7vdsXrJbwbLvPp64L95iEUTIOTbpeaQgwF2d3yKmht1tBfNfBIei13dpFokiSWfCSZeEcbqjRflJwxOCzi-9jPI2FnZ9zj4RjF6XJlI2N5Bt/s400/tumblr_l9fl0uH3Nu1qb64pio1_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bramblewoodfashion.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6j1OveaxhwOZPrpOPXAb7ezFVsrjSWbQBpjqrl_vfgeiKb7y9umnYS-zO0VUhAVWFAqLQcmMo5HjtqByqK1KG1v6xujmKH3X4jAJ2lFLQ0ZyjJHEuT1WNdccLHLhrAMwYSRotThbJrk/s1600/YV_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6j1OveaxhwOZPrpOPXAb7ezFVsrjSWbQBpjqrl_vfgeiKb7y9umnYS-zO0VUhAVWFAqLQcmMo5HjtqByqK1KG1v6xujmKH3X4jAJ2lFLQ0ZyjJHEuT1WNdccLHLhrAMwYSRotThbJrk/s400/YV_36.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://periodmoviecaps.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVunHk3WqM4y9JpwZxPrhDXhDc54zJ4DvjgeNotV0h0KuauNtNBkBkaxzX9WSOxvLxEgZYJb1obOLjjXUZGhU4r6XUPIVedlQgJSpPVMI9Z2in9E0ANLGGkpGRkKo8PESVg4SDqOq0Lmg/s1600/Young-Victoria_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVunHk3WqM4y9JpwZxPrhDXhDc54zJ4DvjgeNotV0h0KuauNtNBkBkaxzX9WSOxvLxEgZYJb1obOLjjXUZGhU4r6XUPIVedlQgJSpPVMI9Z2in9E0ANLGGkpGRkKo8PESVg4SDqOq0Lmg/s400/Young-Victoria_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://periodmoviecaps.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAae6bl1K9vXMDUFcGvwiL6M5eQGVTCwTG7SexyBJXf-CIWGuKlmSKYOqXG4lo85dC4Wv4m23pxNa_7RMGXQ7ThC7SXa1ZjXcMT3viAYiFARvPppyRjQsHtfHq1tDvdTLbl_KlgcUgn4/s1600/YV_66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAae6bl1K9vXMDUFcGvwiL6M5eQGVTCwTG7SexyBJXf-CIWGuKlmSKYOqXG4lo85dC4Wv4m23pxNa_7RMGXQ7ThC7SXa1ZjXcMT3viAYiFARvPppyRjQsHtfHq1tDvdTLbl_KlgcUgn4/s400/YV_66.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://periodmoviecaps.blogspot.com/">So cute. :)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are two costumes in "<i>The Young Victoria</i>" which are based on actual garments: Victoria's coronation robe and her wedding dress.<br />
<br />
Powell has said that the coronation robe was the hardest garment in the movie to create. The original robe is intricately embroidered, and in order to replicate that, the Wardrobe department screen printed the design onto a fabric that they custom-dyed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Victoria_coronation_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Victoria_coronation_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wikipedia.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TYV_QueenVictoriaCoronation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TYV_QueenVictoriaCoronation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Victoria's coronation garb does not particularly exemplify the fashions of the late 1830's. The ornate, luxurious details are timeless and nod to the long line of the monarchs of Great Britain. In addition, the v-waist, elbow length sleeves, and ornate over skirt that reveals a simple dress underneath suggests (at least to me) the mid to late 18th century, a time when the monarchs of the House of Hanover were at their prime (Victoria was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover, so this allusion may have been intentional. Or maybe it's just me. I haven't the foggiest).<br />
<br />
The second costume in "<i>The Young Victoria</i>" that is a replica of an actual garment is Victoria's wedding gown.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdErKvxXBr-vPRImb-ABhSBIEKWDJqZBKyrJm7epv-NW0MOTEMAWahtU8Dnc_YeJtYuZbqhh6NjUtFEaVsNrv71fGuwJiAIUL93uJjEiOouvzPOsDEqbESfymBWUCNvNR25pSUQJOr46y/s1600/victoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdErKvxXBr-vPRImb-ABhSBIEKWDJqZBKyrJm7epv-NW0MOTEMAWahtU8Dnc_YeJtYuZbqhh6NjUtFEaVsNrv71fGuwJiAIUL93uJjEiOouvzPOsDEqbESfymBWUCNvNR25pSUQJOr46y/s400/victoria.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://etherealbride.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The wedding gown is an excellent, simple example of early 1840's fashion, with a low, pointed waist, bell-shaped skirt, and puffed sleeves.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Queen-Victoria_real-wedding-dress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Queen-Victoria_real-wedding-dress1.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This museum display of Victoria's real wedding dress is almost exactly like the one in the film. One difference is the lace on the bottom of movie-Victoria's dress, which isn't on the real one. But looking at this photograph below, it seems as though the dress was either two pieces (with one plain skirt and one lace skirt worn with the same bodice), or Victoria was wearing a lace overskirt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Queen_Victoria_wedding_dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Queen_Victoria_wedding_dress.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wikipedia.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One noticeable difference between Victoria's real gown and the gown in the film is the cluster of flowers at the bodice, which is replaced with a simple brooch in the movie. This portrait may have been the basis for this change, using an identical brooch in place of the flowers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.catherinedelors.com/wp-content/uploads/queen-victoria-wedding-dress-winterhalter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://blog.catherinedelors.com/wp-content/uploads/queen-victoria-wedding-dress-winterhalter.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.catherinedelors.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even though Victoria became Queen of England before she married Prince Albert, she really didn't gain independence from her mother until after her marriage. After this point in the film, Victoria's gowns become slimmer, more fitted, and more mature. The pale, muted colors she wore while under the control of her mother flourish into vibrant, bold hues. It's interesting to see how the change from 1830's fashion (youthful, overly decorated, fluffy, and pale) to 1840's fashion (simple, structural, striking, and mature) mirror Victoria's character journey.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/green2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/green2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/The-Young-Victoria_Emily-Blunt_purple-dress-mid.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/The-Young-Victoria_Emily-Blunt_purple-dress-mid.bmp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KUJlRfRiyTOerFHhyphenhyphenCehyphenhyphenj2UIgZwh7cVuAMCd9jpPHvCiFvT2rp35CBFj-X40y9_Pj878cxmWwyMbPiAoqtXH_Qei34xQr8N7XlA7-EwhHxxc6e8tai4_PvQs3PyLmLIf7wfH0trCdU/s1600/YV_55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KUJlRfRiyTOerFHhyphenhyphenCehyphenhyphenj2UIgZwh7cVuAMCd9jpPHvCiFvT2rp35CBFj-X40y9_Pj878cxmWwyMbPiAoqtXH_Qei34xQr8N7XlA7-EwhHxxc6e8tai4_PvQs3PyLmLIf7wfH0trCdU/s400/YV_55.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="http://periodmoviecaps.blogspot.com/" style="font-size: 13px;">Source</a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The last costume Victoria wears in the film is a vibrant blue gown with lace trim and a low 1840's waistline. She pairs this with a striking tiara and what looks like the same brooch worn with her wedding dress.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/electricblue4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/electricblue4.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://periodmoviecaps.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TYV_QueenVictoriaAlbertEntrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://clothesonfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TYV_QueenVictoriaAlbertEntrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://periodmoviecaps.blogspot.com/">Source</a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The bold color and slim structure of the dress definitely reflect Victoria's strength of character, but to me, the lace accents also remind me of what she was when the film began and the journey she's made from the child ruled by a 19th century tiger mom to the strong, intelligent Queen of Great Britain.