There will be lots more added on over the coming weeks and months, but here's a quick example of the outfits I made for the 2009 Hallowe'en Whitby Gothic Festival. The first picture was featured in the Whiby Gazette newspaper.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Blue Lady Couture
I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to my new website http://www.blueladycouture.co.uk/. I shall run it as a sister site alongside Joanna's Bridal, but the focus shall be more on costume pieces. There will also be an online shop where you can have garments made to order and delivered as well as my fully bespoke service if you want something extra special.
There will be lots more added on over the coming weeks and months, but here's a quick example of the outfits I made for the 2009 Hallowe'en Whitby Gothic Festival. The first picture was featured in the Whiby Gazette newspaper.
There will be lots more added on over the coming weeks and months, but here's a quick example of the outfits I made for the 2009 Hallowe'en Whitby Gothic Festival. The first picture was featured in the Whiby Gazette newspaper.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Bronte back on our screens!
It was with great interest that I heard about not just one, but two new Bronte films currently in production!
BBC Films are revisiting Jane Eyre, with Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) as the heroine, while Film Four are planning a remake of Wuthering Heights.
I've always had an interest in the tragic Bronte sisters since visiting the pretty Haworth parsonage where they lived and experiencing the bleak and windswept moors that inspired them. Both tales could certainly be described as gloomy, almost foreboding. The opening chapters of Jane Eyre certainly set the atmosphere. I never finished Wuthering Heights as a child. It's a far cry from the almost sickly sweetness and light of Jane Austen. As much as I am a 'Janeite', I can only admit that there has most definately been an Austen overload in the past few years. I think it's interesting how the fun and frivolity of Austen suited the mood of a care free modern society, but as recession and money worries loom over us, these darker tales of the mid-nineteenth century are the order of the day.
You can read more about the films and see a sneaky peak of the new Jane Eyre at http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article7106879.ece
BBC Films are revisiting Jane Eyre, with Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) as the heroine, while Film Four are planning a remake of Wuthering Heights.
I've always had an interest in the tragic Bronte sisters since visiting the pretty Haworth parsonage where they lived and experiencing the bleak and windswept moors that inspired them. Both tales could certainly be described as gloomy, almost foreboding. The opening chapters of Jane Eyre certainly set the atmosphere. I never finished Wuthering Heights as a child. It's a far cry from the almost sickly sweetness and light of Jane Austen. As much as I am a 'Janeite', I can only admit that there has most definately been an Austen overload in the past few years. I think it's interesting how the fun and frivolity of Austen suited the mood of a care free modern society, but as recession and money worries loom over us, these darker tales of the mid-nineteenth century are the order of the day.
You can read more about the films and see a sneaky peak of the new Jane Eyre at http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article7106879.ece
Sunday, 16 May 2010
I am a Steampunk!
Just when I didn't think I could find time to indulge in anymore hobbies and interests, I find myself right in the middle of one!
I stumbled across Steampunk quite by accident at the end of last summer. I'd heard the word banded about on various forums and websites, but it wasn't until the Victorian Steampunk Society came to Lincoln for their first annual UK convival, that I realised what it was all about. After a little research I soon realised that I was a Steampunk and all my nostalgical whims and fancies fitted right in!
Initially an offshoot from the Goth scene, Steampunk claimed a much stronger historical interest, inspired by science, technology and adventure as much as Victorian romanance and gothicism. Steampunk is particularly influenced by authors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, capturing the Victorian fascination with technology and using it to push the boundaries of science and reality. For many, the ideal Steampunk world is characterised by a Victorian London below a sky filled with airships taking travellers and adventurers to the majestic realms of Africa and India, or even beyond the stars to the moon and Mars. Some even claim the ability to bend the laws of time. Of course this is all conducted with the most polite and genteel of Victorian mannerisms, also impeccably dressed and sporting the latest brassy gadgetry to get you out of any fix.
The costuming is such an important part and everyone has their own individual take on it depending on who they're portraying, what the occasion is and quite how far they visualise the Steampunk world. For some, it's a passion for Victoriana, mixing more modern styles with corsets, bustles and top hats. Others go for a more military look using British Empire regimental and expedition styles often accessorising with pith helmets. Then there are the airship crews, the airship pirates, engineers, mad scientists, time travellers, librarians, historians.....
