Downton Abbey is surely one of the most successful British Dramas of all time and was certainly the most watched Christmas Special of 2013. Since its debut in ITV on 2010, Downton has taken the world by storm, not only for its climactic story lines and breathtaking dramatic performances, but for the exquisite costume design. Downtown's stunning costumes have made such an impact on its viewing audience that they have almost become a character in themselves and have inspired many of the worlds most influential fashion designers to include in their creations sumptuous fabrics in rich and dramatic shades of navy, violet and black. Incorporated with a little artistic licence, luxurious fabrics and dramatic accessories result in a striking, theatrical inspired winter wardrobe.
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Fashionable 1920's flapper girls.[/caption]
In 2013, Downtown Abbey has focused mainly on the fashion of the 1920's. The 1920's was the decade when fashion entered the modern era and when women's fashion was evolving with the changing role of women in society. Following the end of World War I, women were beginning to take on a more prominent role in the workplace and as a result, the restrictive style of corsetry was falling out of favour with women who were desiring clothes which were easier to wear and afforded better ease of movement. During the 20's, women's undergarments began to change in order to conform to the fashionable ideal of a flatter chest and more boyish figure, rather than the hourglass shape favoured earlier in the century. Coco Chanel was one of the first women of the decade to wear trousers and cut her hair and was influential in the emancipation of women's fashion. With the dawn of the jazz era in the late 1920's came what is still regarded as one of the most fashionable and influential looks of all time, The Flapper. The Flapper style of dress flourished with the lower classes as it was easier to attain and less complicated to construct than earlier fashions with fabrics becoming more available and affordable for everyone. However, there was still a marked difference in the garments of the rich and the poor with the more affluent in society coveting more sumptuous fabrics, including silk and adorning their garments with heavier embellishments.
With our stunning range of fabrics it is possible to create a modern interpretation of many of the most popular Downton Abbey fashions. For a vintage inspired wardrobe look to our chiffon, satin and velvet fabrics and jacquard linings.
Inspired by Mary, the empire waist gown is a stunning and wearable look. Composed of tiers of sheer lace fabric layered over a satin slip this is an ultra glamorous look perfect for any evening occasion. Our Super Soft Duchess Satin fabric is an exceptional dressmaking fabric and is perfect for evening gowns with a luxurious and figure flattering drape, team with our Lightweight Lace Fabric for an elegant and feminine outfit. For instant added drama, add a pair of opera length gloves for any extra special occasion.
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Mary in her fashionable horse riding attire.[/caption]
For the inhabitants of Downtown Abbey, horse riding is an extremely popular pastime and for the fashionistas of the 1920's, this was not a time to let your fashion guard down. Team a fashionable trench with leather boots for a riding inspired look which will keep you warm and stylish. Our range of Melton Fabrics are the ideal choice for your winter wardrobe and are perfect for creating a range of stylish coats and jackets including duffel coats, macs and pea coats. In the style of Martha Levinson played by Hollywood legend Shirley Maclaine, add instant glamour to a drab winter wardrobe by utilising our Faux Fur Fabrics for a collar or shrug. Composed of 83% acrylic and 17% polyester, our Faux Fur Fabrics are perfect for an authentic look and are available in a range of neutral shades including dark brown or black for a truly bonafide 1920's appeal.
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An Art Deco shift dress is the ultimate in 1920's fashion.[/caption]
For definitive 1920's glamour, channel your inner Flapper Girl with an art deco inspired beaded shift for the ultimate in retro elegance. Choose our Microfibre Fabric for its beautiful drape and non-creasing qualities for a dress which is extremely comfortable to wear and will hold heavy embellishment of beads and sequins in gold and silver. Add a fringed hemline for added movement and texture for a truly decadent design.
Modern fashion is made up of many components from different eras and we continue to be inspired by the talented costume designers working on film, TV and music video and the 1920's continues its revival with the popularity of films such as The Great Gatsby. Have you taken inspiration from Downton Abbey in your dressmaking projects? As always, we love to see pictures of your wonderful designs on our Facebook page.
Until next time!
Calico Laine.
Fashionable 1920's flapper girls.[/caption]
In 2013, Downtown Abbey has focused mainly on the fashion of the 1920's. The 1920's was the decade when fashion entered the modern era and when women's fashion was evolving with the changing role of women in society. Following the end of World War I, women were beginning to take on a more prominent role in the workplace and as a result, the restrictive style of corsetry was falling out of favour with women who were desiring clothes which were easier to wear and afforded better ease of movement. During the 20's, women's undergarments began to change in order to conform to the fashionable ideal of a flatter chest and more boyish figure, rather than the hourglass shape favoured earlier in the century. Coco Chanel was one of the first women of the decade to wear trousers and cut her hair and was influential in the emancipation of women's fashion. With the dawn of the jazz era in the late 1920's came what is still regarded as one of the most fashionable and influential looks of all time, The Flapper. The Flapper style of dress flourished with the lower classes as it was easier to attain and less complicated to construct than earlier fashions with fabrics becoming more available and affordable for everyone. However, there was still a marked difference in the garments of the rich and the poor with the more affluent in society coveting more sumptuous fabrics, including silk and adorning their garments with heavier embellishments.
With our stunning range of fabrics it is possible to create a modern interpretation of many of the most popular Downton Abbey fashions. For a vintage inspired wardrobe look to our chiffon, satin and velvet fabrics and jacquard linings.
Inspired by Mary, the empire waist gown is a stunning and wearable look. Composed of tiers of sheer lace fabric layered over a satin slip this is an ultra glamorous look perfect for any evening occasion. Our Super Soft Duchess Satin fabric is an exceptional dressmaking fabric and is perfect for evening gowns with a luxurious and figure flattering drape, team with our Lightweight Lace Fabric for an elegant and feminine outfit. For instant added drama, add a pair of opera length gloves for any extra special occasion.
[caption id="attachment_6181" align="alignleft" width="198"] Mary in her fashionable horse riding attire.[/caption]
For the inhabitants of Downtown Abbey, horse riding is an extremely popular pastime and for the fashionistas of the 1920's, this was not a time to let your fashion guard down. Team a fashionable trench with leather boots for a riding inspired look which will keep you warm and stylish. Our range of Melton Fabrics are the ideal choice for your winter wardrobe and are perfect for creating a range of stylish coats and jackets including duffel coats, macs and pea coats. In the style of Martha Levinson played by Hollywood legend Shirley Maclaine, add instant glamour to a drab winter wardrobe by utilising our Faux Fur Fabrics for a collar or shrug. Composed of 83% acrylic and 17% polyester, our Faux Fur Fabrics are perfect for an authentic look and are available in a range of neutral shades including dark brown or black for a truly bonafide 1920's appeal.
[caption id="attachment_6179" align="alignright" width="147"] An Art Deco shift dress is the ultimate in 1920's fashion.[/caption]
For definitive 1920's glamour, channel your inner Flapper Girl with an art deco inspired beaded shift for the ultimate in retro elegance. Choose our Microfibre Fabric for its beautiful drape and non-creasing qualities for a dress which is extremely comfortable to wear and will hold heavy embellishment of beads and sequins in gold and silver. Add a fringed hemline for added movement and texture for a truly decadent design.
Modern fashion is made up of many components from different eras and we continue to be inspired by the talented costume designers working on film, TV and music video and the 1920's continues its revival with the popularity of films such as The Great Gatsby. Have you taken inspiration from Downton Abbey in your dressmaking projects? As always, we love to see pictures of your wonderful designs on our Facebook page.
Until next time!
Calico Laine.