At Home with Josephine at Malmaison: An Early 19th Century Soiree
Event Review and Photos by Christopher EricksonGBACG Board Member-at-Large The most recent GBACG-hosted event was a salon in the theme of the Napoleonic era held at The Bellevue Club next to Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, on Sunday, October 20, 2019. The event was held in the Mural Lounge with a view of Lake Merritt Wildlife Sanctuary. The Mural Lounge […]
Victorian Seasonal Traveling Ensembles
Article and Photos by Niz Hadid Editor’s note: Niz has a sewing side business called House of Tinkers. I recently completed and sent a collection of dresses for a YouTube channel “Black Girl in a Big Dress.” The idea I had was basically supplying everything you would need for a season traveling abroad during the Victorian era. Some of the […]
Men’s Cheat List for Costuming as a Patron at Dickens Fair
By Christopher EricksonGBACG Member-at-Large Here are a few tips and tricks that I picked up from starting out by costuming out of my closet that works great for men’s wear. Most men should either have most of these items in their closet or be able to find these items at thrift stores or online. Men’s shirt: A plain white […]
$50 No-Sew Dickens Era Challenge Part 2: Elevating the Look
Ok now for part two of my $50 store bought, no-sew challenge… taking the look to the next level with decorations, accessories, and if you want, period undergarments.
$50 No-Sew Dickens Era Challenge Part 1: The Base Ensemble
Hold on to your bonnets for a 2 part blog post on my $50 No-Sew Dickens Ensemble! Showing that you don’t have to sew or spend much to look fabulous at Dickens!
Nectar and Ambrosia: Day with Dionysus on Mount Olympus
Event Review by Christopher EricksonBoard Member-at-Large The most recent wine tasting event that the GBACG hosted was a Greco-Roman themed gathering held at the lovely GV Cellars in Fairfield, California, on Saturday, August 10, 2019. The event was well attended. The event space was a porch outside the winery with a view of the Green Valley vineyard fields and mountain […]
Regency / Napoleonic Court Gown and Train at Costume College 2017
By Fresh Frippery Editor’s Note: This article is republished with permission from Vivien Lee of Fresh Frippery. I received my photos from the official Costume College photographer Andrew Schmidt so I can show you my complete Regency/Napoleonic court gown and train ensemble!* *A note about terminology: Technically, English Regency court gowns were a really odd silhouette where you had the high waist […]
Past Board Member: Jean Martin, Finery Editor
Why costuming? What brought you here? I wanted to be an actress when I was younger as I love movies and TV shows. I also love reading and used to write fiction. In 2003 I was writing a Regency romance when I stumbled across the Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS) during my research. Which led to Baycon (and other […]
Help preserve a Napoléonic court ensemble
By Kathe Gust GBACG Membership Coordinator Do you want to help be a part of costume history? The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) Museum is currently fundraising to acquire, study and preserve a rare Napoléonic court ensemble, possibly worn by Empress Joséphine herself, through its “Operation 1804″ initiative. Matching Donations by the GBACGThe Museum needs to raise $120,000 […]
Guide to the Fetes Galantes
By HCC Cosplay Editor’s Note: This article is republished with permission from HCC Cosplay. Les Fêtes Galantes at the Palace of Versailles in France is an annual costume-required event that started in 2014. It’s a formal ball styled to mimic the grand events held during the height of the French monarchy. Typically held the last Monday of May a “quality […]