That's the thing about the Steampunk genre. There are so many takes on it and you can bend it to wherever your interest lies, whether you see yourself as a Neo-Victorian, retro-futurist, dieselpunk, cyberpunk or are just plain enthusiastic about steam engineering technology.
It's a funny old world. I was brought up spending my holidays being taken round museums and heritage railways. Combined with my natural love of costume and the past and a husband equally enthusiastic as well as being a converted and confessed steam addict. It was only natural, I suppose, but I couldn't hide my enthusiasm for turning my needle and thread towards this exciting new outlet. The magic of course being the fun and the only restriction, the imagination. Steampunk isn't period perfect, so the creativity can run riot with colours and fabrics that capture the spirit of Victorian adventure and discovery, but with modern twists or even the essence of a different period. You could wear an eigteenth century pirate coat with first world war breeches and a victorian blouse and waspie corset.
To that end I'm really excited to announce that I'm going to be concentrating a lot more on producing Steampunk clothing alongside my bridal wear. I'm already working on some classic neo-Victorian crisp cotton and lace blouses with ladies silk waistcoats inspired by Dorcas Lane's costumes in Larkrise to Candleford. There will also be corsets and skirts influenced by late nineteenth century dress as well as more regency style bolero jackets.
I can't wait to share the pictures of the finished articles in anticipation of holding a trade stall at the second Lincoln convival.
I stumbled across Steampunk quite by accident at the end of last summer. I'd heard the word banded about on various forums and websites, but it wasn't until the Victorian Steampunk Society came to Lincoln for their first annual UK convival, that I realised what it was all about. After a little research I soon realised that I was a Steampunk and all my nostalgical whims and fancies fitted right in!
Initially an offshoot from the Goth scene, Steampunk claimed a much stronger historical interest, inspired by science, technology and adventure as much as Victorian romanance and gothicism. Steampunk is particularly influenced by authors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, capturing the Victorian fascination with technology and using it to push the boundaries of science and reality. For many, the ideal Steampunk world is characterised by a Victorian London below a sky filled with airships taking travellers and adventurers to the majestic realms of Africa and India, or even beyond the stars to the moon and Mars. Some even claim the ability to bend the laws of time. Of course this is all conducted with the most polite and genteel of Victorian mannerisms, also impeccably dressed and sporting the latest brassy gadgetry to get you out of any fix.
The costuming is such an important part and everyone has their own individual take on it depending on who they're portraying, what the occasion is and quite how far they visualise the Steampunk world. For some, it's a passion for Victoriana, mixing more modern styles with corsets, bustles and top hats. Others go for a more military look using British Empire regimental and expedition styles often accessorising with pith helmets. Then there are the airship crews, the airship pirates, engineers, mad scientists, time travellers, librarians, historians.....
That's the thing about the Steampunk genre. There are so many takes on it and you can bend it to wherever your interest lies, whether you see yourself as a Neo-Victorian, retro-futurist, dieselpunk, cyberpunk or are just plain enthusiastic about steam engineering technology.
It's a funny old world. I was brought up spending my holidays being taken round museums and heritage railways. Combined with my natural love of costume and the past and a husband equally enthusiastic as well as being a converted and confessed steam addict. It was only natural, I suppose, but I couldn't hide my enthusiasm for turning my needle and thread towards this exciting new outlet. The magic of course being the fun and the only restriction, the imagination. Steampunk isn't period perfect, so the creativity can run riot with colours and fabrics that capture the spirit of Victorian adventure and discovery, but with modern twists or even the essence of a different period. You could wear an eigteenth century pirate coat with first world war breeches and a victorian blouse and waspie corset.
To that end I'm really excited to announce that I'm going to be concentrating a lot more on producing Steampunk clothing alongside my bridal wear. I'm already working on some classic neo-Victorian crisp cotton and lace blouses with ladies silk waistcoats inspired by Dorcas Lane's costumes in Larkrise to Candleford. There will also be corsets and skirts influenced by late nineteenth century dress as well as more regency style bolero jackets.
I can't wait to share the pictures of the finished articles in anticipation of holding a trade stall at the second Lincoln convival.
Monday, 26 October 2009
A Year of Medieval Magic
My latest entry is following on from fellow blogger Amanda Beth who is running a Maid Marian inspired festival. So being a fellow enthusiast for medieval maidens, I thought I would share a few pictures of medieval inspired outfits that I've made this past year.The first set of pictures are from some of my brides this year who all went for a medieval theme. One got married in a Scottish castle, and the other at Tintagel, the supposed site of Camelot! At the moment I can only upload the photos from the Scottish wedding, so my apologies and I'll upload the others as soon as I can!
