Clothing: Is it Garb, a Costume, or Cosplay?

Victorian Grand Bustle made on a White Treadle Sewing machine

By Alanna Radle Rodriguez and Judge Rodriguez

Hello Friends!

Thank you for joining us once again as we delve into the history of this great state, we call home: Oklahoma.

For the last several months, we have been delving into the history of several buildings in Guthrie. This month, we will take a short break from the norm, and I will explain why, later. As we have both been freely open with, we work at the Edmond’s 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse, as guides to visitors. We are their resident “Living History Re-enactors.” What is that you ask? Why, we dress in garb, tell whoever asks about the climate of the town of Summit, Indian Territory, now Edmond. Mind you, this is not just climate as far as the weather, but is socio-political and historical as well.
  

Judge in what we consider garb

There’s that word again. Garb. What IS this “garb” we keep mentioning? Well, as defined by most historians, garb is the clothing worn by others during their time period. Now, that’s not to say we raided a museum, but we made our own clothing by using materials they had back then, and methods that have survived since. Before you ask, yes, our clothing was sewn on a treadle sewing machine, and our footwear is hand-stitched.

 

Judge and I at the Medieval Ball, 2019
These outfits we consider more costumes

So, what’s the difference between garb and costumes? Garb is using the same materials, the same methods and even, according to some groups, the same amount of time as making the clothing as they did back in the day. Costumes are clothing INSPIRED by a time-frame, or event. This is not to say that costumes are any less effective in story-telling, but that there is something to keep it from being garb. Most of the times, it is a difference in the materials and methods, like using rayon instead of muslin, and being made on a modern-day sewing machine. 

 

Vest made on a White Treadle Sewing machine with period pattern

Muslin shirt sewn with period pattern on a modern machine

Some groups refuse to accept not having made your own material as your outfit being a costume. They are commonly insist on the perfection of the clothing, before they tend to accept the person as being a living history re-enactor. 

Then you have cosplay. This is a term that has been bandied about for the last number of years. What is it, you ask? Cosplay is a combination term of costume and play. This type of outfit is an artistic expression of something. This could be a character in a popular t.v. show, or possibly a movie, or a book. This type of an outfit is only limited by your imagination and resources.

   

My Cosplay...Going Narnian
at Life.Church At The Movies, 2010

For anyone that is looking at making or buying an outfit of any type, we always recommend you keep three things in mind. 

1. Know your audience. You can’t get away with cosplay in a group of re-enactors, unless it was previously set up. 

2. Know your history. Make sure you know the difference if you are wearing a costume, garb, or cosplay. 

3. Know what you yourself want. If you look at buying garb, or even making it yourself, remember it is YOUR outfit, not to be completely defined by someone else. That is not to say others can’t influence your decisions, but that YOU need to be final authority of what it is you want. Each group, each region, each person has their own definitions. Times change along with language.

We hope you have enjoyed this article on the differences between the types of outfitting.

OH! Almost forgot. Why, you ask, the change from the normal routine? That is because we celebrate our 5th anniversary today in the place that we wed. We did an article about the historical wedding and the historical traditions we did, you are more than welcome to click here and read it. We are working at the Territorial Schoolhouse today between 1 and 4 p.m and invite anyone to come along for a rousing discussion of history and clothing.

 

Wedding Day, Oct 19, 2014
Edmond, Oklahoma 

Happy anniversary, my love. 

Happy anniversary, beloved.

Born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, Alanna Radle Rodriguez is the great-great-granddaughter of one of the first pioneers to settle in Indian Territory. Judge was born and raised in Little Axe, Oklahoma, the son of A.F. Veterans. Judge and Alanna love the history of the state and relish in volunteering at the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse in Edmond. Her second published story, part of a collaborative novella titled 18 Redbud Lane, is now available. Alanna and Judge live with her parents in the Edmond area. They are currently collaborating on a historical fiction series that takes place in pre-statehood Oklahoma.

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Ye Olde Renaissance Faire

by Linore Rose Burkard

One of the perks of Autumn is the Renaissance Festival. Here in southwestern Ohio, we have a medieval-style fair grounds replete with "Olde"  English buildings, church, and even a jousting area, but it lies sadly vacant all year--until the Renaissance Festival returns each fall. [Be sure to click on the pictures to get a closer view!]

You've always wanted to be greeted by a Knight in shining armor, right?

When I mentioned to a friend that we had spent a day at the festival, she said, "Last time I went it was fantasy/renaissance. I didn't care for it at all. It was just weird. Was the one you went to just Renaissance?"

Well--the rest of today's post is my answer to her question. I took scads of photos and notes, which, perhaps because I'm a writer, seemed  like the natural thing to do.  

Weird--or Wonderful. You Be the Judge

People love to show off their costumes, and the Renaissance Fair was a golden opportunity. There was goth, wizard outfits, other time periods, and just plain punk stuff.  I took photos of some of the best.   

