Fashion History Blog

Or as they would say in the 18th century, “Get those apples fixed, and hie to the barn with me ale.”

Re-enactors! Storytellers! Docents! Need a costume by June? We can do it – any (women) American era 1740 to 1900.. plus will do “Outlander” (1740’s France & Scotland) Email info@silhouettescostumes.com (photos: shameless use of a handsome man for marketing – promo photos of Starz “Outlander” Seasons 1 & 2.. yes, …

Ironically, it was most likely imported English “Kerseymere” or Broadcloth the American Revolutionary patriot officers were wearing to fight the English. (photos: Battle of Bunker Hill, Massachusetts, during the American Revolution 1775, where the “Red Coats” fought the Patriot “blue coats”.. mostly made of the same fabric) (1 American side; …

…or “Kerseymere”, and extremely heavy wool used worldwide, especially for military coats. It was solid, weatherproof, and breathable, perfect for a “Red Coat”. (photos: British “Red Coat” uniforms of “Kerseymere” 1750-1835. Authentic British uniform from the Revolutionary War, now in an American museum.)

…sales in 1800. Production had moved from a “cottage industry” (small shops with each step being separated & run by different people) to “mass production” (where a man & his son could run all operations under one roof). Invention of mass production looms allowed for mass production export & trade …

…Regency/Colonial/Georgian eras was new technology in spinning & weaving fabrics. The “Spinning Jenny”, invented in 1764, & its continued improvement, allowed faster & mass production of natural threads – cotton and wool in particular. (photo: “Spinning Jenny” in England, 1764 – well, it’s in a museum now..)

…for a new commission to begin build in March 2017! Regency or Civil War eras. 2017 projects are deeply discounted in exchange for building our portfolio. Message or email for process & to discuss YOUR PERSONAL CHARACTER DESIGN: info@silhouettescostumes.com

…for whom fashion was named: King George III (white hair)(“Georgian 1760-1829”), his son King George IV (dark hair)(“Regency 1800-1837”), & George Washington (seated w/tents in back)(“Colonial 1740+-1800+”). “Colonial” because it was the King Georges America fought in the Revolutionary War. America didn’t want any reminders of those fancy Georges, even …

…(“Georgian, Colonial”) we are discussing. It had a very high (“under the bust”) waistline, with narrow, lightweight, flowing skirt. Sleeves were little “puffs” or past the elbow, & there were intricate & unique embroideries & accessories used.