tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295912266207325082024-02-21T06:03:07.161+13:00The Wellington Historical Costume SocietyThe Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-14117651229612952382010-06-02T17:13:00.003+12:002010-06-02T17:29:33.935+12:00From the Streets of Pompeii to the Salons of Paris - The Classical Influence on Western FashionPlease join <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>the Dreamstress</b></span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>the Wellington Historical Costume Society</b></span> for a fundraising fashion history extravaganza:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">From the Streets of Pompeii to the Salons of Paris</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Classical influence on Western Fashion</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=PompeiiStreetwMe.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/PompeiiStreetwMe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Textile and fashion historian Leimomi Oakes will present a entertaining and informative talk on the way Greek and Roman art and fashion have influenced Western fashion from the 18th century to the 20th. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The talk will be illustrated by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10 models in historically accurate recreations of period attire - from a 1770s robe a la francaise to a 1920s flapper dress.</span><br /><br />The talk will be fascinating, and the frocks will be fabulous, and best of all, you get to support a really great cause - it should be an event to remember!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=RECAMIERMe.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/RECAMIERMe.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">St Andrews on the Terrace</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2.30pm Sat 19 June, 2010</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Proceeds to benefit the Wellington Free Ambulance</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tickets are $10 waged, $15 unwaged. </span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tickets will be available at the door, or can be purchased in advance by emailing thedreamstress@yahoo.com.<div><br /></div><div>Alternatively, tickets will be available from Leimomi Oakes and all of the models.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out <a href="http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/">http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/</a> for a sneak preview of some of the <i>amazing</i> dresses that will be featured in the talk</div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-23021428927633719462010-04-12T16:15:00.002+12:002010-04-12T16:30:24.325+12:00Traveling in the TardisThe Doctor Who 'Have Tardis Will Travel' event was very successful, if remarkably short in actual Doctors<div><br /></div><div>We did have a Tardis</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6430.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6430.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>A fair share of Steampunk</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6392.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6392.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6422.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6422.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Any number of fair maidens...</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6436.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6436.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6436.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6412.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6412.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6412.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6403.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6403.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>both good and bad...</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6451.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6451.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6451.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6405.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6405.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And a few companions...</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6406.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6406.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Not to mention Madame de Pompadour...</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6401.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6401.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And some extremely otherworldly looking Virgin Sonic Screwdriver:</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6455.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6455.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Centuries from now some archeologist is going to be able to identify ever person who attended this party because our insides will still be glowing nuclear green.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=IMG_6388.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/IMG_6388.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><br /></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-74076400610741889632010-02-08T18:27:00.003+13:002010-03-09T16:51:26.638+13:00Have Tardis Will TravelThe boundaries of time and relative dimensions in space are open for the next WHCS event, a Dr Who themed time-travelling ball: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Have Tardis Will Travel.</span></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=tardis.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/tardis.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Bid farewell to the current Dr Who, dance, eat delicious treats and generally have lots and lots of fun<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Saturday, April 10, 2010</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">St Michael's Church Hall, Upland Road, Kelburn</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;">6.30 - late</span></div><br /><b>Attire</b>: Dress in clothing from any of the different eras that Dr Who has visited or as a Dr Who character. Steampunk attire is also appropriate.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=DrWhoS02E04g-118-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/DrWhoS02E04g-118-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Suggestions for historical eras the Doctor has visited:<br /><br />Ancient Pompeii,<br />18th century aristocratic France (The Girl in the Fireplace)<br />1745 Scotland (The Highlander)<br />Mid-Victorian England<br />1920s UK (Black Orchid)<br />Steampunk (Voyage of the Damned)</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=4x02-FiresofPompeii-00626-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/4x02-FiresofPompeii-00626-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=4x02-FiresofPompeii-00626-1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><div>And just about everything else, as a quick peek at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Doctor_Who_universe">Wikipedia's Dr Who Chronology</a> will show you!</div><div><br /><b>To purchase advance tickets</b> please e-mail wellyhsc@gmail.com<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/?action=view&current=doctor_who_k9-787480.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Dr%20Who/doctor_who_k9-787480.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tickets can be picked up from the CBD with prior arrangements, or can be posted to you following a bank transfer.</div></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-91424297267084795072010-02-08T18:25:00.003+13:002010-02-08T19:22:36.403+13:00Dancing in New OrleansDancing in Louisiana-esque heat isn't actually that fun, as the little trails of 'glow' trickling down your back tend to distract you from your dance steps.<br /><br />Still, despite the unusual heat, and despite rather poor attendance due to poor planning (<i>what silly person forgot and scheduled a dance on the same weekend as the Sevens, One Love, and the Martinborough wine festival? - oh wait, that would be me</i>), we had a marvellous time, and have the photos to prove it.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4324.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4324.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4324.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Learning dances</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4322.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4322.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4323.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4323.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4319.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4319.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4306.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4306.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4306.jpg" target="_blank"></a>Lady Caitlyn and the blonde Venus looking gorgeous<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4307.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4307.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4307.jpg" target="_blank"></a>Lady Caitlyn wears <a href="http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/2010/02/dress-in-2-days-classical-antiquity-via.html">Carte Blanche</a>, and the blonde Venus wear <a href="http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/2009/07/rose-corset-and-skirt.html">the Rose corset and skirt</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4337.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4337.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://amamus-amatis-amant.blogspot.com/">Mrs C</a> looking fabulously Mucha-esque<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4339.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4339.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4341.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4341.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4341.jpg" target="_blank"></a>Mrs and Mr C - aren't they the sweetest thing!<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4350.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4350.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4350.jpg" target="_blank"></a>Lillie Langtry II. Isn't her figure the most amazing thing!<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4348.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4348.