Turning the Book Wheel
Wanted to dress up for Shakespeare’s Birthday but needed costume help? Well, help has arrived for a mere two shillings (or fifty cents) from this 1892 publication with so very many suggestions (some entirely inappropriate for any occasion - this was published in 1892.)
illustrations from Masquerade and carnival: their customs and costumes by Mrs. Jennie Taylor Wandle
Ready for Carnival? you will be with these stunning hairstyle suggestions from The Virtuous Housewife (Die tüchtige Hausfrau) (1913)
Mrs. Brown, whoever you were, you had excellent taste in footwear.
From Ladies’ old-fashioned shoes from the collections of T. Watson Greig
Nothing can be ascertained about Mrs. Brown, the owner of this magnificent shoe, except her name. It is made of cloth of gold; of which, although for the most part the threads of the brocade are now tarnished and blackened with age, there still remain a few inches which have withstood the ravages of time, and which serve to indicate with what brilliancy and effect the chaussure must have gleamed and sparkled….It dates about the time of Queen Elizabeth, and …was procured in the vicinity of Kenilworth.
Just in time for Oktoberfest a lovely maid from Nurnberg models the latest in practical 16th c. fashion. Notice how the sleeves can conveniently be rolled up when you’re hoisting large steins.
From Frauen-Trachtenbuch an 1880 facsimile reprint of the 1586 ed. subtitled Im Frauwenzimmer wirt vermeldt von allerley schöen Kleidungen. Which I think means something like “women from all economic classes in beautiful clothes” - just guessing.
When pointy hats make a comeback, be prepared with some instructions and patterns to get that 12th century look from Le costume historique. Cinq cents planches…