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">So that wraps up our first Fashion in Film analysis! I definitely enjoyed putting this together. Join me next week as I dig into another fabulous lady's wardrobe.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bonus round</b>: Check out<a href="http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2010/03/01/emily-blunt-dishes-on-being-%E2%80%98corset-ed-within-an-inch-of-my-life%E2%80%99-for-the-young-victoria/"> this article</a> to see how actress Emily Blunt felt about wearing all of these gorgeous gowns.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Thanks to clothesonfilm.com and costumersguide.com for your lovely analysis, info, and pictures.</i></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-74518095877911088882012-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:002012-10-03T05:00:11.057-07:00New Blog Series: Fashion in Film!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/82683343128431327_nnvBSask_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/82683343128431327_nnvBSask_c.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/srjohnson">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After wrapping up <a href="http://spriggedmuslin.blogspot.com/search/label/decade%20wednesday">Decade Wednesday</a> last week, I've been looking for something new to do. I really like the accountability and order of working on a schedule, so today, I'm starting up a new blog series: Fashion in Film! Each Wednesday, I'll take a look at the wardrobe of a specific character or characters in a period or vintage film. Right now my wishlist includes (but is certainly not limited to):<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mary Crawley from <i>Downton Abbey</i></li>
<li>Elizabeth Bennet from <i>Pride and Prejudice 1995</i></li>
<li>Scarlett O'Hara from <i>Gone With the Wind</i> (a little more in-depth than in the <a href="http://spriggedmuslin.blogspot.com/2012/07/this-war-talks-spoiling-all-fun-1860s.html">1860's Decade Wednsday post</a>)</li>
<li>Princess Anne from <i>Roman Holiday</i></li>
<li>Paula Alquist from <i>Gaslight</i></li>
<li>Amy and Fanny Dorrit from <i>Little Dorrit</i></li>
<li>Irene Adler from <i>Sherlock Holmes 2009</i></li>
<li>Elinor and Marianne Dashwood from <i>Sense and Sensibility 2008</i></li>
<li>Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton from <i>Vertigo</i></li>
<li>Victoria from <i>The Young Victoria</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
And of course, I am doing requests, so if you have a favorite character from a period film with fabulous clothes, be sure to let me know!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-81000589698233236562012-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:002012-10-10T07:16:28.329-07:00Steady Progress- the 1950'sThe year is 1950. Five years ago, World War Two ended, and the USA got a new president, Harry Truman, after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. In two years, England will have a new monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. As the Cold War begins, the world is slowly starting to recover from World War Two, and fashion is no exception. <i>Haute couture</i> has made a comeback, and progress is back in motion.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/82331499408856032_SxxJSrJs_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/82331499408856032_SxxJSrJs_b.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/charmainezoe">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The women of the early 1950's were still enamored with the "New Look" of the late 1940's. Day dresses and evening dresses alike had structured bodices with tiny waists and full skirts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/107242034846369068_IU0ofVc1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/107242034846369068_IU0ofVc1_b.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/drue58">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867046026_RVMlGsaV_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867046026_RVMlGsaV_b.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This silhouette remained popular for the entire 1950's. Slimmer, suit-like dresses also became popular for day wear in the early-mid decade.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867171527_4ycyUKwS_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867171527_4ycyUKwS_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Collars became a focal point for day wear (and on some evening gowns), with the Peter Pan collar becoming very popular.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5181121/il_570xN.343476543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5181121/il_570xN.343476543.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://etsy.com/">A 1950's blouse with a Peter Pan collar.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867163361_A2ScnSdS_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867163361_A2ScnSdS_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">An evening gown that plays with the concept of the accentuated collar.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A popular trait of evening gowns was the ballerina-length skirt, a skirt with a hem right above the ankle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/170573904607192919_y4ruTdLQ_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/170573904607192919_y4ruTdLQ_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/juliekeeter1">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chiffon and silk were both popular textiles of the time, and decoration, details, and experimentation was back in full force. After the sleek silhouettes of the 1920's and 30's and the austerity of the 1940's, fashion was celebrating unabashed girliness again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/135319163773768991_jxfyH48C_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/135319163773768991_jxfyH48C_b.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/drue58">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/280771357988401894_4RNRwWvq_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/280771357988401894_4RNRwWvq_b.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mwojdak">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/134052526377952865_Grm5ZVCB_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/134052526377952865_Grm5ZVCB_b.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mwojdak">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the end of the decade, silhouettes slimmed a little, and the boat neckline became popular.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975866788187_2XrvXgnF_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975866788187_2XrvXgnF_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975866693548_Z1rmHmME_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975866693548_Z1rmHmME_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hair in the early and mid 1950's was usually worn short and curly. As the end of the decade approached and the mod fashion became popular, the iconic beehives and bouffants came into style.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanihair.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cute-1950s-hairstyles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.milanihair.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cute-1950s-hairstyles.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://milanhair.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hairarchives.com/private/archive2/bouffant/bouffant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.hairarchives.com/private/archive2/bouffant/bouffant.JPG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hairarchives.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Hats were worn less and less frequently by both men and women. The hats that were worn were small and perched on top of the curled coiffures. Often hats came with birdcage veils.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljeea1WXg51qhcfwuo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljeea1WXg51qhcfwuo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fiftieswedding.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 1950's were an exciting time, filled with progress in technology, film (the Golden Age of Hollywood), music, and yes, fashion. It really brings home to me just how much things have changed not only in the 160 years from 1790 to 1950, but in the past 16 weeks in which I've been blogging about these amazing years (not counting that one week where I didn't do a post, we don't talk about that week). To find out more about my passion for historical clothing has been incredible. I've also learned more about the history of the world than I ever though possible, just through researching what went into the clothes people wore. It's truly a blessing to have been through this leg of the Decade Wednesday journey.<br />