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4348.jpg" target="_blank"></a>Lillie is wearing <a href="http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/2009/07/nougat-silk-and-paisley-corset-is.html">this corset</a>, and the skirt from the Dreamstress' <a href="http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/search/label/Japonisme">Japonisme ensemble</a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4302_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4302_2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4333.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4333.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4333.jpg" target="_blank"></a>Lady Ornata in her fabulous rose ensemble<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4352.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4352.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4352.jpg" target="_blank"></a>Joie de Vivre shows off her burlesque poses<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4355.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4355.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4356.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4356.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4357.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4357.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4358.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4358.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4360.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4360.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4361.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4361.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4363.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4363.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4363.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Aren't they too cute!?!</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4365.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4365.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4365.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>I think they know something I want to know!</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4366.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4366.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4367.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4367.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4367.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>So sweet!</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4369.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4369.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4376.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4376.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4376.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>I told the blonde Venus to pose like a Spanish dancer</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4375.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4375.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4376.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4376.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4377.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4377.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4380.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4380.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4381.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4381.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4382.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4382.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4385_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4385_2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><i>The ladies practice their best Vogue poses.</i></div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4386.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4386.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4387.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4387.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4390_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4390_2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4389.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4389.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4392.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4392.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4392.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4392.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4393.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4393.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4393.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>I just love how these pictures turned out! They are so atmospheric!</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4395.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4395.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=IMG_4396.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/IMG_4396.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />We also voted on the next WHCS event, and the winner (by a landslide, though there may have been some vote rigging as somehow there were more ballots than attendees) is <span style="font-weight:bold;">Have Tardis Will Travel - a Doctor Who Time Travelling Event</span>.<br /><br />Watch out for more details on that coming soon!</div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-44549026047966505792009-12-23T11:27:00.004+13:002009-12-23T14:30:54.634+13:00Art Nouveau artists: Alphonse MuchaAlphonse Mucha is the artist most associated with the Art Nouveau style today, and most reposible for popularising it at the end of the 19th century. His images of languid, swirling beauties are synonymous with Art Nouveau in the mind of the public.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=mucha-flower.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/mucha-flower.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Flowers</em><br /><br />Mucha's 1895 advertisement for Sarah Bernhardt in the role of Gismonda is credited with launching the Art Nouveau movement, which was so associated with him that it was known as the Mucha style for a time.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=mucha_gismonda.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Gismonda" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/mucha_gismonda.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Gismonda poster</em><br /><br />Mucha's most famous works feature beautiful young women in swirling, vaguely historical or neoclassical robes, surrounded by lush flowers which twine around them.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=Poetry-Mucha-L.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Poetry" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/Poetry-Mucha-L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Poetry</em><br /><br />Sarah Bernhardt was so taken with Mucha's work that she commissioned him to design many of her theatre posters.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=mucha-sarahbernhardt.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sarah Bernhardt" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/mucha-sarahbernhardt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mucha also designed popular allegorical posters, such as The Four Seasons.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=mucha-les-saisons-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/mucha-les-saisons-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mucha is most famous for his commercial work, though he desperately wanted to be known for his serious paintings.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=mucha_damenportraet_privatbesitz.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Portrait" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/mucha_damenportraet_privatbesitz.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mucha also struggled against the tag of 'Art Nouveau'. He insisted that he was not confined to a particular style, and that the main inspiration for all of his work was the art and style of his native Czechoslovakia.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=Mucha_Allegorie-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/Mucha_Allegorie-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-64752924966533452472009-12-20T14:41:00.003+13:002009-12-20T15:37:48.362+13:00How to dress like a Worth:<a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth_gown2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/worth_gown2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth_gown2.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A Worth beauty in all her glory</i><br /><br />The House of Worth, alas, did not design for men, so our aspirational gentlemen who wish to emulate the Worth ideal must content themselves with the very sleekest of white tie attire.<br /><br />The Worth lady was the picture of classical, feminine beauty. Worth favoured sumptuous ornamentation, so most of his garments featured rich fabrics with ornate patterns, and vast quantities of lace, ruffles, pleats or other trimming.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=DT2854.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/DT2854.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=DT2854.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Rich fabrics, ca 1890</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=076a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/076a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=076a.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Ruffles, trims, and ornate detailing, ca 1903</i></div><div><br />Worth's clients included the famously skinny and shapeless Sarah Bernhardt, but it is no secret that he preferred to dress the more curvaceous and Junoesque ideal Victorian figure. The Worth aesthetic is a great choice if you wish to highlight your bosom, waist, and hips.<br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Sarah_Bernhardt_Vanity_Fair.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Sarah_Bernhardt_Vanity_Fair.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Sarah_Bernhardt_Vanity_Fair.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>The Divine Sarah in yellow and black Worth</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=bernhardt_full.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/bernhardt_full.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=bernhardt_full.