Dressing History

Serena Dyer from Dressing History recently got in touch with us to share the news that her website was now online. It contains her wonderful designs of period clothes, such a Charlotte Brontë-inspired dress (in the picture),and much more besides, such as typical songs, etc. But who better to describe the website and everything behind it than Serena herself?

My new site, Dressing History, is now online at http://www.dressing-history.co.uk . Dressing History provide accurate historical fashion reproductions, engaging historical interpretation, original garments for sale and a series of talks and accompanying books. With an emphasis on quality and historical accuracy, we are able to provide a reliable resource for dress historians, re-enactors, museums and the heritage industry. We believe in the importance of dress as a tool to understand the past, both when addressing the social history of and era, and in understanding individuals, and try to convey this in our work.

Dressing History offers two 1 hour talks, which incorporate our own accurate reproductions, and original items. Based around Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen, the talks draw on various sources, including letters and their novels, as well as surviving garments, to accuratly present what the clothes worn by these remarkable women could have looked like.

Dressing History is also able to supply thoroughly researched, highly accurate reproductions or recreations of historical garments from any era, and from a variety of social classes. We use exclusively natural fibres, and try, where possible, to use authentically woven fabrics. Many of our pieces are based on original garments, portraits or fashion plates, and a research portfolio is available for each garment.

The Dressing History historical interpretation service offers a wide range of characters, both in third and first person, and covers the 16th to 19th centuries. Many of the characters portrayed are real historical people, and are presented as my interpretation, after thorough research, of what that person was truly like. I can also offer more general services, using a constructed character of my own, for any era, or alternatively I can give various demonstrations.

We are also able to offer a selection of original items, both for sale and for study. These items vary from shoes and parasols to complete dresses and vary in age from c.1800 to the 1970s. Please see the site for details.

All feedback, comments and publicity is very much appreciated, and will be returned. The latest version of flash is needed to view the site, but a link to a basic html only version is also there. This html version will be improved upon shortly! Go to http://www.dressing-history.co.uk to view the site. The site went live on 23rd May, and while it is already very comprehensive, will be enlarged and improved as time goes on.

We shall certainly keep an eye on this promising website, and so should you!

Picture Details: 1837. Spotted Cotton. Made for historical interpretation work as Charlotte Bronte. It is made of a white cotton with a silk spot, and has piping in white satin around the bodice and cuffs. Design taken from fashion plates and an extant dress in Gloucester Museum. Source.

Categories: Victorian Era, Websites