The photos below come from 'The Lady of Shallot' film which I had great fun working on and the costumes were a fantastic mix of typical medieval, through Renaissance, to even Tudor inspiration. The inspiration was all taken from Pre-Raphaelite paintings, which in turn were inspired by Tennyson's poems and tales of Arthurian legend. Ok, so Robin Hood and Maid Marian are perhaps of a later period, but I can quite easily see these gowns in Maid Marian's wardrobe!
Monday, 21 September 2009
Beautiful Bath and the World Record Breaking Regency Promenade
It's been such a long time since I last posted, in fact I hadn't realised quite how long until just now! I have been so unbelievably busy that this literally has been my first proper weekend off in about six months!
We made the most of the remaining English summer (which thankfully stayed blissfully warm after a year of planning!) and headed to the beautiful, Georgian city of Bath. It was of course no coincidence that weekend coincided with the 9th annual Jane Austen Festival. A twelvemonth of regency costume planning was finally realised in the last six weeks.
The day of the grand opening parade dawned mild and sunny, better than forecast, and we headed into the city centre with much anticipation. Our inititial qualms of looking 'odd' dissipated as we parked up and spotted numerous others stepping out of cars and adjusting their bonnets. We made our way through the beautiful and imposing buildings, across elegant squares and through the crowds of Saturday shoppers with their mix of admiring and quizzical stares and joined the growing throng of Janeites outside the Pump Room. My husband was also able to relax as he realised the number of men present far exceeded his expectations. The ladies, myself in particular, glanced about admiring the various gowns and bonnets inbetween the constant click and flash of cameras. We were very soon approached by a lady and her daughter who enquired after me through my Sense and Sensibility Forum name. They were dressed in delightful cotton gowns complimented by silk bonnets with a ruched crown and adorned with peacock feathers.
I should really take a moment to describe my own outfit incase the pictures don't do it justice (as pictures seldom do!). I wore a self-striped white cotton gown which was simply gathered across the bodice with little short gathered sleeves. As I was short on time and knew little would be seen of the upper gown, I kept it completely simple and made my spencer the 'pies d'resistance'. The spencer was made from a beautiful silk remnant that I had picked up many months ago and I adapted the pattern from my bridal spencer by adding a shawl collar and 'petals' to the top of the sleeves. i added contrast piping for a really striking effect (and am now in love with piping!)I had numerous sources of inspiration, but can really pin-point Lydia's 'going to Brighton spencer' from the '95 P&P adaptation for my fabric choice and one of Lizzie's spencers for the 'petals' also from the '95 version. My bonnet was made by cutting a full brimmed straw hat to shape and trimming it with white and dark blue. I was most delighted when one young lady ran up to me and excitedly exclaimed 'Georgiana Darcy! Yes your outfit is so hers!' before dashing off into the crowd again!
My husband's outfit is my first foray into tailored menswear and I am quite pleased with the result although naturally there are things I should like to improve on. The jacket, made from a lovely, soft wool used an adapted commercial pattern. I removed the waist seam and redrafted the tail section to give a more authentic look, although I stress look is what I was going for. The drop-front trousers are from the same commercial pattern and were made from a heavy linen which was dyed just two days before we left (after my husband felt he couldn't be seen wearing white trousers!). The patterns for his crisp, linen shirt and sumtuous, silk waistcoat were drafted by myself.
Now, back to the festival and we were soon joined by two other ladies from the Sense and Sensibility Forum who had come from Sweden and Australia. We had a few moments to chat briefly and make our introductions before it was announced to be eleven of the clock and the column of finely clad ladies and gentlemen moved off through the streets of Bath. It seemed to be much to the delight of the public who photographed every turn of hem and flutter of feathers, although one individual thought it necessary to pip his horn and curse loudly as we held up the traffic crossing one of the busy streets. Shame on him! I sincerely hope he had to wait to all 409 of us had passed! The uncultured man was soon quite forgot as we entered the Assembly Rooms to be counted for the World Record Attempt. It was a relief to get out of the increasingly warm sun (a parasol is in order for next time!) and as we waited for the long line to gather in the ballroom we were entertained by a group of young ladies who performed a number of country dances. Soon we were all present and the ten minute 'gathering' began. The record was broken with much cheering and applause and the press snapping and filming from the minstrels' gallery above.