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Corsets and Worth details add curves to Sarah's figure</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Lillie_Langtry_06.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Lillie_Langtry_06.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Lillie_Langtry_06.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Lillie Langtry shows off the assets that made her famous, 1888</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Mrs_Langtry_1899.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Mrs_Langtry_1899.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><i>Langtry's famous figure</i></div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Lillie_Langtry2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Lillie_Langtry2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Unlike Poiret's clothes, Worth's dresses were finished to the highest standard, so it is much harder to replicate them. Look for lacy, frilly blouses, or structured, corseted bodices. Skirts should be long and trailing, with flared A-line shapes like upturned calla lilies, or slimmer, clingier shapes if you are going for a very late 1910s House of Worth shape.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=2006AV6096_jpg_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/2006AV6096_jpg_l.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=2006AV6096_jpg_l.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A flared A-line, ca 1903 </i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=CI57179ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/CI57179ab_F.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=CI57179ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">An upturned calla lily shape in red velvet, ca 1895</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=19792511_F.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/19792511_F.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=19792511_F.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>20th century slimness, ca 1912</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=2006AV6090_jpg_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/2006AV6090_jpg_l.jpg" border="0" alt="1910" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=2006AV6090_jpg_l.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A later Worth silhouette, ca 1910</i><br /><br />Colours: Muted and restrained blues, pinks, yellows and greens. Colours which tiptoe the line between sophistication and pastel-sweetness. All shades of white, cream, and gold. Black (particularly paired with pale pastels or white). Dark red if you are feeling feisty.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=19762583ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/19762583ab_F.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=19762583ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Sophisticated sapphire blue</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=CI5920_F.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/CI5920_F.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=CI5920_F.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Muted peach and gold, ca 1900</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=DT9449.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/DT9449.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=DT9449.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Silver-white with embroidery and gold sequins, ca 1903</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=3513416ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/3513416ab_F.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=3513416ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Rich goldenrod yellow, ca 1897</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/worth.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth.gif" target="_blank"></a><i>Gold and pastels with black, ca 1914</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=0034aass.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/0034aass.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><i>Cream and black, ca 1910</i></div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=CI4011ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/CI4011ab_F.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=CI4011ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Dark red velvet, ca 1902</i><br /><br />Accessories: Long gloves, folding fans<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth_gown.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/worth_gown.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth_gown.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A Worth model tricked out with all the trimmings: gloves, fan, jewellery, and frills, 1893</i><br /><br />Hair: In keeping with the feminine aesthetic, pile the hair in a full, loose pompadour bun on the top of the head, and ornament with hair jewels. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=tumblr_kst7gceDeg1qa11yuo1_500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/tumblr_kst7gceDeg1qa11yuo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=tumblr_kst7gceDeg1qa11yuo1_500.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>The Comtesse de Greffulhe models her black velvet Worth gown with ivory satin lilies in two 1896 images by Paul Nadar</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=tumblr_kst7j0iaps1qa11yuo1_500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/tumblr_kst7j0iaps1qa11yuo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-45497941550789844622009-12-16T09:22:00.000+13:002009-12-16T09:22:00.098+13:00Art Nouveau designers: WorthLast week we looked at Poiret, the Art Nouveau period designer who catered to the outré, the avante garde, and the forward thinker. This week we look at the designer who was worn by the conservative, the classic, and the supremely elite of the time.<br /><br />Charles Frederick Worth first made his name as a designer in the 1850s and 1860s, but his fame and taste were such that his creations were the pinnacle of desire for any debutant or Victorian fashionista for decades. He was the father of Haute Couture, and is credited with creating the idea of a couturier - a fashion artist rather than a mere dressmaker.<br /><br />Worth passed his business on to his sons in the 1880s and 1890s, and while his reputation outlived him for a few years, by the 1910s Worth dresses began to be considered the safe option, rather than the latest word in fashion.<br /><br />That said, the last flickering gasps of Worth's brilliance and did inspire a number of superbly art nouveau influenced gowns.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=DT2854.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/DT2854.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=DT2854.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Classic Worth designs of the 1890s: extravagant fabrics and trims, superb shaping, and striking patterning.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth_gown2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/worth_gown2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=worth_gown2.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A Worth design from a magazine of the 1890s</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=DT10335.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/DT10335.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><i>Art Nouveau swirls woven en disposition on a ca 1900 Worth evening gown</i>.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=19762585ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/19762585ab_F.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=19762585ab_F.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Large scale Art Nouveau flowers on a ca 1903 Worth gown</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=0034aass.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/0034aass.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><i>1912 Worth glamour</i></div><div><br /></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-19540728863478646322009-12-13T07:35:00.000+13:002009-12-13T07:35:00.092+13:00How to dress like a Poiret<a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Poiretdresses1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Poiretdresses1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Poiretdresses1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Oooh la la!</i><br /><br />To dress like a Poiret, aim for a straight, column shape, with a high waist. Long, slim dresses, or long skirts worn under empire-length dresses are all great.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=artful5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/artful5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=artful5.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A Poiret design</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/poiret.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Poiret models on parade</i><br /><br />Layers are perfect for creating the Poiret look: throw a kimono over a simple dress and tie a scarf below the bust, wear a mid-length dress over a long skirt, or tack a piece of fabric to the bottom of a knee-length dress, to give the impression of one dress layered over another with a split train.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=4_The-Firebirds-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/4_The-Firebirds-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=4_The-Firebirds-1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Draping and layers</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4975.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4975.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><i>A sleeveless kimono worn over a modern evening robe. Instant Poiret!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_0088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_0088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><i>A long slim skirt, a modern blouse, a sash, some ribbons in the hair, and Art Nouveau a la Poiret is achieved!</i></div><div><br />A fancy scarf pinned to the front of a plain dress (bonus points if you have a matching one for the back of the dress) creates the 'tabard' look seen in Poiret's fashions.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=ed_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/ed_01.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=ed_01.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A modern take on the Poiret style</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=denise_poiretbandeau.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/denise_poiretbandeau.