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Though my 1790-1950 goal has been met, the weekly post element of Sprigged Muslin is far from over. I'm so excited to continue to blog as I learn, and share this amazing world of historical fripperies with you. Stay tuned, lovely things are coming this way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-3562388246479483902012-09-23T08:27:00.001-07:002012-09-23T08:27:18.612-07:001890's Fashion on Doctor WhoSo, if you<a href="http://pinterest.com/spriggedmuslin"> follow me on Pinterest</a>, you've probably noticed by now that I'm a massive fan of the British sci-fi show <i>Doctor Who</i>. I love a lot of things about the show, but one thing that really bothers me is that the Doctor and his companions seldom dress to suit the time period they're visiting. This often results in a merry jaunt through Shakespeare's London or the Old West wearing jeans, t-shirts, tweed, and bow ties. And while it does bum me out a little bit as an historical fashion devotee, as a fan of the show I've gotten used to it.<br />
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But then last night, during the newest episode of Series 7, "The Power of Three," the BBC gave me a little gift. Without spoiling too much, there's a (very brief) scene in which the Doctor takes Amy and Rory to the Savoy Hotel in 1890 for their wedding anniversary. And they step out of the TARDIS in period dress.<br />
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(All images from the <a href="http://doctorwho.tumblr.com/">Official Doctor Who Tumblr</a>)</div>
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Amy's gown is a textbook example of evening wear in the late 1880's-early 1890's, with a pointed waistline, thin, strap-like sleeves, a low neckline, and a narrow skirt with slight bustling in the back. Even her hairstyle is accurate, with frizzled bangs and a high, curly bun.</div>
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My reaction was something like this.</div>
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It doesn't happen often, but I really do love it when period costumes make an appearance on Doctor Who. I've seen some evidence that we may have more late Victorian garb on the show in the near future. Stay tuned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-50556299001850513572012-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:002012-10-10T07:11:48.235-07:00Keep Calm and Carry On- The 1940'sIn 1939, the world was once again thrown into war when Britain and France (along with smaller countries of the British Commonwealth) declared war on Nazi Germany after Germany invaded Poland. The war lasted for six years, finally ending on September 2nd, 1945, just a day after its six-year anniversary. Once again, women were called to the workforce in the absence of men, perhaps even more so than during World War I. In several allied countries (and in Axis countries as well), it was one's patriotic duty to do something, <i>anything</i> for the war effort. Women's clothing of the decade reflects this with simple, sturdy cuts and textiles made for years of work and wear.<br />
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Now, I'm like the majority of people in that when I think of the 1940's, I think of World War Two. It's unavoidable that the war was a defining event of the decade. But now that it's time to look at the 1940's as a whole, I can't help but wonder, how did fashion change in the five years after the war? Let's find out.<br />
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<a href="http://images.macworld.com/appguide/images/368/420/954/ss2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.macworld.com/appguide/images/368/420/954/ss2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Let's start with the World War Two years and work our way to the end of the decade. By 1940, Europe was already a year into the war, and in the early years of the decade, most of the Western World rationed fabric, as well as completely requisitioning all silk and nylon for military purposes. Women entered the workforce in the place of their absent husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons, and those in more hands-on jobs began to wear trousers out of necessity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asianfashionlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/WWII-Women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://www.asianfashionlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/WWII-Women.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asianfashionlaw.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Those who didn't don a welder's helmet or a mechanic's coverall sported simple silhouettes with squared off shoulders, skirts just below the knee, and modest, unobtrusive colors.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/8585055509351513_nwg5k0T0_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/8585055509351513_nwg5k0T0_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/cocogbay4">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/248542473155842158_UdxXli7M_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/248542473155842158_UdxXli7M_c.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/classyrd1">Source</a>. This collar was very popular during wartime.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to Wikipedia, several fashion magazines gave instructions on how to remake men's suits into women's outfits. After all, they were just hanging in the closet, and it was free fabric. The government encouraged reusing clothing with slogans such as "<i>Use it up, wear it out, make it do</i>!" and "<i>Make do and mend</i>."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmW4mP9eG1JhlW7P4TXrkNDd5_NsE94SSpC5GPO1bLerFsyZgBy_86bDlkEQq5SdGxSDTicA8zjMFPiM08q5GCxVeQZ68kjMiO6dBybNrZWGVuzLstXiCB4WyYwjPrH2EwMIAG95YskBK/s400/remake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmW4mP9eG1JhlW7P4TXrkNDd5_NsE94SSpC5GPO1bLerFsyZgBy_86bDlkEQq5SdGxSDTicA8zjMFPiM08q5GCxVeQZ68kjMiO6dBybNrZWGVuzLstXiCB4WyYwjPrH2EwMIAG95YskBK/s400/remake1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thehemline.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to dresses and suits, trousers were carrying over into the fashion world (but they wouldn't be widely received until the 1950's). Vests, skirts, and blouses were also popular.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/177540410281367964_uU3a54AD_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/177540410281367964_uU3a54AD_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/alphasoixante">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The war finally ended in 1945, and the wheels of fashionable progress were turning once again. In 1947, Christian Dior released a style of dress that was dubbed "The New Look." These dresses foreshadowed the 1950's, with longer, fuller skirts, accentuated tiny waists, and full busts. To top it all off, Dior used an exorbitant amount of fabric to create these new dresses, which was a far cry from the strictly rationed fabric of the first half of the decade. Luxury fabrics like silk and colors also came back in full force, almost like a celebration of victory and the joy of being on the other side of the worst war the world had ever seen.