Victoriana Nostalgic Fashion
LaRee's private collection of "Victoriana" began in 1974 in Missoula, Montana. All fashions shown are authentic, many accessories are featured in her book, “Ladies Vintage Accessories.” She had membership in The Costume Society of America, is a charter member of the National Women's History Museum, and is active in local museum and arts projects in Astoria, Oregon.
These authentic fashions weave a social legacy with a rich cultural heritage, reflecting the changing image and role of women during the last 2 centuries. You are invited to step back in time… with a selection of programs:
Artists In Aprons: A presentation which recognizes the artistic value and beauty of women's handwork a they spin, weave, sew, knit, make lace, embroider, design, and create art, all the while performing the work of their home. A variety of 40 -50 aprons used for such duties as cleaning, child care, gardening, serving tea, will be displayed along with "Artful" needlework. Authentic examples discussed and shown, aprons can be modeled by willing guests.
Hats alaMode: Enjoy the history and enchantment of the wonderfully outrageous to the charmingly chic headwear women have worn, with authentic examples dating back to the mid-1800's. Whether bonnets, berets, boaters, bejeweled or brimless, chic or silly, guests are encouraged to wear hats.
A Woman's Worth: A presentation based on the purses, handbags and reticules women have carried for the past 150 years. Includes the history and display of authentic early tiny "miser's bags," metal mesh bags, glorious beaded bags, compact bags, plastic purses of the 50’s… Examples shown, and can be carried by volunteers of your group.
Tea Manners and Mode: The history of tea, including the manners and fashion worn in the early 19th century. What would a proper lady would have worn? And why is the ritual of tea is not only refreshing to the body but also the spirit? Women shared their art, while most likely instigating social change.
Hanky-Panky: The social role of a little square of fabric, from mourning to evening, hankies for tears or for flirting. They serve for “show or for blow,” and can be beautifully embellished, or plain and sturdy. Almost 100 examples, shown in acid free sleeves for an up close, and personal look!
Amazing Lace: Stitch by stitch, and thread by thread, lace is that beautiful embellishment added for nothing more than to beautify. Lace has a rich history, a women's art and often a peasant's means of making a living as a cottage industry. Lace examples from handmade to machine made, in acid free sleeves, with various types of lace & lace garments on display. (photo, fashions on a stage)
Living History Program: LaRee, in authentic period fashion, takes on the persona of Abigail Scott Duniway, a Northwest suffrage leader and first woman to vote in Oregon.
Contact Information
LaRee Johnson
Victoriana Nostalgic Fashions
By appointment only - Astoria, OR
Contact info:
email: laree@lareejohnson.com
phone: 503.325.4469
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