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><i>An original Poiret design</i></div><div><br />Poiret was very influenced by 'exotic' textiles and garments, so add some Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Egyptian, or Arabic flair to your outfit. Exotic looks are a great way for gentlemen to add interest and period details to their costumes, instead of going for more formal suits.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret_p646.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/poiret_p646.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret_p646.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Poiret shows off his collection of exotic textiles</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiretdeux.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/poiretdeux.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiretdeux.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Poiret does the Near East and the Caucasus</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=6a01156f47abbe970c0120a552d866970c-.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/6a01156f47abbe970c0120a552d866970c-.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><i>Poiret does Arabian nights</i></div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=233048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/233048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=233048.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Poiret does exotic bird person (is this the original human chicken?)</i><br /><br />Poiret also used the Ancient Greeks and Romans as an influence, so add a classical twist to your outfits for Art Nouveau Poiret chic.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=dp142064l.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/dp142064l.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=dp142064l.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Draping, tunics, and all white classicism. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=h2_CI43852ab.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/h2_CI43852ab.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=h2_CI43852ab.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Layers and Pompeiian fresco inspired colours.</i><br /><br />Poiret's styles are the perfect excuse for non-girlie ladies to not wear skirts. Harem trousers! Poiret basically invented them (or at least popularised them in the West), and the versions he did are much more flattering than the ones that are currently stylish (though those would do in a pinch). Just pair them with a loose tunic dress, and perhaps a turban in your hair.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=382px-Poiretdress.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/382px-Poiretdress.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=382px-Poiretdress.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Denise Poiret in harem pants</i><br /><br />If you are feeling really ambitious, you could try recreating one of Poiret's famous 'lampshade' tunics. Just take a dress with a moderately full knee length skirt, and make a circular hoop out of wire or black poly piping (very cheap at hardware stores) and sew it in to the bottom of your skirt.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=58149-large.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/58149-large.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=58149-large.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Fur trim helps</i><br /><br />In terms of fabrics and colours, go for whites and creams with strong accents, unusual colour combinations, bold prints, and metallics.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret1908.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/poiret1908.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret1908.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Dark red and nile green</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret_03_L.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/poiret_03_L.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></i></div><i><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret_03_L.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Bold woodblock print.<br /></i><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=paul-poiret1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/paul-poiret1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></i><div><i><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=paul-poiret1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Pink, lavender, lilac and black</i><br /><br />Lots of this year's fashionable colours were used extensively by Poiret: burnt oranges, mustard yellows, grass greens, cobalt blue and silvers and bronzes all work.<br /></i><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=largerobes3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/largerobes3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=largerobes3.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Yellow, teal, coral and cobalt</i><br /><br />For hair, headbands, turbans, scarfs and ribbons wrapped through the hair add a great Poiret touch, and a feather never goes amiss.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=things-of-paul-poiret.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/things-of-paul-poiret.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=things-of-paul-poiret.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A turban with a jewel and feather plume.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=256647717_be9d930ec7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/256647717_be9d930ec7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=256647717_be9d930ec7.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>An exotic hat</i><br /><br />Accessories include long, dangling necklaces (though be aware that these can be a hassle for dancing in), bangles, bracelets worn high on the arm, and ankle bracelets if your ankles are visible.</div><div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret1912.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/poiret1912.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=poiret1912.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Jade bangles and a bead necklace.</i></div></div><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=1912-georges-barbier-illustration-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/1912-georges-barbier-illustration-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=1912-georges-barbier-illustration-1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>This has it all. Colours prints, turbans, feathers, tunics, wraps. Love it!</i></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-27169380837898397012009-12-07T20:46:00.003+13:002009-12-07T21:28:09.604+13:00Art Nouveau designers: PoiretPaul Poiret was <i>the</i> innovative and avant garde fashion designer of the first few decades of the 20th century. His influence and innovations have often been overlooked or credited to other fashion designers (like Chanel), but recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in Poiret and the way he revolutionised fashion.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=PHOTO_1666327_16878_3295437_main.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/PHOTO_1666327_16878_3295437_main.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=58149-large.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/58149-large.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=58149-large.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Two variants on Poiret's famous 'Sorbet' design.</i><br /><br />Poiret believed in simple, comfortable styles, and a relaxed, unfettered female silhouette. From 1893 to 1903 he worked for the fashion houses of Doucet and Worth, but his style was seen as too modern and brazen, and he left to establish his own fashion house.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=img-col-ch-daily-hig-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/img-col-ch-daily-hig-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=img-col-ch-daily-hig-3.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>An early, more formal Poiret design.</i><br /><br />Poiret is noted for his invention of the kimono coat, a cocoon-like garment inspired by the Japanese kimono, his championing of a simple, uncorseted silhouette, and his use of layers, harem pants and straight and lampshade tunics. He pioneered garments cut from simple rectangles of fabric, and draping designs rather than pattern-making.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=exhibit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/exhibit.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />His use of artists such as Paul Iribe to advertise his designs created many memorable illustrations.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Poiret-designs.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Poiret-designs.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Poiret-designs.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A Paul Iribe design.</i><br /><br />Poiret believed that the overall effect that an ensemble created was more important than the finishing details of a garment, so his style can be easily replicated in a simple and rough manner.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=134295.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/134295.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Poiret's styles can be worn by most figures, but were created with the slim, tall figure of his ideal, his wife Denise, in mind.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=382px-Poiretdress.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/382px-Poiretdress.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=382px-Poiretdress.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>A Poiret model in an ensemble.</i><br /><br />Poiret's fashions were easy and comfortable to wear, but often had an exotic, fantastical twist, so are perfect for dancing the night away at an Art Nouveau Masquerade Ball (and coincidentally, Poiret loved to throw elaborate costume balls with exotic themes).<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=6a01156f47abbe970c0120a552d866970c-.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/6a01156f47abbe970c0120a552d866970c-.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=6a01156f47abbe970c0120a552d866970c-.jpg" target="_blank"></a><i>Harem pants.</i><br /><br />Coming on Sunday: dressing like a Poiret!