Jean's Webpage for Costume History Class
Assignment: Costuming a Turn of the Century Show on a Huge Budget
The Problem: Costuming a show that takes place at the turn of the previous
century (1900), with a limited period of time to do the work. Assume that one
needs clothing for children as well as for men and women.
The Resources: A budget that is virtually limitless.
The Solution: With this huge budget, buy ready-to-wear Turn of the Century
costumes/clothing and/or ready-made patterns to create clothing for this era.
The Sources: Ready-to-Wear -
History in the Making
-Although the website says that they provide period clothing for women, the
downloadable catalog is devoted solely to men's apparel
Premiere Clothing - This site
has clothing for both men and women, from the inside out, plus jewelry!
Vintage Textile -
This site sells vintage clothing from the Victorian and Edwardian eras (as well
as the Roaring Twenties!). From what I can see, the clothing is in fairly good
condition, and might stand up to the demands of a theatrical production, but
the prices run from $100 to $800 and up for an item.
A Victorian Elegance - Among
other periods of clothing, this site sells vintage Victorian clothing, Victorian
and vintage costume jewelry, and vintage accessories. Again, very expensive.
Collectique: Vintage Clothing
& Accessories - Has a nice offering of Victorian and Turn of the Century
clothing for women, not much for children or men.
Bainbridge Bootmakers
- This bootmaker sells shoes and boots for men and women that are reproductions
of Victorian footwear. Also very expensive.
The Sources: Patterns -
Ageless Patterns;
Vintage Patterns for Theatrical Costumers seemed to have a wide variety of costumes
of the late Victorian era, for men and women, and boys and girls. (I'd use this
one because there don't seem to be many ready-to-wear costumes for boys and
girls.
Truly Victorian - This company
offers patterns for Victorian costumes up to 1899; the patterns are available
in custom sizes (for the actor who doesn't fit into the "standard"
mold), and there are some children's outfits and ready-to-wear items available.
Costume Course Home
Updated on February 3, 2004
by Jean L. Cooper
Copyright 2001 Jean L. Cooper
Costume Course Home
Updated on 2/5/2001
by Jean L. Cooper
Copyright 2001 Jean L. Cooper