Certainly there is some confusion when it's not clear if the
statements were regarding H-Costume members or the larger society in
general. We are definitely a knowledgeable group, and many ignore
the 20th/21stC fashions in favor of historic clothing!
Yes, h-costume is primarily a historically oriented group.
What I see is:
Modern ready-to-wear "dicates" what many people wear because it's what's
available to them. However, there are significant groups of people who
are tired of walking into stores and seeing only a small range of colors
this season (most of which they don't like) styles that don't flatter
their bodies, and "looks" that don't suit their personalities.
So there are subgroups looking for styles to wear at least on special
in-group occasions, and if possible every day, that suit their own needs
rather than manufacturers'. Historic costumers are one such group. I'm
not saying they have no real interest in clothing design or in history,
because they do. However, many also have bodies and/or personalities
that current styles just do not suit.
Goths are another such group. I've been chatting a lot on one Goth
sewing list and what I found out is: I'm a Goth, of the type called
"Romantic." Oh, there were a couple people who felt my color sense was
wrong for Goth--I look awful in black and "jewel" tones, and great in
wholesome "autumn" colors. (Though some reminded me that autumn colors
are, after all, pre-Raphaelite.) But in terms of styles, I fit right
in. I'd say that the major difference between historic costumers and
Romatic Goths is the Goths usually alter and mix the styles, and purist
costumers are trying for historic accuracy.
Then there are vintage clothing enthusiasts.
And people who make "wearable art" clothes.
And a lot of people who belong to one or more of these groups.
I don't associate track/warmup/sweatsuits with Olivia Newton John,
I associate sweatsuits with a recreational seniors group I see at the
mall, who look like they all decided, "Heck with it, at our age let's go
for comfort not beauty." If they're happy with it why not?
Fran
Lavolta Press
http://www.lavoltapress.com
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