</div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-72504072497426393312009-11-28T15:52:00.005+13:002009-12-27T18:05:46.322+13:00Art Nouveau Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Rewind the clock one hundred years and join us for an Art Nouveau themed </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Masquerade Ball</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans circa 1910.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=Mardigras1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/Mardigras1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=Mardigras1.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br /><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Luna/?action=view&current=Mardigras1-2.jpg" target="_blank"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Join us at St Michael's Church Hall, Kelburn at 6.30 pm on </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Saturday 6 Feb 2010</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><br /><br />There will be vintage <b>dancing</b>, including the polka, vintage waltz, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galop">galop</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schottisch">schottische</a> and country dances, as well as swing (because it is too awesome not to have).<br /><br />All dances except swing will be briefly <b>taught</b> at 6.45 pm. Country dances will be taught and called before they are danced.<br /><br />Light <b>refreshments</b> will be served throughout the evening.<br /><br /><b>Costumes</b>: Formal evening attire from the height of Art Nouveau's popularity: 1890-1915, with masks and other costume-y flair benefiting the Mardi Gras theme.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/?action=view&current=MardiGras3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/Art%20Nouveau/MardiGras3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Be inspired by artists such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonse_Mucha">Mucha</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_Klimt">Klimt</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Burne-Jones">Burne-Jones</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_de_Toulouse-Lautrec">Toulouse-Lautrec</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aubrey_Beardsley">Beardsley</a> as well as Mardi Gras costumes.*<br /><br /><b>Follow the blog</b> for more about Art Nouveau and costume inspiration and suggestions.<br /><br />Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door.<div><br /></div><div>E-mail <i>WellyHCS at gmail dot com</i> for more information and to purchase tickets.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>*Please remember that your costumes need to be safe and comfortable for you to dance in.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Please nothing too risque: yes the art nouveau artists painted a lot of nudes, but that doesn't count as a costume!</i></div></div></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-51420506096130692742009-11-02T20:27:00.006+13:002009-11-03T14:11:07.533+13:00We had a ball!<a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4999.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4999.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Zombie attack!<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=15447_197350055019_617675019_438528.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/15447_197350055019_617675019_438528.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></em><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_5025.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_5025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Gentlemen admire the lady zombies too...</em><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=15447_197352195019_617675019_438531.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/15447_197352195019_617675019_438531.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4994.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4994.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Jane slays a zombie</em><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_5020.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_5020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>It doesn't look like the gentlemen are doing much to protect our fair damsel in distress.<br /></em><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=15447_197352200019_617675019_438531.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/15447_197352200019_617675019_438531.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Hmmm...who shall I eat first?</em><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4979.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4979.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>And then she stepped out of the TV screen, just like this...</em><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4981.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4981.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>This spring's hottest zombie slaying fashions...</em><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_5027.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_5027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Swing zombies!</em><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=15447_197350015019_617675019_438527.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/15447_197350015019_617675019_438527.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=15952_10100255744882021_2055815_620.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/15952_10100255744882021_2055815_620.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_5032.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_5032.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-52442554147290353262009-10-29T20:53:00.005+13:002009-10-30T09:22:10.868+13:00Cheater Regency costumes for the ladiesOh dear! Have you suddenly realised that the ball of the season is less than a week away, and you have nothing to wear?<br /><br />Never fear, we are here to the rescue with some suggestions for fabulous cheater Regency costumes for ladies! <br /><br />First off, have a raid of your closet, the linen cupboard, and any fabric stash you may have. The unlikeliest things can become great Regency ballgowns.<br /><br />In one closet and stash we found: a green satin ball dress, a fab vintage 1960s cocktail dress, a little eyelet lace jacket with puffed sleeves, an orange Grecian inspired top by NZ label Blak, some lengths of white fabric, an old curtain, an orange silk Veronika Maine shirt, a puffed sleeve summer dress, a kimono, and a pile of ribbons and a pile of jewellery.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4972.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4972.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />By adapting and combining these things, we are able to come up with a dozen different Regency looks, each more fabulous than the last.<br /><br />First off, hair. The right hair do instantly says 'Regency'.<br /><br />For shorter hair, ruffle up the hair and channel the classical grecian look that was so in in 1800 with a ribbon wound through the mussed locks.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=Fig-3-The-coiffure-of-the-beautiful.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/Fig-3-The-coiffure-of-the-beautiful.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=recamier.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/recamier.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=6468.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/6468.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><br />For longer hair, part the hair in the centre, free a few curls at the temples, wind the back hair into a little French twist and form a bun or a loose arrangement of curls at the top of the twist. A ribbon or a necklace as a tiara adds period charm.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=5037.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/5037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/?action=view&current=IMG_2028.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/IMG_2028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=4recamie-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/4recamie-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=2josephi-1-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/2josephi-1-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For your costume, let's start with the green satin ball dress. A great garment on its own, and the empire line is very period, but the bias-cut skirt and tiny straps just don't say 'Jane Austen'.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4978.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4978.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Solution? Downplay the skirt and give the illusion of sleeves with an evening robe made from an old kimono (you can buy them at the Asia Gallery from $5).<br /><br />Evening robes are very Regency - check out the <a href="http://www.songsmyth.com/costumerscompanion.html">Regency Costume Companion</a> for a discussion on them, and have a browse of some of the gorgeous robes that costumers such as <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/">American Duchess</a> have made.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=late18thcourtgown.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/late18thcourtgown.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For your robe, rip out the sleeves of the kimono, and sew up most of the sleeve hole to leave a small armsceye. Using a wide ribbon or a length of fabric from one of the sleeves, fashion a sash just under the bust. Pin into place at the sides, and arrange the extra fabric in pleats at the back of the kimono.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4974.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4974.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4975.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4975.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ta da!<br /><br />Can't be bothered sewing or don't like the look of the robe? Combine the green dress with the little eyelet jacket for instant Regency chic.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4977.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4977.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What about the 1960s cocktail dress? The pleated bodice and sleeves are perfect, the colours are to-die-for but the short skirt is a total no-no.