Monday, October 19, 2015

Costume Ideas from 1887

While perusing the web for Halloween costume ideas, I came across this fabulous hornet costume from an 1887 book.
From "Fancy Dresses Described"
It is at least 2,000 times more awesome than any of this year's 30 versions of the "sexy bee" costume (including and most especially the tween versions).
Bee costume complete with wings, tutu, stockings... everything except dignity.
WTH is with the platform spike heels on this kid? At least her bare backside isn't hanging out.

The book is titled "Fancy Dresses Described or What to Wear at Fancy Balls." It is considered public domain and available here.

Along with the hornet, several other costumes are illustrated. My favorite is the magpie. I would love to make a somewhat simplified version of this for everyday wear.
From "Fancy Dresses Described"
2015 has much that 1887 didn't have (the internet, for one)... but when it comes to classy costumes, 1887 is the clear winner.
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16 comments:

  1. Meagan KylaOctober 20, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    Classy always wins!

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    1. J.BaneOctober 22, 2015 at 12:26 PM

      Agreed! I'm a big believer in freedom of dress... but I always prefer the classy looks.

      Delete
  2. Insomniac's AtticOctober 20, 2015 at 7:37 AM

    Everything has to be sexy to sell, I suppose. I'd never thought of bees as sexy. Sheesh.

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    1. J.BaneOctober 22, 2015 at 12:36 PM

      Indeed. It's absurd that every woman's costume has to be sexy (and usually include a tutu) these days.

      Delete
  3. Aji LaStrangeOctober 20, 2015 at 12:55 PM

    One time, when I was looking at an ad displaying Halloween costumes, I saw a pic of a model sporting a sexy ketchup bottle costume. Ugh. -_-

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    1. J.BaneOctober 22, 2015 at 12:44 PM

      Yeah, costume makers have taken the "sexy " to preposterous levels. Sexy Freddy Krueger, anyone? Why not Sexy Shoehorn or Sexy Anti-Flatulence Pill? :P

      Delete
  4. 5th Avenue GothOctober 20, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    These are lovely. I'd love to go to a costume ball like that.

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  5. Laura MorriganOctober 20, 2015 at 10:20 PM

    I love Victorian costumes! Although that kid bee one is so cute, minus the heels!

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    1. J.BaneOctober 22, 2015 at 12:51 PM

      Swap out the heels for little yellow sneakers, and the kid would be super adorable (and age-appropriate).

      Delete
  6. LeneleinOctober 20, 2015 at 11:39 PM

    I love magpies! My favourite birds! And I read a blog about a historical fashionista who reproduced the bee costume - it looks lovely! I'll check if I can find the link...

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    1. J.BaneOctober 22, 2015 at 1:39 PM

      These stunning black and white birds caught my eye when I moved west to Colorado. I researched and found out they are magpies (which don't live in the eastern US). I love them!

      Delete
  7. Vulcan_ButterflyOctober 22, 2015 at 11:10 AM

    Those old costumes are so neat! I agree, WTF is with those shoes on that child? Also I had a good laugh over your costume description "everything except dignity".

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    Replies
    1. J.BaneOctober 22, 2015 at 1:43 PM

      It's hard to be classy or dignified in that particular bee costume. :P

      Delete
  8. KatrinaDecember 2, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    Sexy BEE?! *headdesk*

    Also, hello! Long time no speak (if you remember me, that is!).

    ReplyDelete

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