NW Fashion and Tea in June 2014

A Fashionable Tea: Northwest Fashion in the Downton Abbey Era

Columbia River Sewing members and friends took a step back in time on sunny June day. To relive the experience of enjoying tea and fashion, guests enjoyed a show of authentic and reproduction fashions from the time of the PBS television series, Downton Abbey, followed by sipping tea and snacking on tea treats.

Ft. Vancouver model

 Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and U.S. National Park has a costume department which collects and creates garments and accessories for Fort rein-actors and volunteers. Led by textiles expert and author Eileen Trestain, volunteers search out costumes from the period during which the Fort was an active military base. For this show, over 40 complete costumes representing the early 1900’s were modeled by volunteers from the Fort.  Costumes were complete with vintage accessories. Some of the garments were carefully preserved originals and others were constructed by Eileen and the costume shop volunteers using techniques, patterns and fabrics appropriate to the period. Many of the garments modeled were reproduced by copying garments too fragile to be worn, but carefully preserved in the costume department.

The fashion show models were assisted at the stairs by two members of the Fort’s World War I reinactors contingent. Models wore garments which would have been worn at the most formal evening events made with lots of beading and velvet, less formal day suits made of the finest linen, and cotton work dresses. Each model was accessorized with hat, shoes, gloves and purse to complement her dress. There was even a businessman dressed for his day at work.

Guild members kept the theme of the day by dressing in fine tea wear and their own creations representing the period, many with beautiful and fanciful hats. Prizes were awarded for the Most Era-Appropriate Garment to Rosemary Corrie, Best Vintage Style Garment to Patricia Robertson, Best Vintage Style Accessory to Megan Garvey, and People’s Choice to Ann Ezell. Several members modeled their interpretation of the one-hour dress pattern created in the 1920’s—although it was agreed that more than one hour was needed for construction.

Tea was served to participants in teacups and teapots dating from the 1940’s when the Fort was active with returning military and their wives. There were scones, savories and sweets served by a crew of kitchen volunteers.

This special event was our quarterly meeting, presented at no charge to members, and attracted 41 members and 26 guests. We also served 37 models and support people from Fort Vancouver. At least two new members joined the Guild at the tea. Donations to the Fort Vancouver Costume department totaled almost $400.

 

Check out all the pictures.