However, my overall philosophy for making clothing for reenacting is, stick
with what I have pretty good knowledge was really worn, rather than the
maybes or the exceptions.
It isn't a philosophy that I could argue with too strongly, as it certainly
stops the fantasy input one can get, but I also recognise that is
potentially ignores unrecorded clothing, eg that which does not make it into
fashion plates nor survives, the ordinary items of clothing have a far lower
survivability, being remain, reused and then reused again as rags. Absence
of evidence isn't evidence of absence after all.
I have worked with people who haven't had years
of experience looking and researching and it seems that, as soon as someone
makes one non-normative example, it has a way of taking on a life of its
own and you start seeing them everywhere!
I think that is always a danger in any re-enactment, the cookie cutter look,
where each copies the other or this can also result from the few patterns
that are around to use for those who don't draft from scratch. In many ways
I prefer to see some self expression, which in the time would be more
realistic. eg seeing a fashion plate and a local person making their best
copy with inevitable differences.
The open back drawstring Regency dress is one I've seen worn now very
infrequently, but one there seem to be many extant examples of. Perhaps its
unpopular now due to the back opening potentially showing all (without
correct undergarments) or even just showing underwear
> although I do use modern coat hooks and eyes (hooks and
eyes are period though, just not this style)
Everything is a compromise, we cannot be 100% perfect !
[I do plan to make a riding habit someday with rows and rows of
metal buttons--I have the fabric, and the buttons--now I just need the time
to
make it!
Me too & I might just ride in it, that was the original plan
So, you see, if you did a gown with a skirt panel that buttons, with no
firm evidence that such existed, I imagine other people would see yours and
copy it and it might become a reenactorism.
Possibly, but then again I see way more 70s Laura Ashley dresses (not in my
group)that are further off target than that would be so maybe even a
potential incorrect detail despite an overall more correct look might be
worth being copied lol It isn't going to be the only costume they see so it
seems unlikely there will be a rush to copy, that specifically.
If it is the only way I can solve the problem (the dress is made) I will
probably go for it in all honestly, but they might be inside only. I'm on a
mission to deplete the fabric stash a little :) So I can buy new stuff of
course !
Mel
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