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/126734176983749914_TCie8Qwx_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/126734176983749914_TCie8Qwx_b.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867119680_gUcPyatn_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867119680_gUcPyatn_b.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source. Very I Love Lucy.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867012656_JADnUHAU_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867012656_JADnUHAU_b.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Evening wear was also revolutionized in 1947 , when strapless dresses with long, full skirts and plenty of decoration and details first hit the runways.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Evening_gowns,_1947.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Evening_gowns,_1947.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wikipedia.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hair was commonly worn in shoulder-length curls, with popular "victory rolls" on the top of the head, or waved bangs framing the face, or low buns at the nape of the neck with pin curls. Women experimented with intricate hairstyles that all had one thing in common: lots and lots of curl.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLa6KYgVs_SsRmQhQBh057HUwYQmXuLOecFdXVPO2hpfORQfHa51OVBwJ5998D2zYU6V7x3DgUH8OZu1FLdR8Ijt8sNRps2Xn6qzuDJhuR2UVFp9_rr0vLF0oJNdrtB0kltffjN2bbr8/s1600/1940%2527s+hairstyles_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLa6KYgVs_SsRmQhQBh057HUwYQmXuLOecFdXVPO2hpfORQfHa51OVBwJ5998D2zYU6V7x3DgUH8OZu1FLdR8Ijt8sNRps2Xn6qzuDJhuR2UVFp9_rr0vLF0oJNdrtB0kltffjN2bbr8/s400/1940%2527s+hairstyles_2.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bramblewoodfashion.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1940s.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/betty.jpg?9d7bd4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1940s.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/betty.jpg?9d7bd4" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1940s.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1940s.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Veronica-Lake.jpg?9d7bd4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1940s.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Veronica-Lake.jpg?9d7bd4" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1940s.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1940s.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1942_265101723_large.jpg?9d7bd4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1940s.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1942_265101723_large.jpg?9d7bd4" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1940s.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hats were much like those of the 30's, medium-sized, with creative decorations and worn at a jaunty angle. While everything else during World War Two remained simple due to rationing, the materials used in hats were not rationed, so milliners continued to make them fancy and fun. <a href="http://thriftyvintagechic.com/2011/06/08/why-hats-kept-fashionistas-sane-in-wwii/">Here's a WONDERFUL article on hats during World War Two</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867112267_sCFroivw_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867112267_sCFroivw_b.jpg" width="347" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next week, we'll take a look at the 1950's, the Golden Age of Hollywood and (for those of you keeping score at home) the last installment of this leg of the Decade Wednesday journey. Tune in next week for the dramatic conclusion! Until then, <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=6k0EAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false">flip through a LIFE magazine from 1942</a>, and <a href="http://twitter.com/realtimewwii">experience World War Two in real time</a>. See you next week!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-29182640219141721702012-09-17T19:37:00.000-07:002012-09-18T06:56:53.918-07:00User Error! (+ links)<i>You saw nothing just now.</i><br />
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<i>That was not the Decade Wednesday post you were looking for.</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/460985711827413289_RuiXbi88_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/460985711827413289_RuiXbi88_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whereartbegins.tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Just a quick explanation for any of you that may have seen this week's Decade Wednesday post a bit early. Chalk it up to my absentmindedness. ;) Hope you enjoyed the preview. If you didn't catch my slip of scheduling, have some links to tide you over until Wednesday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ugoi.net/nonsense/main.html">This fun site</a> has several Regency themed generators such as character names, romance novel plots, and names for estates.<br />
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<a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-02-23/foyles-war-to-return-for-a-new-series">Foyle's War is coming back</a>. I'm a huge fan of the show, but I'm a little apprehensive about this new series (set to air in 2013). After seeing Series 7, I'm rather of the opinion that the show should have ended when the war did. Still, I can't help but be a little excited that we'll get to see Michael Kitchen and Honeysuckle Weeks puttering around in 40's-50's England again.<br />
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One of my favorite websites, ImprovEverywhere.com, has two missions involving people impersonating historical figures (specifically <a href="http://improveverywhere.com/2004/02/29/anton-chekov/">Anton Chekov</a> and <a href="http://improveverywhere.com/2011/03/06/king-philip-iv/">King Philip IV of Spain</a>) in public places. Hilarity ensues. Just a tip, though, don't click on the witness account of the Anton Chekov Improv, it gets a little rough. ;)<br />
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Hapy a lovely week!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-51454684180720077702012-09-12T07:05:00.000-07:002012-09-12T07:05:23.333-07:00In Which Designers have a Field Day- the 1930'sLast week in the 1920's, we had straight, tunic-like dresses that were meant to disguise a woman's figure. In the 1930's, we see a return to structure and tailoring in garments, with emphasis on the shoulders and waist. The film industry and celebrities also began to influence fashion for the first time, and vice versa. "Let's poke it with a stick."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/105271710009265961_LuecnO3W_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/105271710009265961_LuecnO3W_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/sacheverelle">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the late 1920's, long skirts were coming back into fashion. Designers eased back into them, and by the 1930's, they had lowered from just below the knee to just above the ankle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/8233211788354845_btiLPocx_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/8233211788354845_btiLPocx_b.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/charmainezoe">Bette Davis.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The skirts on most evening gowns went back to floor-length.