Possible inspiration for the above outfit from Downton Abbey. Costume, ca. 1870. Charles Frederick Worth (British, 1825–1895) French. Silk, metallic, sequins. The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Image Met Museum.
As I was settling in to watch the season finale of Downton Abby last night, the success that suddenly crept up on many a viewer, I thought why don't I write something about getting that Edwardian look. Checking to see if anyone else had done this, I saw Time Magazine had talked to the costume designer from Downton in their recent article, Downton Abbey's Costume Designer on How to Dress Like an Edwardian.
I, of course, call foul! How dare they scoop me and have access to the costume designer to boot?:) The images are wonderful but the article really only mentions vintage authentic pieces when she is asked-"What percentage of costumes do you make from scratch?" One might think they appropriate more authentic finds but Susannah explained:
"About a third of the costumes are made entirely from new. I often try to use vintage beading and try to restore an original dress. The only completely original dress, which I bought from a collection, is the one that Daisy the scullery maid wears in the second series. It’s an original Edwardian dress. It had never been worn. It was just so right somehow that I bought it for the show. No production could ever afford to make all the costumes. Many are hired [rented] from different costume houses and then re-trimmed or re-dyed. For the first series I went to costume houses in Madrid as well as London. In the second series I went to Paris just to find some different looks and some particular hats" (Susannah quote by Adams, William Lee).
This makes sense, as the clothing which has been around since the Edwardian era (1901-1910) is often fragile and looks its age. Thus, if these events are supposed to be happening at Downton Abby as we watch then the dresses need to be in new condition. She mentions in the PBS behind the scenes documentary, that she has used vintage beading to create new dresses...The front of the dress being mostly vintage. Early 1920's Chanel pieces also inspired dresses for Mary.
Okay, how can one get a little of Lady Mary's style and make it work today? Her hair styles for instance, could be great for a summer party.
JEWELRY:
The easiest way to channel Downton Abby is to acquire some Edwardian jewelry. You can find some wonderful pieces online at Etsy, Ebay, Auctions or speciality vintage stores. In terms of authentic jewelry, rings of this era are often small and if purchasing one should make sure the back band is not too thin if you plan on resizing it affordably. Popular stones during the era like topaz can look amazing! This era is also great if you are looking for a wedding ring which is unique and classic. The belts created during this era are beautiful as well and can be placed on a ribbon or velvet band with a snap and worn as a bracelet.
ACCESSORIES AND CLOTHING:
Bags are also possible to use, but due to the smaller size versus what is trendy now you are really talking about using it for an evening party or Wedding. These can be a wonderful "something old" for the bride to carry her necessities inside.
Wearable Clothing? Well, it is possible to incorporate an Edwardian Coat, Shawl or Dress. I am including a few usable examples below. In most cases, applying authentic Edwardian pieces usually involve evening or formal looks as they are not able to stand daily wear. Also, the daily styles of the time tend to read antique or out of date outside of Downton Abby. I think the most practical application of authentic Edwardian vintage items is for evening. Givenchy has a great take on Edwardian evening wear. Go to Givenchy.com and see women's Spring Summer 2012- Haute Couture.
Edwardian Shawl. Circa 1905. Met Museum Collection. Image property of Met Museum.
Image property of Givenchy. Spring Summer 2012 Haute Couture. Paris. www.givenchy.com
Read more from Time Magazine's article:http://entertainment.time.com/2012/02/19/downton-abbeys-costume-designer-on-how-to-dress-like-an-edwardian/?iid=ent-article-latest#ixzz1mtEXjWhl
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