We left the Assembly Rooms and followed the procession to the Royal Crescent were a 'gigapan' photograph had been proposed. As we lined up at the railings over looking the park and admiring the view over the Bath hills we realised it was after midday and the sun was becoming quite overwhelming. Starting to feel fatigued many, ourselves included, abandoned the grandeur of the Royal Crescent and continued the procession to the welcome shade and refreshments at Queen's Square where we reclined under the trees for a while.
All too soon it was time to temporarily say goodbye to our new friends as they made their way to various planned events and we went in search of sustenance. We found it in the lovely tea rooms at the Jane Austen Centre with real leaf tea and delicious cakes! Feeling revived we headed back out into the town exchanging friendly greetings as we passed other Janeites and frequently stopping for photos and questions with the public. We headed back up to the crescent where we visited the lovely museum of Number One, where the house has been restored to it's Georgian grandeur and the curators and other visitors alike admired how well we looked in the setting! We whiled away the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in the park before heading back to Queen's Square to meet some of our new friends for supper. We made our way to the famous Sally Lunn's. It was lovely to sit down for a meal in costume and we opted to keep our bonnets on (which we believed to be appropriate ettiquette). It was equally delightful when Mrs. Chancey of Sense and Sensibility Patterns (and to whom we are grateful for organising the tour for our overseas friends) and her family were seated at the next table. Another group of costumed Janeites soon followed and a lovely atmosphere settled over the dining room as darkness fell outside.
Eventually it was time to part company although we made promises to catch up on the morrow if time allowed before we all quitted Bath for home. And so we dispersed, a flicker of white hem and the gleam of top hat and cane amongst the Saturday night revellers like ghosts from the pages of history hurrying through the streets of Bath once more.
We made the most of the remaining English summer (which thankfully stayed blissfully warm after a year of planning!) and headed to the beautiful, Georgian city of Bath. It was of course no coincidence that weekend coincided with the 9th annual Jane Austen Festival. A twelvemonth of regency costume planning was finally realised in the last six weeks.
The day of the grand opening parade dawned mild and sunny, better than forecast, and we headed into the city centre with much anticipation. Our inititial qualms of looking 'odd' dissipated as we parked up and spotted numerous others stepping out of cars and adjusting their bonnets. We made our way through the beautiful and imposing buildings, across elegant squares and through the crowds of Saturday shoppers with their mix of admiring and quizzical stares and joined the growing throng of Janeites outside the Pump Room. My husband was also able to relax as he realised the number of men present far exceeded his expectations. The ladies, myself in particular, glanced about admiring the various gowns and bonnets inbetween the constant click and flash of cameras. We were very soon approached by a lady and her daughter who enquired after me through my Sense and Sensibility Forum name. They were dressed in delightful cotton gowns complimented by silk bonnets with a ruched crown and adorned with peacock feathers.
I should really take a moment to describe my own outfit incase the pictures don't do it justice (as pictures seldom do!). I wore a self-striped white cotton gown which was simply gathered across the bodice with little short gathered sleeves. As I was short on time and knew little would be seen of the upper gown, I kept it completely simple and made my spencer the 'pies d'resistance'. The spencer was made from a beautiful silk remnant that I had picked up many months ago and I adapted the pattern from my bridal spencer by adding a shawl collar and 'petals' to the top of the sleeves. i added contrast piping for a really striking effect (and am now in love with piping!)I had numerous sources of inspiration, but can really pin-point Lydia's 'going to Brighton spencer' from the '95 P&P adaptation for my fabric choice and one of Lizzie's spencers for the 'petals' also from the '95 version. My bonnet was made by cutting a full brimmed straw hat to shape and trimming it with white and dark blue. I was most delighted when one young lady ran up to me and excitedly exclaimed 'Georgiana Darcy! Yes your outfit is so hers!' before dashing off into the crowd again!
My husband's outfit is my first foray into tailored menswear and I am quite pleased with the result although naturally there are things I should like to improve on. The jacket, made from a lovely, soft wool used an adapted commercial pattern. I removed the waist seam and redrafted the tail section to give a more authentic look, although I stress look is what I was going for. The drop-front trousers are from the same commercial pattern and were made from a heavy linen which was dyed just two days before we left (after my husband felt he couldn't be seen wearing white trousers!). The patterns for his crisp, linen shirt and sumtuous, silk waistcoat were drafted by myself.