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/224828206367764945_54d8Rlat_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/224828206367764945_54d8Rlat_b.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mwojdak">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shoulders became a focal point of both day and evening dresses. Volume was the important thing, not how it was achieved. Designers experimented with different ways to get that added <i>poof</i>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867137382_TY6JaT6g_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867137382_TY6JaT6g_b.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/65443000804708197_YQjxP0gR_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/65443000804708197_YQjxP0gR_b.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/alphasoixante">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/5840674487482401_UOscS20L_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/5840674487482401_UOscS20L_b.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/alphasoixante">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The most common way to accentuate the shoulders was to have lighter fabrics that were loose around the shoulders so that they fluttered out (seen above).<br />
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As I mentioned before, waistlines came back into existence and cinched in at the natural waist.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/126734176983749906_tJP3V3FG_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/126734176983749906_tJP3V3FG_b.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/charmainezoe">An evening wear example</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867137260_pFmnPQdW_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867137260_pFmnPQdW_b.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/sacheverelle">And an (upscale) afternoon example. Check out the birds, I love them.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In addition to focusing on the natural waist, several dresses and jackets emphasized the empire waist.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6779565/il_fullxfull.343453873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6779565/il_fullxfull.343453873.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://etsy.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5305832/il_570xN.258964454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5305832/il_570xN.258964454.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://etsy.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seems to me that this was really a time for experimentation as far as textiles and embellishments go. Though chiffon and other light fabrics were popular, I've seen a veritable smorgasbord of different fabrics used in different ways.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/4714774579673566_8I3h0fUT_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/4714774579673566_8I3h0fUT_b.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/charmainezoe">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/29203097554009661_CZ0YGq80_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/29203097554009661_CZ0YGq80_b.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/jeaninepezzenti">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/24136547972654062_VovFVusB_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/24136547972654062_VovFVusB_b.jpg" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mwojdak">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/15481192439936174_657xCeSM_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/15481192439936174_657xCeSM_b.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tess0647">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The short bobs of the 1920's remained popular during the entirety of the 1930's. For those who opted to keep their hair long, buns were worn at the back of the head or the nape of the neck, with curls that foreshadowed the 1940's.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hairarchives.com/private/30s/30s4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.hairarchives.com/private/30s/30s4.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hairarchives.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cloches stayed popular until the early-mid 1930's, when they were replaced by small hats that usually tilted over the forehead at an angle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://carlahoag.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/1933-march-delineator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://carlahoag.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/1933-march-delineator.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://carlahoag.wordpress.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As one last shout out, I've been watching a lot of David Suchet's Poirot adaptations lately, which (in addition to being brilliant adaptations of Agatha Christie's novels and short stories) really showcase the fashion, art, and architecture of the mid 1930's.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3600/3626478920_9c1e80c432_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3600/3626478920_9c1e80c432_z.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/">Gorgeous.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4797828327_12ea20df10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4797828327_12ea20df10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/">Also gorgeous.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the end of the 1930's, World War II broke out in Europe, which will lead us into next week's look at the 1940's. Once again, we'll see a near stand still of fashion progress (like in the Regency Era due to the Napoleonic Wars), and a return to simplicity that always comes around by necessity during wartime.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-68525367183455812092012-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:002012-09-05T06:00:18.564-07:00"Everything Today is Thoroughly Modern"- the 1920'sThough I don't consider myself anything close to an expert, I do feel like I know more about 1920's fashion than any other time in history (perhaps with the exception of the Regency Era). It's been a 20's filled year for me, and for lots of other people as well. Aside from my own work both as a costume designer and an actor on various 20's projects, <i>The Artist,</i> a film done in the style of silent movies, won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and this spring, the runways were filled with art deco-inspired designs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/165788830002907703_wvidHgDP_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/165788830002907703_wvidHgDP_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rewolluzza">Source</a></td></tr>
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So why this fascination with the 1920's? Despite the fact that the fashion is nearly 100 years old, flapper styles still reflect change, and the fresh novelty of new freedoms. Women had the right to vote, the world was on the other end of the biggest war they had ever seen, and the modern age had begun. Cue several hundred references to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoroughly_Modern_Millie">Thoroughly Modern Millie</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/24769866671453463_2AC5mHQT_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/24769866671453463_2AC5mHQT_b.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/source/1920s-fashions.co.uk/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You've probably noticed that my Decade Wednesday posts up to this point have been very formulaic. Take a look at the skirts, bodice, sleeves, textiles, and hairstyles. Note the differences between day and evening wear. But now that the modern era of fashion has begun, it's harder to do that. Women began to wear more suits and separates as they entered the workplace in droves. There was more variety in fashion than ever before, ranging from feminine, lacy dresses that were reminiscent of pre-war styles to sharp edges, bold colors, and scandalously short skirts.<br />
