Come and celebrate the advent of spring and the eastern influence on western textiles and fashion with a picnic in the botanical gardens.
Saturday September 12, 1 pm, near the little gazebo on the duck pond (near the sound-shell)*.
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.
As an added bonus, the lively Victorian
gallop, a simple and exhilerating partner dance, will be taught.
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.
As always,
costumes are admired but not required. 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
On the elaborate side our ladies could wear a full 18th century polonaise gown in a chinoiserie (Chinese inspired) print:
Or a Victorian gown with Japanese or Chinese embroidery:
Or celebrate japonism (the Japanese influence on fashion) in a 1910s or 20s frock with a kimono-like cut
If you want to be comfortable, how about a 1930s or 40s dress with an Eastern twist?
Or a sleek little 1960s number with of fabulous oriental fabric?
Or, for authenticity, wear a real kimono (lovely ones can be had at the
Asia Gallery in Kilbirnie for as little as $5)
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.
You could wear a black silk gentleman's kimono
Or shake things up with some modern dragon printed board shorts, or a bright retro asian themed aloha shirt.
If you are feeling particularly period, 18th century gentlemen also wore chinoiserie patterned garments.
And of course, there is always the classic and subtle mandarin collared shirt.
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:
Like parasols…
and fans….
or dainty hair ornaments.
*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.
We hope to see you there!