<br /><br />Solution? Make a quick drawstring under-the-bust skirt out of a length of fabric sewn in a tube and gathered at the top with a ribbon. Arrange most of the fullness at the back of the skirt. You could even cut it longer in back to make a train, just make sure you have a way to pin up the train so you can dance.<br /><br />Put the skirt over the short dress, pin in place so it won't slip, and then wrap a ribbon under your bust to hide the join.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_0084.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_0084.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Perfect!<br /><br />The drawstring skirt can be used in a number of other costumes:<br /><br />With the Blak shirt and a gold ribbon sash for an exotic look<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_0086.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_0086.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or over the Veronika Maine shirts for a simpler look.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_0088.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_0088.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ruffle around the neck is a lot like this painting:<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=MarciaFox-portrait-WilliamBeechey.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/MarciaFox-portrait-WilliamBeechey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To dress up the purple satin ball dress, wear the kimono robe or try another variant on the robe.<br /><br />Take your old curtain and fold it in half. Cut out an oval 5" long and 4" wide 9" away from the centre fold and 4" away from the side of the curtain.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4970.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4970.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_4971.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_4971.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Slide your arms through the ovals, wrap a sash around your waist, straighten the hem if you wish and there you are!<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_0090.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_0090.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Knee length summer dresses or longer tunic shirts over the drawstring skirt or any long skirt are another great way to recreate the tunic look that was so popular in Jane Austen's time:<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_0087.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_0087.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Grecian look was also extremely popular, and extremely easy to replicate with two pieces of fabric pinned at the shoulders:<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=IMG_0091.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/IMG_0091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=490px-1799-Verninac-David.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/490px-1799-Verninac-David.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/?action=view&current=Schimmelpenninck.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/Regency/Schimmelpenninck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/?action=view&current=IMG_2021.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Pompeii%20to%20Paris/IMG_2021.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-82954843371592886482009-10-07T21:49:00.003+13:002009-10-14T23:00:19.999+13:00Pride and Prejudice and Zombies ball<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Please join us for a Regency themed Halloween ball. </span><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=magritte_recamier-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/magritte_recamier-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Everyone who is anyone in Mereton, including the Misses Bennet, Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and the hoards of the living dead will come together for a night of dancing, feasting and frightful fun.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Where</span>: St Michael's Church Hall, Kelburn<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">When</span>: Saturday, 31 October</div><div>Doors open at 7, lesson at 7.30, dancing to begin at 8.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Tickets</span> are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and include entry to the dance and a late supper. </div><div><br /></div><div>Buy tickets at <a href="http://fullswing.co.nz/Lessons/tabid/133/Default.aspx">Full Swing dance classes</a> in the city on Mon and Wed nights, or email thedreamstress at yahoo dot com to arrange a time to meet up.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The neighbourhood is abuzz with questions about the night:<br /><br />Will Mr Darcy ask Elizabeth Bennet to dance? Will she agree?<br /><br />Will Mr Bingley fall in love with Jane Bennet?<br /><br />Will the zombies kill us all and feast on our brains? </span><br /><br />The dancing will include simple Regency and Victorian ballroom dances, such as the vintage waltz, the gallop, and the polka, all of which will be taught at a lesson at the beginning of the evening and briefly demonstrated before each dance; Regency country dances, which will be demonstrated before each dance; and 20th century swing dancing (just because it is too awesome not to have).<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Attire</span>: Regency (1790-1820s) evening clothes, or zombie rags.<br /><br />The well dressed Regency lady should be attired in a long simple dress with a high waist, and various accessories such as shawls, gloves, jewellery and fans (very important for keeping oneself cool whilst dancing!).<br /><br />The well dressed Regency gentleman should be attired in knee breeches, a loose shirt, a waistcoat, a jacket, and a cravat. Gloves, monocles, and fans are all optional.<br /><br />The well dressed zombie should be attired in…hey wait!?! There is no such thing as a well dressed zombie! Zombies can wear whatever they get their rotting fingers on, though semblances of historical costume under all the gore is encouraged (and some semblance of modesty is mandatory!).<br /><br />The various costume shops in Wellington carry an impressive, and impressively cheap, range of garments suitable for Regency evening wear if your own wardrobe has nothing suitable.</div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-12323892169824084152009-09-15T12:26:00.002+12:002009-09-15T12:38:55.278+12:00Haikus and happiness on a rainy dayDespite the rain, the Cherry Blossoms and Chinoiserie picnic was a rousing success.<br />We had lovely teas and treat in Picnic, the aptly named cafe in the botanical gardens, and amused ourselves with haikus about subjects sacred, profane, and just plain silly. Then we admired the orchids and flowers in the hothouse, and practiced the gallop.<br /><br />A sampling of the lovely spring flowers, and the lovely (for a relative degree of loveliness) haikus. I think Molly said it best:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Poeticism<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it is really strange<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Like exploding flies<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_3908.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_3908.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We wrote poetic descriptions of the day...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mist filled harbour<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wellington on a rainy day<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Neither sun nor wind<br /><br /></span><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_4011.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_4011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rain on Saturday<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Taking all our fun inside<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Avoiding the drips</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_3970.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_3970.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rain prevents picnic<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Poem fun ensues indoors<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Life’s little blessings<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_3953.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_3953.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Café by the dell<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Poems and stories abound<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Springtime fun indoors<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_4006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_4006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It’s of no import<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What gets written among friends<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Laughing in the rain.</span></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cooling spring shower<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Caresses and refreshes<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Newly bloomed flowers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rain makes the weeds grow<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Faster in my garden patch<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But not the roses<br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rainy day umbrellas<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Toadstools shielding garden gnomes<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wellington springtime</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_3941.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_3941.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Little green teapot<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sitting on the silver tray<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Holding liquid warmth<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Phil drops burger bun<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Aioli sauce upside down<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nice grab rescues pants</span></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_3944.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_3944.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dad with babe in arms<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sleepy yawn and nodding head<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking, seeing dad.