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Perhaps the most recognizable trait of 1920's clothing is the long, loose, straight lines that came after the tight corseting women had known their whole lives.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867126461_EGO4r0ek_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867126461_EGO4r0ek_b.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Second to that are the new, shorter skirts.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867166186_XT1AzHeL_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/140244975867166186_XT1AzHeL_b.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Evening dresses on the whole had the same sleeveless, moderately low neckline and mid-length skirts (although some high fashion couturiers played with lengths and sleeves).<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/15481192439253761_FEUn9MdC_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/15481192439253761_FEUn9MdC_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/charmainezoe">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/285697170081075110_wNwBK5gY_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/285697170081075110_wNwBK5gY_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mmetruffle">A stunning early decade wedding dress.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though the long, straight silhouette remained the same for both day and night (with a few notable fuller-skirted exceptions called<i> robes de style</i>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/11540542765961713/">seen here</a>), day wear had the addition of sleeves and collars, both for suits and suit-like dresses.<br /><div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/82331499408807816_JnAlAAGl_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/82331499408807816_JnAlAAGl_b.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mwojdak">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If a dress could be said to have any waist at all, it was very low, well below the hips.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/287667494919308094_4saz31T8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/287667494919308094_4saz31T8_b.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/source/1920s-fashions.co.uk/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This was all to enhance the new idea of womanly beauty: emulating men as much as possible. That's not to say that women suddenly took to cross dressing, but straight lines that minimized curves and short haircuts were very much in fashion. Coats did this as well as garments, effectively hiding the wearer under folds of warm, bulky cloth.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczeouFfjAdarViVojuVUJfxMcTaO0yk5R7xnPazZzgoRG6XjnbTxTQsIh0gmLh-jEby3Djyyh0g8y1C2FdqnbhGJ7RsjafAQInALaYzFrWblh7Xn0_EyKEo1xLQNNztphAJnJSqlMbkq_/s400/P3280048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczeouFfjAdarViVojuVUJfxMcTaO0yk5R7xnPazZzgoRG6XjnbTxTQsIh0gmLh-jEby3Djyyh0g8y1C2FdqnbhGJ7RsjafAQInALaYzFrWblh7Xn0_EyKEo1xLQNNztphAJnJSqlMbkq_/s320/P3280048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/">L</a><a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/">ooks comfy</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Though a boyish silhouette was popular, garments themselves were far from masculine. After a brief hiatus during the first World War, lace, floral accents, furs, bows, and feathers were back in full force. Oh, and did I mention <i>beads</i>? Everything a woman wore in the evening from gowns to headpieces were dripping in beads. And it was glorious.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/140244975866837515_2xLWjTUZ_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/140244975866837515_2xLWjTUZ_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/6262886952194576_POd2JVPe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/6262886952194576_POd2JVPe_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/samanthatuck">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/210754457533125093_E0PvebPr_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/210754457533125093_E0PvebPr_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mmetruffle">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/205195326741686907_agJNTgVQ_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/205195326741686907_agJNTgVQ_b.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/charmainezoe">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Chiffon was a popular fabric for evening wear, and it moved beautifully with the lively new dances of the time.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/274015958547789346_Dl1ZM5aG_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/274015958547789346_Dl1ZM5aG_b.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/barbsmith">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
By the 1920's, bobbed hair was widely accepted. Two versions of the bob existed, a very sleek, mature look, sometimes with bangs, and a curlier, more youthful style, often accomplished with a technique called a finger wave.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4YdU_6-PCPCw4G7dgFAOITjO8mT5roShp-zivzZwb2arNBM0PeNkFdidc43-NfWevuKPjZoXgWPYted9RR_LR2ptLxxeOzYKC7XRUB6q0UYjcfZaNfFsLvZjsPtylCNRkBzDZ32xBQ/s1600/Louise+Brooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4YdU_6-PCPCw4G7dgFAOITjO8mT5roShp-zivzZwb2arNBM0PeNkFdidc43-NfWevuKPjZoXgWPYted9RR_LR2ptLxxeOzYKC7XRUB6q0UYjcfZaNfFsLvZjsPtylCNRkBzDZ32xBQ/s400/Louise+Brooks.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bytesdaily.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chicvintagebrides.com/wp-content/upLoads/2012/06/true-vintage-finger-wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://chicvintagebrides.com/wp-content/upLoads/2012/06/true-vintage-finger-wave.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chicvintagebrides.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Hats were very fitted over the head and very close to the face, forming the cloche look that's iconic of the 1920's and 30's. I once read that hats were meant to be worn very low on the forehead, so that the only way a woman could see would be to tilt her head up and look down her nose.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcCJ2NBePobhaXcgLUC5rKquU20sGch1C-g1abTc2Ok0Y5vOuihD1HomDuJvB-0V6mH-yA_E_wiN7K5yeWbU8i1zV6gEhcg4j9tUe3kFGBiAXHpPMWvi0C0cZFXW0PVmGFn-lrHXY38lt/s400/20081217113302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcCJ2NBePobhaXcgLUC5rKquU20sGch1C-g1abTc2Ok0Y5vOuihD1HomDuJvB-0V6mH-yA_E_wiN7K5yeWbU8i1zV6gEhcg4j9tUe3kFGBiAXHpPMWvi0C0cZFXW0PVmGFn-lrHXY38lt/s400/20081217113302.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://alexs-corner.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
By the end of the decade, longer skirts were coming back into fashion. To ease the world back into long skirts after going short for nearly an entire decade, designers used tiers to break up the visual line and trick the eye. (Thanks, Wiki)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Ipolit_Strambu_-_Femeie_cu_umbrela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Ipolit_Strambu_-_Femeie_cu_umbrela.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wikipedia.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