Now, back to the festival and we were soon joined by two other ladies from the Sense and Sensibility Forum who had come from Sweden and Australia. We had a few moments to chat briefly and make our introductions before it was announced to be eleven of the clock and the column of finely clad ladies and gentlemen moved off through the streets of Bath. It seemed to be much to the delight of the public who photographed every turn of hem and flutter of feathers, although one individual thought it necessary to pip his horn and curse loudly as we held up the traffic crossing one of the busy streets. Shame on him! I sincerely hope he had to wait to all 409 of us had passed! The uncultured man was soon quite forgot as we entered the Assembly Rooms to be counted for the World Record Attempt. It was a relief to get out of the increasingly warm sun (a parasol is in order for next time!) and as we waited for the long line to gather in the ballroom we were entertained by a group of young ladies who performed a number of country dances. Soon we were all present and the ten minute 'gathering' began. The record was broken with much cheering and applause and the press snapping and filming from the minstrels' gallery above.
We left the Assembly Rooms and followed the procession to the Royal Crescent were a 'gigapan' photograph had been proposed. As we lined up at the railings over looking the park and admiring the view over the Bath hills we realised it was after midday and the sun was becoming quite overwhelming. Starting to feel fatigued many, ourselves included, abandoned the grandeur of the Royal Crescent and continued the procession to the welcome shade and refreshments at Queen's Square where we reclined under the trees for a while.
All too soon it was time to temporarily say goodbye to our new friends as they made their way to various planned events and we went in search of sustenance. We found it in the lovely tea rooms at the Jane Austen Centre with real leaf tea and delicious cakes! Feeling revived we headed back out into the town exchanging friendly greetings as we passed other Janeites and frequently stopping for photos and questions with the public. We headed back up to the crescent where we visited the lovely museum of Number One, where the house has been restored to it's Georgian grandeur and the curators and other visitors alike admired how well we looked in the setting! We whiled away the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in the park before heading back to Queen's Square to meet some of our new friends for supper. We made our way to the famous Sally Lunn's. It was lovely to sit down for a meal in costume and we opted to keep our bonnets on (which we believed to be appropriate ettiquette). It was equally delightful when Mrs. Chancey of Sense and Sensibility Patterns (and to whom we are grateful for organising the tour for our overseas friends) and her family were seated at the next table. Another group of costumed Janeites soon followed and a lovely atmosphere settled over the dining room as darkness fell outside.
Eventually it was time to part company although we made promises to catch up on the morrow if time allowed before we all quitted Bath for home. And so we dispersed, a flicker of white hem and the gleam of top hat and cane amongst the Saturday night revellers like ghosts from the pages of history hurrying through the streets of Bath once more.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Something for all costumiers.....
Here's a site that might be of interest to many a dressmaker, costumier or bridal designer.
Oodles of hints and tips and inspiration to perfect those period pieces! I wouldn't normally promote a subscribable online magazine because I would never normally join myself, but I simply jumped at this as it simply is a wonderful resource!
I hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Update on 1850s evening gown.
Well we had a busy and successful film shoot at the weekend involving about twenty actors in full period costume. It was a wonderful sight in a stunning setting.
Here are some pictures of me in my dress. Hopefully you can see from my previous post that I altered the berha (which was a last minute idea) as I decided it was too big and didn't flatter me at all.
Considering I was wearing a heavy petticoat, corset etc, I found the outfit surprisingly comfortable although some of the other girls complained about their corset all weekend. I really found it quite bearable and the corset very supportive. I really didn't want to take it off at the end of the shoot! The most uncomfortable part of the dress was the collar/shoulder which was quite tight around the upper arm and restricted movements, although one girl played the piano delightfully for us.
Please checkout www.wagscreen.co.uk for more information on the film!
Here are some pictures of me in my dress. Hopefully you can see from my previous post that I altered the berha (which was a last minute idea) as I decided it was too big and didn't flatter me at all.
Considering I was wearing a heavy petticoat, corset etc, I found the outfit surprisingly comfortable although some of the other girls complained about their corset all weekend. I really found it quite bearable and the corset very supportive. I really didn't want to take it off at the end of the shoot! The most uncomfortable part of the dress was the collar/shoulder which was quite tight around the upper arm and restricted movements, although one girl played the piano delightfully for us.
Please checkout www.wagscreen.co.uk for more information on the film!
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