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Catja's nappies smell<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They smell like old cream-cheese<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are so many<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yawning baby girl<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Brings a smile to my face<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On a cloudy day</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_3918.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_3918.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cheese, what a wonder<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It tastes green, but it’s yellow<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It smells good on toast<br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Famous Feijoa’s<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Frolicking and fishing<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Highly flammable</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/?action=view&current=IMG_3931.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Flora/Spring%2009/IMG_3931.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Avocados dream<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of dip and guacamole<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But then, maybe not<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-12589743027218182782009-09-12T10:30:00.002+12:002009-09-12T10:32:52.026+12:00Cherry blossoms and chinoiserie - an indoors picnicAs the weather in Wellington is dreadful today (actually, it is quite lovely in a wet way, just not great for picnics) the Cherry Blossoms and Chinoiserie picnic will take place in the cafe in the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens.<div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately this means we won't be able to bring our own picnic food, but the cafe does have a lovely selection of yummies to choose from.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I do hope to see you at 1 today!</div></div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-38430871900227347802009-08-25T15:56:00.004+12:002009-08-25T22:03:30.565+12:00Cherry blossoms and chinoiserie - an Eastern influence picnic<div>Come and celebrate the advent of spring and the eastern influence on western textiles and fashion with a picnic in the botanical gardens.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=Chine_style2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/Chine_style2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Saturday September 12, 1 pm,</span></strong> near the little gazebo on the duck pond (near the sound-shell)*.<br /><br />Every spring, the Japanese throw Hinami, or cherry blossom viewing parties. In the same spirit we will gather to admire the new spring blooms, share each others company and delectable edibles, and show off our eastern inspired fashions.<br /><br />As an added bonus, the lively Victorian <em>gallop</em>, a simple and exhilerating partner dance, will be taught.<br /><br />Please bring a blanket to sit on, whatever cushions or chairs you need to be comfortable, and eats and drinks to share for a light repast.<br /><br />As always, <em><strong>costumes are admired but not required</strong></em>. However, the costuming possibilities for the picnic are so many and varied and so many are so easy easy to do that we hope everyone will enter into the spirit of things<br /><br />On the elaborate side our ladies could wear a full 18th century polonaise gown in a chinoiserie (Chinese inspired) print:<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=h2_1976146ab_197087.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/h2_1976146ab_197087.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or a Victorian gown with Japanese or Chinese embroidery:<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/?action=view&current=DT2854.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/DT2854.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/?action=view&current=bustle.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/bustle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=h2_CI4925.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/h2_CI4925.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=libertydressback.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/libertydressback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or celebrate japonism (the Japanese influence on fashion) in a 1910s or 20s frock with a kimono-like cut<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=artful5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/artful5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/?action=view&current=kimonobird.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/kimonobird.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you want to be comfortable, how about a 1930s or 40s dress with an Eastern twist?<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=Dress_Navy-Wine-Mums_TAG-Park_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/Dress_Navy-Wine-Mums_TAG-Park_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=fashion_valentina_early1940s.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/fashion_valentina_early1940s.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or a sleek little 1960s number with of fabulous oriental fabric?<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/?action=view&current=CocktailDress.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/CocktailDress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or, for authenticity, wear a real kimono (lovely ones can be had at the <a href="http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/2009/07/friday-review-asia-gallery-wellington.html">Asia Gallery</a> in Kilbirnie for as little as $5)<br /><br />For gentlemen, your attire could be as simple as a period suit with a tie in an eastern print, or a cherry blossom and miniature fan boutenierre.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=asian_tie-p151447364235383200td9w_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/asian_tie-p151447364235383200td9w_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You could wear a black silk gentleman's kimono<br /><br />Or shake things up with some modern dragon printed board shorts, or a bright retro asian themed aloha shirt.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=4231621.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/4231621.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/?action=view&current=000346.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/000346.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you are feeling particularly period, 18th century gentlemen also wore chinoiserie patterned garments.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=h2_CI66142.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/h2_CI66142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And of course, there is always the classic and subtle mandarin collared shirt.<br /><br />For both ladies and gentlemen, even the simplest outfit can be dressed up with one of the accessories that the west has borrowed from Asia:<br /><br />Like parasols…<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=chinese-paper-parasol.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/chinese-paper-parasol.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=11714279.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/11714279.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and fans….<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=18301.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/18301.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/?action=view&current=chinese_fans2a066669054734696bdfjpg.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Japonisme/Chinoiserie/chinese_fans2a066669054734696bdfjpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />or dainty hair ornaments.<br /><br />*if the weather should be inclement, a notice will go up on the blog and facebook, and we will have tea at the café in the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and admire the exotic plants in the glass house and discuss the 18th and 19th century craze for exotic Chinese and Japanese plants. </div><div><br /></div><div>We hope to see you there!</div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-26561090698920818462009-08-05T22:04:00.002+12:002009-08-06T14:21:58.719+12:00Visiting BridesheadLast Saturday the Wellington Historical Costume Society had it's inaugural event: a visit to Felix Kelly: A Kiwi at Brideshead at TheNewDowse.<br /><br />The small but perfectly dressed group of attendees thoroughly enjoyed the small but perfectly arranged exhibition. We felt that it Struck a Happy Medium between social history and visual delight. No one Took Umbrage and Went Off in a Huff, nor felt the need to Sever Their Relations with TheNewDowse or the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery, which arranged the exhibition. In fact, we all agree that the artist and exhibition curators well deserve to Rest on Their Laurels.*<br /><br />After admiring the paintings and sketches and chuckling over the cartoons, which were marvellously amusing, we retired to Café Reka and availed ourselves of tea and scones and brownies and hot chocolate and brainstormed a whole calendar of delightful costume events which we will unveil to you shortly.<br /><br />For your visual enjoyment, here are pictures of Becky and Leimomi with Alphronsine the teddy bear in their delightful costumes.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/?action=view&current=IMG_3249.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/IMG_3249.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/?action=view&current=IMG_3252.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/IMG_3252.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/?action=view&current=IMG_3260.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/IMG_3260.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/?action=view&current=IMG_3261.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Blog/IMG_3261.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*Go and see the exhibition and you will get the joke!</span>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-81825501169510021782009-07-22T16:56:00.003+12:002009-07-22T17:07:59.453+12:00The Affair of the Diamond Necklace - an 18th century event!<a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=Marieevening.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/Marieevening.