This image foreshadows what we'll see next week; a return to feminine cuts and simpler styles. In my mind, I've always associated the 1930's with the 1920's. It will be interesting to see how much they really differ. Cheerio until then.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-51242331118987399322012-08-31T08:51:00.001-07:002012-08-31T08:51:04.307-07:00And now for something a little crazy...In addition to my love for historical clothing (and lots of other things, but that's for another blog post), I also enjoy learning about the various royal families of Europe. Blame it on the royal wedding last year, my anglophelia, Princess Kate, or whatever you like. The long and short of it is, when I saw this photo of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband Daniel, I couldn't believe my eyes.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/460985711827383233_NvZaSHTA_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/460985711827383233_NvZaSHTA_f.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fairytalesandtiaras.tumblr.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Yes, they are wearing 1770's-80's clothing. No, it's not photoshopped. Don't get me wrong, it's adorable (Victoria and Daniel are always adorable), but I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it. Make of it what you will.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-33241956284069730182012-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:002012-08-30T14:07:39.700-07:00"No one wants to kiss a girl in black"- the 1910'sDuring my research for this week's post, I've found it hard to stay focused. That's most likely because every garment I'm looking at reminds me of the amazing costumes in this show you might have heard of.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziiZ9DlTRJiS3CgCmZYXYeTU8zmC6edqRRVBawQBGXrinaqdnU8Pykpgea_XYDzTeHSUd8MjAbJTXqQVjJLDjNTVPnJWbk3AkhzRC4b4OcnKk0VeA-njnQpdQSLWoflAq8a3KKQ5u8hLV/s1600/DowntonAbbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziiZ9DlTRJiS3CgCmZYXYeTU8zmC6edqRRVBawQBGXrinaqdnU8Pykpgea_XYDzTeHSUd8MjAbJTXqQVjJLDjNTVPnJWbk3AkhzRC4b4OcnKk0VeA-njnQpdQSLWoflAq8a3KKQ5u8hLV/s400/DowntonAbbey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://downtonabbeypics.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've always been in love with the costumes on Downton Abbey (designed by Susannah Buxton and Rosalind Ebbutt), but as I've been researching the decadent, art nouveau-inspired styles of the 1910's, I have a new-found respect for the series.<br />
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Fashion in the 1910's can be split roughly into two parts; the luxurious, feminine, pre-war styles, and the simpler cuts and darker colors that came out of necessity during wartime.<br />
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Let's take a look.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Women_playing_hockey_outside_Varsity_Arena_Toronto.jpg/490px-Women_playing_hockey_outside_Varsity_Arena_Toronto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Women_playing_hockey_outside_Varsity_Arena_Toronto.jpg/490px-Women_playing_hockey_outside_Varsity_Arena_Toronto.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wikipedia.org/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Near the beginning of the decade, waistlines on some dresses rose from the low, pigeon-breasted styles to what could almost be called an empire waistline, just above the natural waist.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/160581542933583786_3Hy5jHNA_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/160581542933583786_3Hy5jHNA_b.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/amp0880">An early decade Worth gown.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though corseting was still as rigid as ever, bodices were looser and more tunic-like. In fact, entire evening gowns in high fashion were draped and decorated to reflect the popular Art Nouveau aesthetic and Europe's fascination with Eastern exploration.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/274015958547409299_kNyOZ8Ok_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/274015958547409299_kNyOZ8Ok_b.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/ullam">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/37788084343089988_2NGNN2yb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/37788084343089988_2NGNN2yb_b.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/ullam">Breathtaking.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/64317100898564702_nF0OIBqG_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/64317100898564702_nF0OIBqG_b.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/ullam">A sketch done by a survivor of the Titanic.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Day wear was decidedly more conservative, with simple but tasteful walking suits or dresses for when a lady ventured away from home, and light, summery day dresses for when she stayed in.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/83035186849756407_rc0Mkgih_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/83035186849756407_rc0Mkgih_b.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/aijav/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/86764730291570668_L8IIUEbm_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/86764730291570668_L8IIUEbm_b.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/aijav/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During these first few years of the 1910's, Jeanne Paquin, the first female couturier, reached the peak of her career. She organized the first fashion shows, and according to Wikipedia, often sent her models to operas and races to show off her designs. Her style celebrated the best of the old and foreshadowed the new, setting trends that would appear later in the 1920's, and also creating evening gowns inspired by the 18th century.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lecostumeatraverslessiecles.chez-alice.fr/Images/paquin/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lecostumeatraverslessiecles.chez-alice.fr/Images/paquin/003.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lecostumeatraverslessiecles.chez-alice.fr/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://madameguillotine.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/62-94-5_side_cp4.jpg%3fw=500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://madameguillotine.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/62-94-5_side_cp4.jpg%3fw=500" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://madameguillotine.org.uk/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In July, 1914, World War I broke out, and the time for elaborate, extravagant clothing was over. As more and more men disappeared into the trenches, more women went to work. Bear with me here, because a really good example of this change is Downton Abbey, season 2. Sybil Crawley goes from a decked out debutante to a nurse, Edith changes out her beaded evening gowns for a jacket and bicycle trousers to work on a farm, and Cora shows her true potential (and true colors) when she transforms from socialite-turned-mistress of Downton to the all-business, no-nonsense manager of the officer's hospital that Downton Abbey becomes. Even women who aren't actively working for the war effort, like Mary, sport darker colors and simpler, more utilitarian cuts and textiles.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scenebayarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Sybil-in-her-new-frock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://scenebayarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Sybil-in-her-new-frock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scenebayarea.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Sybil's evening wear before the war is cutting edge (harem pants! Scandalous), with bright colors and a brocade-like fabric on the bodice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www4.images.coolspotters.com/photos/772914/tom-branson-and-lady-sybil-crawley-gallery.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://www4.images.coolspotters.com/photos/772914/tom-branson-and-lady-sybil-crawley-gallery.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://coolspotters.