Just beautiful! (Notice the wooden stein. They were for sale there.) 

An Archer

A Puppeteer (poor photo, sorry)

Crusaders, perhaps? (But the cross is missing)

Forsooth, another fellow

  

A band of hearty pirates, matey 

The cloak/coat, left, gets five stars!    

A Red Knight

There were loads of people and loads of shops.
The girl in the skirt, ahead, is my daughter.

Stage performances were not all created equal, but this one included fire-eating! 

And voila! He really did it--more than once, ouch.  

The "Fool Hearty" Duo. (They get an A for great costumes.) 

The quintessential magic act, "Cut the girl in two!" 

A truly funny performer. This act included knife-throwing and juggling, besides the tongue-in-cheek humor. Best part of the day!

The second half of the two-man knife-throwing/juggling act 

Robin Hood and Maid Marion. Family friendly fun

The husband picture didn't make it, but this lady is the wife in an act that could be called a Medieval-style battle of the sexes. Included some derring-do and swordplay. Fun!  

The shops ran the gamut from neat leather goods to occult weird stuff. There was a wonderful quilt shop and it even had a couple of Christian themed quilts. Animal pelts galore, medieval clothing, jewelry, crystals, pottery, weaving, and more. 

 

The Sign says: Large Stainless Steel Rings $50.00 - $65.00. 

Wares for sale: 

• Wood and clay mugs, pottery
• Staffs, anklets, shields
• Viking Helmets
• Garlands, sashes, hair bands
• Essential oils and incense, candles
• Walking sticks, wood carvings
• rings, puzzle rings, necklaces, key chain charms
• bicornes and tricornes
• fabric purses
• knives, axes, old-fashioned pistols
• fox tails, leather whips, animal pelts
• swords and scabbards, some hand-forged
• gemstone wind-chimes
• chain-mail
• leather boots, 1/2 boots, moccasins
• masks, magic wands
• stained glass hangings
• dragon eggs (crystals)
• small stone sculptures
• rope sandals, flags, archery quivers
• medieval outfits, children's outfits
• ladies' corsets, bodices, etc. ("Damsel in This Dress")
• Elf ears
• Ye Olde Quilt Shoppe 
• pictures, artwork
• "Souvenirs, Gifts and Wares"
• Wood Shoppe
• Book Shoppe

Beautiful craftsmanship. Stones come from US rivers

Food: (The setting may be Renaissance, but they're feeding millennials and they know it!)

• "turkey legges" (This year's batch was cured like ham and unsatisfactory, in my humble opinion. I like a turkey leg that tastes like turkey.)
• ale and beer, other alcoholic beverages
• "Fat Friar's" (Funnel cakes. What kind of fair would be complete without them?)
• The "Jerusalem Café"--middle eastern
• Burgers and fries 
• Soft serve ice cream
• "Roadhouse BBQ" and "Fool's Pub"
• Corn-on-the-cob
• "Pot Roast Sundae"
• "Mac and Cheese Cupcake"
• Steak Sandwich
• Pizza, bratwurst, hot dogs, Chicken fingers, etc.etc.

Services:

• Hair braiding
• Gypsy face painting
• Henna

A Medieval-style Southern Belle Costume? 

For Sale 

The Entertainment:

Audience participation was de rigueur. (When they ask for volunteers, this is when the wise judiciously avoid eye contact at all costs.) Some of the entertainment was not included with admission, which was about $22 per head. (We went on the buy one/get one admission weekend!)

• Magic Shows
• Axe-throwing, Archery. George and the Dragon (Perfect dress-up and play for the kiddies)
• Stocks (usually empty)
• A Castle with Dungeon
• "Fool Hearty"
• Jousting 
• Knife-Throwing Comedy Show (the best act we saw)\
• A medieval cemetery (small but effective)
• A Maze
• Horse or Pony Rides
• Camel ride (A smaller camel, but perhaps it's safer that way)
• Archery
• "Drench the Wench"
• Merry-Go-Round
• "Test of Strength"
• Other kiddie rides
• Live Music
• And More

Epitaph-cum-Classified Ad?

 "Here Lies Buried the body of Mr. Jared Smith who Died April 23, 1502 in his 73rd year. His widow aged 23 years who Mourns as one who can be comforted lives on Drury Lane in this Village and possesses every Qualification for a Loving Wife."

Finally, arriving with some pomp at the jousting event, which usually ends the day for us, was good ol' Queen Bess, Queen Elizabeth, that is, in beautiful array.

"Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth" 

The Queen with courtiers, at the Joust 

The official website for the Ohio Renaissance Festival can be viewed, here.

Do you attend Renaissance Festivals? If so, do you dress in Renaissance style, or what is your favorite feature? 

