The latest fashion craze is not on the
runways of Milan, Italy, nor on the streets of Paris, France. In fact, one
would have to get in the wayback machine and travel back to Yorkshire, England,
to the beginning of the last century, to see the fashions that are being worn
by today’s fashionistas.
Made popular by the British period
drama, “Downton Abbey,” created by Julian Fellowes, the program which airs Sunday
evenings spans the decade from 1912 thru 1921. The fashions recreated by Susannah Buxton and Caroline MCCal, are now all the rage. Long, ankle-length skirts are back in vogue, worn with old-fashioned lace blouses. The costumes are so true to the period that the program has received the Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Mini-series, Movie or a Special.
Due to their age, the fashions are hard to find in antique shops, especially in good condition. Also try checking the trunks in the attic or the back of grandma's closet. Although home-sewing has become somewhat of a lost art, if one can locate vintage patterns, a good seamstress can bring the look of the early 1900's back to life. The patterns might be located in antique stores, but to be truly authentic the garments would have to be made of fabrics of the period...natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool.
The program is comprised of three series: Pre-WWI , with the next two panning the years 1916 thru 1921. The clothing evolution depicts the Post-Edwardian fashions when women wore long bell-shaped skirts, with emphasis on the waist which was still being cinched with corsets. The lace blouses had long, fitted sleeves with high, stand-up collars, reminiscent of the modest women. Shoes were laced up, and hats were picturesque with wide brims and embellished with plumage, flowers, or large satin bows. Throughout the series the view can detect the hemlines rising to mid-calf, and the waistlines dropping to the hip.
Accessories during this period consisted of parasols, feathered fans, small handbags with long straps, and fur muffs which served a dual purpose for both keeping hands warm and as a fashion statement.
Menswear consisted of either a cut-away coat or straight-lined jacket, with a wide pant width. High collared shirts were worn with bow ties, and the outfit was topped off with either a top hat or a bowler (derby).
They say 'what goes around, comes around.' It's unlikely that these fashion trends will return in their entirety, but Downton Abbey has made its mark on the fashion scene. Women are combing the antique shops in search of antique jewelry like cameos, and a vintage fur muff was spotted at a recent gala.
See related article "Fur Warmth, Fur Fun" at http://bit.ly/2ekPNuU
Due to their age, the fashions are hard to find in antique shops, especially in good condition. Also try checking the trunks in the attic or the back of grandma's closet. Although home-sewing has become somewhat of a lost art, if one can locate vintage patterns, a good seamstress can bring the look of the early 1900's back to life. The patterns might be located in antique stores, but to be truly authentic the garments would have to be made of fabrics of the period...natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool.
The program is comprised of three series: Pre-WWI , with the next two panning the years 1916 thru 1921. The clothing evolution depicts the Post-Edwardian fashions when women wore long bell-shaped skirts, with emphasis on the waist which was still being cinched with corsets. The lace blouses had long, fitted sleeves with high, stand-up collars, reminiscent of the modest women. Shoes were laced up, and hats were picturesque with wide brims and embellished with plumage, flowers, or large satin bows. Throughout the series the view can detect the hemlines rising to mid-calf, and the waistlines dropping to the hip.
Accessories during this period consisted of parasols, feathered fans, small handbags with long straps, and fur muffs which served a dual purpose for both keeping hands warm and as a fashion statement.
Menswear consisted of either a cut-away coat or straight-lined jacket, with a wide pant width. High collared shirts were worn with bow ties, and the outfit was topped off with either a top hat or a bowler (derby).
They say 'what goes around, comes around.' It's unlikely that these fashion trends will return in their entirety, but Downton Abbey has made its mark on the fashion scene. Women are combing the antique shops in search of antique jewelry like cameos, and a vintage fur muff was spotted at a recent gala.
See related article "Fur Warmth, Fur Fun" at http://bit.ly/2ekPNuU
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