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Though much fancier than <a href="http://www3.images.coolspotters.com/photos/760100/lady-sybil-crawley-profile.jpg">her nurse's uniform</a>, Sybil's evening wear after the war is much simpler than before. Black fabric with an unremarkable cut and pattern. The character has several dresses like this in her wardrobe.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Fl853mMsUoUJ_0qhKkWHNRQgE9kWi41jlYw7wHxNiDL7FnV0wuTjGPUTApHQoB5V4AEv7QB1wXJVHJXCIv_hu5khXfZY9Qjwj2RlSj_-dVTnvWWpB1j8OUbtd9jNSzkMT1aE2o0fAHh/s1600/MARYdowntonabbey27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Fl853mMsUoUJ_0qhKkWHNRQgE9kWi41jlYw7wHxNiDL7FnV0wuTjGPUTApHQoB5V4AEv7QB1wXJVHJXCIv_hu5khXfZY9Qjwj2RlSj_-dVTnvWWpB1j8OUbtd9jNSzkMT1aE2o0fAHh/s400/MARYdowntonabbey27.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stylishdistractions.blogspot.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Mary's pre-war day wear is characterized by wide-brimmed hats, feminine details, and luxury fabrics. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/01/02/business/PBS/PBS-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/01/02/business/PBS/PBS-articleLarge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nytimes.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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During and after the war, Mary's day outfits are much darker, with two-piece monochromatic suits (very popular during wartime) and hats with small brims.</div>
As you can see above, wide-brimmed hats were very popular at the beginning of the decade. They were worn over hair that was pulled back into a simple bun, sometimes worn at the nape of the neck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110821235930/downton/images/thumb/e/ef/Cora_Crawley_n%C3%A9e_Levinson.jpg/250px-Cora_Crawley_n%C3%A9e_Levinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110821235930/downton/images/thumb/e/ef/Cora_Crawley_n%C3%A9e_Levinson.jpg/250px-Cora_Crawley_n%C3%A9e_Levinson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://downton.wikia.com/">Had to sneak some Cora in there.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photodetective.co.uk/jpegs/Ed-transit03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.photodetective.co.uk/jpegs/Ed-transit03.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photodetective.co.uk/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Bobbed hair became fashionable in Paris in 1909, and was beginning to be accepted in fashion forward circles around Europe during the war, but most respectable women kept their hair long. As the decade wore on, hats became smaller, with brims that framed the face. This type of hat was an early version of the cloche that we'll see as we go into the 1920's and 30's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/31243791135393466_c3TEpWQh_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/31243791135393466_c3TEpWQh_b.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/p8ronella">Source</a></td></tr>
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Next week, we have a really fun decade on our hands; the Roaring 20's. The beginning of the modern era and freedom in art, music, and politics. Not to mention the return of beading and other decoration in fashion (<i>and how</i>). Until then, I'll leave you with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd7IlF8HGHI">this fun clip</a> of an actual fashion show from 1917. Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-51618758958500466172012-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:002012-08-27T09:00:07.660-07:00Amazing Historical Accessories: The ChatelaineSometimes your research takes you on a bunny trail of serendipity, each new discovery forming a stepping stone in the form of a nugget of interesting information. The internet is built that way, I suppose, leading you from one site to another and sparking your curiosity just enough to go on one more time.<br />
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Anyway, all that is to say, I found something else from the 1900's post and subsequent family history discovery.<br />
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Remember that brooch with the scissors and all the little doodads hanging from Lucy's waist? Here's another look:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae238/aravis95/Blog/DICKSON1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae238/aravis95/Blog/DICKSON1.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the bottom left.</td></tr>
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Turns out, that thing is a chatelaine (French for "mistress of the castle"), a wide broach or clip that pins to the waist with chains hanging from it. On the chains are clips, to which can be attached miniature notebooks, pens, keys, scissors, watches, sewing kits, magnifying glasses, and little cases or pouches to store anything else you might need. So handy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/resources/1/silver-chatelaine-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/resources/1/silver-chatelaine-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/">Source</a></td></tr>
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According to <a href="http://www.creweljewels.com/What-s-a-Chatelaine-s/54.htm">this helpful article</a>, chatelaines were often given as a wedding gift from a groom to his bride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/grko/exb/Family/Kohrs/grko2522_chatelaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/grko/exb/Family/Kohrs/grko2522_chatelaine.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/">Source</a></td></tr>
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During the last few decades of the 19th century, dresses often didn't have definitive waistlines, so chatelaines migrated north and were pinned to the bodice.<br />
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The chatelaine is such a pretty and practical accessory. I wish they were still around today.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7212788925190513711.post-11455451452322494922012-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:002012-08-24T07:00:10.736-07:00Decade Wednesday ExtraFun anecdote time!<br />
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When I was researching this past week's Decade Wednesday post on the 1900's, I knew I wanted to give a nod to the numerous inventions that sprouted up around the turn of the 20th century. After doing some digging into Thomas Edison's work, I found out that I'm (very distantly) related to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Kennedy_Laurie_Dickson">William Kennedy</a> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005690/">Laurie Dickson</a>, who worked with Edison to create an early version of the movie camera. He traveled around the world and filmed several prominent Victorian figures, from Queen Victoria to Pope Leo XIII to Annie Oakley.<br />
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Here are some pictures of William and his wife Lucy that my grandma had in her garage (Lucy also happened to be an opera singer). Aren't they fabulous?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae238/aravis95/Blog/DICKSON1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae238/aravis95/Blog/DICKSON1.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Lucy's scissors, watch, etc. hanging from her outfit. William's beaver coat is also really cool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae238/aravis95/Blog/LUCYDICKSON2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae238/aravis95/Blog/LUCYDICKSON2.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Lucy wore this gown when she was presented to Queen Victoria during her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.</td></tr>
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You learn something new every day. ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0