Dressing Downton
Earlier in the week, myself, Patrick, and a friend went to Anaheim’s Muzeo as they were hosting the touring exhibit, Dressing Downton, which features the costumes of British show Downton Abbey. As a fan of the show and vintage fashion, I leaped at the opportunity to visit! If you’re unfamiliar with the show, it chronicles the life and times of the fictional Crowley family, and their estate, Downton Abbey in the Yorkshire countryside, along with those who they employ, from 1912 through I believe 1923, so a great deal changes both in lifestyle and fashion.
For the visit, I went with a simple adventurer chic look with Egyptian revival jewelry, as seriously I don’t do the Edwardian period or the 20s really. My 20s garments consist of more gowns, nothing for a casual afternoon at a museum. So, this is about as close as I get sometimes.
I always loved this ensemble of Edith’s. And would honestly wear it myself today, although perhaps with a different hat. But the jacket is just dreamy!
This jacket of Cora’s, used in season 3, was simply gorgeous, and it was surprise to read that it was made from a 1920s tablecloth because the embroidery was so wonderful.
Of the three gowns above, for the London Season episode, were some of my favorites, especially Cora’s on the far right. The gown on the left was made entirely for the show, while the other two were made using period elements such as beading and lace. The details of the sleeves are beyond amazing!
Sadly, the exhibit didn’t include my favorite piece of clothing from the show, a piece worn by Sybil, where she had a garment made with harem pants. You can peek at it here. But overall I really enjoyed the exhibit. Unlike garments from the mid-20th century, I am no expert in the Edwardian or 20s time periods, so I’m not here to sit and nit-pick the accuracy of the garments. I am aware though, through others, that the show had its issues. Nor did the exhibit offer a book or catalog, which was a bummer.
Dressing Downton continues at the Muzeo through May 7th, and tickets are available on the Muzeo’s website. Tickets for adults are $20, $10 for children ages 4 to 12. Seniors 65 and older can purchase tickets for $10, and students and military with ID can purchase tickets for $15.
Not in California? But maybe perhaps in Tennessee or Florida? Dressing Downton is headed your way! Visit Dressing Downton’s website for more information.
Were you a fan of Downton Abbey when it aired?
What’s Nearby?
Outfit
Hat: Urban Eccentric, Vancouver, Washington
Blouse: Retro Rejuvenation, Coburg, Oregon
Pants (yes, they are pants!): Buffalo Exchange
Belt: ???
Shoes: Re-Mix
Scarab Earrings and Rings: Portland Antique Expo
Scarab Bracelet: United Nations International Gift Shop at Balboa Park, San Diego, California
Purse: The Original Tiki Marketplace
Thanks for the tour, great pictures! I loved that show so much!
I need to get back into Downton Abbey I watched all of season one, and couldn’t keep up after; thankfully its on amazon prime. The costumes are divine though~<3
But can we talk about your amazing pants?! I need a pair like that so we can be twins.
Wonderful exhibition! I was lucky enough to see a small collection of Downton costumes last year locally. I like the effort you put into your own outfit! X
Firstly- I love your trousers! I at first thought it was a skirt, and then I saw it was a pair of trousers and now I love them all the more 🙂
Secondly, although I couldn’t really get into the show, I do absolutely adore seeing photos of the costumes! Thank-you so much for sharing these gorgeous images here!! That’s too bad they didn’t have the harem pant costume- that was one of my favourites. That cycling coat of Edith’s is really lovely too, I agree. I wonder how many hours were spent making all of these gorgeous pieces . . .
-Nicole
The Artyologist