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is an exciting opportunity to wear 18th century clothes coming up in Wellington!<br /><br />Eklektus presents <a href="http://www.eklektusinc.com/projects/marie_antoinette.php">The Affair of the Diamond Necklace </a>: a chance to dress up in stunning 18th century clothes…to wear breeches and panniers and acres of rustling silk skirts and really big hair…to dance and chat and be wined and dined! And I hear their may even be some dancing! Not sure if it will be period dancing or not though…<br /><br />Eklektus gives links to costume rentals on their site, but you might also think about making your own.<br /><br />I just made a <a href="http://thedreamstress.blogspot.com/2009/07/panniers-of-sorts.html">very easy and spiffy pair of panniers</a>, and stays (18th century corsets) are not nearly as hard as they sound! Paniers are also very easy, and a pair of trousers could be easily adapted to be breeches.<br /><br />Tickets are 145, which is steep, but if you think of it as food, drink, and a full night's entertainment, isn't too bad. I should get menus from the theatre soon for those of us who are fussy eaters<br /><br />If anyone is going to go and wants assistance with their costume, let me know and I will try to help if I can.<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/18th%20Century/?action=view&current=h2_501352.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/18wa/ho_50.135.2.htm" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/18th%20Century/h2_501352.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">So many parties, so little time!<br /></span></em><br />Some (well lots!) of links to fantastic and helpful sites for costumes<br /><br />These sites have instructions on making stays, panniers, or other items of 18th century dress:<br /><a href="http://www.marquise.de/en/1700/index.shtml">http://www.marquise.de/en/1700/index.shtml</a><br /><a href="http://www.marariley.net/stays/staysinstructions.htm">http://www.marariley.net/stays/staysinstructions.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/study/petticoat.htm">http://www.jennylafleur.com/study/petticoat.htm</a><br /><a href="http://koshka-the-cat.com/18c_petticoat.html">http://koshka-the-cat.com/18c_petticoat.html</a><br /><br />Here are links to museum collection's of 18th century clothes and accessories for inspiration:<br /><a href="http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/formats/accessoires/index.jsp?lang=en">http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/formats/accessoires/index.jsp?lang=en</a><br /><a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/eudr/hd_eudr.htm">http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/eudr/hd_eudr.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/18sil/hd_18sil.htm">http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/18sil/hd_18sil.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.kci.or.jp/archives/da_popup/index_e.html">http://www.kci.or.jp/archives/da_popup/index_e.html</a><br /><a href="http://collections.vam.ac.uk/indexplus/result.html">http://collections.vam.ac.uk/indexplus/result.html</a><br /><br />And finally, here are costumers who have dress diaries that may be helpful<br /><a href="http://www.demodecouture.com/">http://www.demodecouture.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.songsmyth.com/1780-gown-n-petti/1780plan.html">http://www.songsmyth.com/1780-gown-n-petti/1780plan.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.jennylafleur.com/index.htm">http://www.jennylafleur.com/index.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.koshka-the-cat.com/index.html">http://www.koshka-the-cat.com/index.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.wearing-history.com/">http://www.wearing-history.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.historicallydressed.com/costumes/18c.html">http://www.historicallydressed.com/costumes/18c.html</a><br /><br />Have fun...get inspired...buy a ticket...come!The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-6242450666838799112009-07-17T17:28:00.001+12:002009-07-17T17:29:20.454+12:00A Visit to Brideshead - New Date!The 'A Visit to Brideshead' event will now take place on Saturday August 1st. See you at TheNewDowse at 1pm!The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-5353095239603195562009-07-06T16:28:00.002+12:002009-07-06T16:31:25.296+12:00A visit to Brideshead: what to wear?The plot of Brideshead Revisited is mainly centred around the period from 1923-late 1920s, with the final episode taking place in 1943 or 1944. The novel is a classic which is well worth reading, but if you are particularly short on time <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brideshead_Revisited">Wikipedia </a>does a nice summary of the plot and themes. and there is always the classic BBC adaption and the recent film version to watch for inspiration.<br /><br />Any attire from between 1923-1944 would be perfectly appropriate, though the tweedy, conservative, upper class between the wars look fits the theme much better than the flashier 'Roaring 20s' look.<br /><br />There is lots of scope for imagination within the upper class look, whether you are a historically accurate fanatic or just want to go for 'effect'.<br /><br /><strong>For the ladies</strong>: think dropped waists, below the knee wool skirts, thick wool tights (it is winter after all!) and the indispensible cloches, though knitted caps and broad brimmed hats were also fashionable at periods in the 1920s and 1930s.<br /><br />Some inspiration:<br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=fashions-02.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/fashions-02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=countryhouseterrace.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/countryhouseterrace.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=fashions-04.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/fashions-04.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=artdecocar.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/artdecocar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=fashions-05.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/fashions-05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=artdecofashions.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/artdecofashions.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=390950953_fb9e5b1d44_o.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/390950953_fb9e5b1d44_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>For the gentleman</strong>, the film adaptions feature lots of three piece woolen suits and knitted cardigans. You could also go with the final chapters of the story and wear a WWII Army uniform (and who knows, there may have been a few Kiwi soldiers stationed at Brideshead!).<br /><br />Some inspiration:<br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=20_M_casual-hammock.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/20_M_casual-hammock.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=golf-fashion-hagen.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/golf-fashion-hagen.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In additon the Art Deco Society does a great rundown on <a href="http://www.artdecosociety.org/gatsby/m_overview.htm">how to be a Gatsby man </a><br /><br />And finally, for both ladies and gentleman Te Papa's collections online has hundred's of Leslie Adkins <a href="http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/search.aspx?__VIEWSTATE=%2FwEPDwUKMTAwNTY3MzM4MGRkv7G0rdlq632nRP5Wq9Xv1N%2BQCJY%3D&term=Adkin%2C+Leslie&search=Search&imagesonly=on">photographs of the 1920s</a>, with fantastic casual images of his family.The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-42466004482422478742009-06-29T13:53:00.001+12:002009-06-29T13:57:32.461+12:00Our very first costuming event<div align="center">The Wellington Historical Costume Society invites you to their first costume event:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"><strong>A Visit to Brideshead</strong><br /></span><br /><a href="http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/?action=view&current=bridesheadrevisited1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g269/AlohaAroha/bridesheadrevisited1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Saturday 18 July 2009<br /><br />Meet in TheNewDowse lobby at 1pm<br /><br />Put on your best 'between the wars' society threads and come and admire the works of the Kiwi inspiration for Charles Ryder at the exhibition <em>Felix Kelly:</em> <em>A Kiwi at Brideshead</em> at TheNewDowse.<br /><br />We can practice our best aristocratic drawls and Brideshead stutters as we tour the exhibition, and then retire to Café Reka for tea and scones and a brainstorm of future costuming events.<br /><br />Costumes (and teddy bears) are admired but not required.<br /><br />Entry to the exhibition is free, but you will want a few shillings for the café.<br /><br />Read more about the exhibition at TheNewDowse's <a href="http://www.dowse.org.nz/en/Exhibitions/Current-Exhibitions/Felix-Kelly/">website</a>, and check out Jill Trevelyan's <a href="http://www.listener.co.nz/issue/3594/artsbooks/13027/brideshead_revisited.html">glowing review </a></div><div align="center"><br />Bring your friends! This is an open event! </div><div align="left"><br /><br />Upcoming costume events (so that you have time to plan your costume!):<br /><br />A Pride and Prejudice picnic in the park<br /><br />A visit to the Ataturk memorial in WWI era clothes<br /><br />A Midsummer Nights Dream in the botanical gardens<br /><br />A tour of artifacts from the newly discovered ruins at Pompeii in 18th century clothes (to cooincide with the Pompeii exhibition coming to Te Papa), or dress as an original Pompeiian in a toga.<br /><br />A Guy Fawke's Day bonfire on the first Guy Fawke's day, November 5, 1605<br /><br />A Victorian themed day at the beach</div>The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529591226620732508.post-33118871310391298932009-06-29T13:41:00.000+12:002009-06-29T13:42:02.147+12:00Welcome to the Wellington Historical Costume Society's blog.The Wellington Historical Costume Society exists to promote the research and recreation of historical costumes, and to provide events where costumers can be inspired by each other's creations.<br /><br />Watch out for announcements of upcoming events, tips and tricks on creating costumes, guest blog posts, interviews with Wellington costumers, and links to helpful costuming resources, among lots of other fun stuff.The Dreamstresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17897608732348842792noreply@blogger.com0