Jo here, historical fashionista! Well, not really, but in another spot we were talking about which look we'd choose if we were going to a historical costume ball. Medieval, Tudor, Regency?
Here's an image from Vecellio's book of Renaissance Costume, which contains images both interesting and alarming. Some, like this on the right, are imaginable. Some are odd. The one on the left, for example.
I'm going to share some other images from different European periods. If you want to go Oriental or such, you're on your own.Which appeal to you, and why?
For example, if I was intending to dance and have fun at the ball I'd choose a more comfortable and manageable gown; perhaps even an early 20th century one. But for show I might go for more structured splendor.
It would be interesting to wear the stiff Tudor style -- to see how it felt, and how it made me felt. Do you agree that clothes change us, especially how we move and how we feel about ourselves? Have you ever experienced that?
Which period costume do you think most flattering to women, and which the least?
So here are the pictures I've chosen to give a range. If you have links to others that you'd choose, please share them.
Georgian, medieval, Restoration, 1920s, Regency.
Regency gowns in portraits look much more comfortable than in fashion plates. Here's only the upper part of one, but I think it's lovely.
Then there's a Georgian I like for the varied and rich fabrics. You can also see that I like red!
Here's the stiffly formal Tudor, but in the pre-ruff period. I don't think I could bear a starched ruff!
And lastly, the crinolined Victorian.
Some early 20th century gowns are gorgeous. This picture is from the splendid automobile museum in Malaga, Spain, where they match clothing to the cars. If you go to Malaga don't miss it. I didn't think I'd be interested in cars, but there are some magnificent machines there. Perhaps that pink number on the right, though the flowered one is interesting!
And lastly, on the subject of gowns, here's a splendid wedding dress from Rivendell Bridal in Somerset and the cover I used it on, with permission, of course. There's more about Faery Weddings here.
So, what will you wear to the ball? And why?
And would you like to see more historical romances written in the medieval, Tudor, Restoration and Victorian periods?
Jo