Linore Rose Burkard is best known for historical romance novels with Harvest House Publishers, and now writes YA/Apocalyptic Suspense as L.R.Burkard. Linore teaches workshops for writers in Ohio, is a mother of five, and still homeschools her youngest daughter. Subscribers to her ezine are automatically entered in a drawing for a chance to win a free copy of one of her books, awarded monthly. Sign up here!

Regency Costume Revisited (Part Two) And Ebook Giveaway

by Linore Rose Burkard

Note: Don't forget to click through to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!

In Part One of this series, ("Undress, Half-Dress, Full Dress, Ball,") we discussed the categories of costume which were part and parcel of a fashionable regency belle's wardrobe. This month we focus on Ball Dress exclusively.

Resting between dances, perhaps?

While many sorts of entertainments took place during the whirl of a Regency London Season, attending balls was quite possibly the apex of excitement for many. Assemblies were balls open to the public, often for a nominal fee. Almacks, that most exclusive venue, also required ball dress, for what was it but a tightly controlled ball, replete with refreshments, dancing, and opportunities for conversation?

(I hope to examine Almack's in a future column, with all its rules and strictures. It was a dominion ruled by a handful of society queens called "patronesses," and admittance was highly coveted--despite it having the reputation of being notoriously dull. Special "vouchers"--granted solely by the patronesses--were required for admittance.)

Otherwise, most balls were private affairs, requiring mere, ahem,  invitations. Procuring these invitations was every chaperon's and debutante's challenge. 

"Invitations," exclaims Mrs. Bentley, in Before the Season Ends, "are everything. Without invitations, we are nothing!"

The following excerpt (also from Before the Season Ends) shows how Mrs. Bentley, chaperon to her niece, debutante Ariana Forsythe, prepares the girl for an exclusive ball. Due to an amazing circumstance, Ariana will appear on the arm of the Paragon, Mr. Mornay, the handsome, fabulously wealthy, most sought-after gentleman in London.

...Mrs. Bentley sought out her niece to direct her remaining hours in preparations for the ball that night. It seemed outlandish, but she insisted Ariana soak in a hot tub, and then quickly into and out of a cold one. She called this "polishing the skin." Harrietta (the lady's maid) then took over, trimming the nails on her feet and hands, and supplying her with an enormous array of vials and lotions, perfumes and powders and other solutions. Some were for her face and neck, others for her hands, elbows, and even her feet!

Miss Forsythe, from, Before the Season Ends

Ariana was allowed a small meal, followed by tea. Then, to her surprise, Mrs. Bentley announced it was time to "earnestly prepare for the evening." Ariana had to wonder what they had been doing all along, if not earnestly preparing for the evening!

They fussed over her chemise, her stockings, her gown, her hair. By the time the two women had finished pulling, pinching, poking and pressing, Ariana felt more than ready to face the Paragon. Her hair was coifed elegantly atop her head, with curled tendrils about her face. (Ariana wished she had jet black hair, but Mama always said her lighter tresses matched the light in her eyes, and indeed, this night her words rang true. Ariana was a picture of sparkling, beauteous youth.)

Still, Mrs. Bentley insisted upon loaning her a matching set of jewels consisting of a necklace, earrings, brooch and bracelet. And, as a last dignifying element, a tiara: a delicate, lightly embellished headpiece, which was placed gingerly over her head and fastened into place with pins.

When at last she stood quietly resplendent in a pale pink gown of satin and net, with elegant white gloves that reached past her elbows and pale pink satin slippers upon her feet, even Mrs. Bentley had to smile.

"You do me credit, my gel," she said, almost affectionately. "Even Mornay will be smitten, I daresay, eh, Harrietta?"

Oh, yes, ma'am!" breathed Harrietta, fully as pleased with the way Ariana had turned out as her mistress.

"So tall and strikin' as miss is, just like a princess!"

And what were the results of such arduous preparations? Enjoy the following illustrations as examples of a Regency belle in ball attire. Note that gentlemen also had to wear Full Dress, which necessitated breeches (rather than pantaloons).

Waltz, 1817. From, La Belle Assemblee

Ballroom, 1820

A Victorian artist captures the Regency ball

A Russian Grand Ball

"The First Quadrille at Almack's" 

"Waltzers"

"The Five Positions of Dancing"

Gentleman in Full Dress

Did you enjoy this peek at Regency Ball Fashions? Jane Austen lovers often hold a Regency-style ball at the end of their annual galas. Look up JASNA.org for info. on this year's event.  

Linore Rose Burkard is best known for historical romance novels with Harvest House Publishers, and now writes YA/Suspense as L.R.Burkard. Linore teaches workshops for writers, is a mother of five, and still homeschools her youngest daughter—preferably with coffee in one hand,  and an iPad in the other.

GIVEAWAY GOING ON! Enter to win a giveaway of one of Linore's newest books, PULSE (YA/Apocalyptic Suspense) right now at Amazon.com. Entries accepted until July 23rd, but time is running out. Enter now!  Also--please tell a friend. SIX winners will be chosen!