In last month's post I shared pictures of Janeites, that is, Jane Austen devotees, dressed up in their Regency-era finest. I took the photos at a JASNA conference in Portland, OR, and shared those of women only. This month, as promised, I move on to pictures of men and couples. We'll see that women aren't the only ones who enjoy dressing up in the style of Jane's era. We'll also see that, in some cases, they are equally challenged in getting it right! But hey, it's all about fun. Authenticity to the period is appreciated by those of us who CAN appreciate it, but it isn't everything. [JASNA, by the way, is the Jane Austen Society of North America.]
Don't forget to enter the drawing at the bottom of the page. In addition to possibly winning one of my books there are lots of other great prizes.
Click on a photo to see it enlarged.
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| There was a promenade before the dancing began. This was a great opportunity for me to get lots of shots, and people were more than happy to have their laboriously designed costumes captured for posterity! This gentleman is smartly dressed for the occasion, with a fine pair of wintry breeches. |
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| The military were always present in any large assembly, as Britain was at war. The trousers are absolutely modern | . |
Dignity itself on the left. (Bonnet on right: Bad, bad, bad!)
I could see him conducting music. (Music conductors were not yet de rigeur during the Regency, however.)
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| "Mr. Darcy" Pillow. Like Mr. Mornay (in, Before the Season Ends) Darcy is a model of male sartorial elegance. |
Above: A jolly Georgian male ensemble.
A noble attempt.
Masqued fun with a modern suit. Love the second couple approaching!
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| A well-heeled couple. |
A grand military outfit, including a bicorne hat.
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| Lovely. |
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| Comfort in costume! |
What? What? The Phantom, at our ball? Why not. (So nicely done.)
And now, two examples of well-dressed Regency gentlemen. Lord Grantham, below, undoubtedly inspired many a female swoon. :)
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| Lord Grantham. He wears the popular Hessian boots, inspired by Russian military. |
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| Can it get any better than the famous Beau Brummel? The man who popularized the wearing of pantaloons? They say his toilet took up to four hours before he was satisfied enough to leave his home and face the world. Nevertheless, he is not my idea of Regency manly perfection in dress. |
For more costume fun, check out my "Illustrations of the Month" on my website. I have pictures that are just as rich and atmospheric as the above but which didn't make it into either of my posts here on the blog.
Go to this page and scroll down. Enjoy!
Go to this page and scroll down. Enjoy!
Next Month: Pictures of the dance in progress. Also look for special emphasis on the exquisite care and workmanship given to the back of a ladies' gown, by the way, as I'll be featuring some close up shots of fabulous examples.
What do you think? Aren't costume balls fun? (And, will they ever welcome me to another one now that I've taken to being the fashion police?) Leave a comment, below, and share your thoughts. And don't forget to enter the giveaway! The winner of my book gets to choose any of my regencies for themselves.
ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!
