Some Historical Fashion Videos

It's the first day of spring break here (a bit of a pointless event considering my kids have barely had school for the past month), so I'm going to make this post quick, easy, and fun. It is appropriately inspired by my daughter, who spent a good portion of her time in quarantine watching historical fashion videos on YouTube.

It's hard to say no to screen time when your kid shows so much fascination in a favorite subject (maybe she knows this, and that's part of her interest?). Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to actually sit and watch most of the videos with her, at least not to the extent I would like. What I have done is bookmarked a few that looked particularly interesting and relevant to my area of study to go back and watch later, and it's the best of these that I want to share with you today. This first one is just awesome, providing a great overview of the changing female silhouette over the course of the 19th century. Darn it! I wish I could draw (a particularly galling area to be lacking in talent because of what my sister can do). Karolina Zebrowska, to whom we owe this gem, clearly states that she will not be commenting on the political influences that caused these changes (though she does mention the effect of Queen Victoria's reign), a subject I dabbled in for the early decades of the century in my recent post, The Rise and Fall of the Empire(waist). I just want to remind everyone that politics and social change are always reflected in fashion. Enjoy:

This next video is by CrowsEyeProductions, who do a beautiful job depicting accurate historical clothing. Not only is it specifically focused on Regency daywear, but it is also a gorgeous tribute to Jane and Cassandra Austen's sisterhood. Every time I watch this, I cry at the end. I can't help it. I could elaborate on why I do not think Jane would have donned such a gorgeous white gown (very Fanny Price, I think), just to toss a cap on her head and sit down to write, but I'll resist that urge. Instead, I'll dwell for a moment on an obstacle, which this video highlights, that is preventing me from getting my daughter interested in actually wearing accurate historical garb: all the pins. She's terrified of pokey things. 

Finally, on a decidedly lighter note, this video from Bernadette Banner (who I could watch all day. She's great. Anyone interested in creating Regency women's garb should watch this video, too). It provides a brief but surprisingly comprehensive history of underwear. If you can't cope with discussions of people's bodily functions, perhaps this isn't the video for you, but I must recommend that you try to get over that. Have fun with this one, everyone, and thanks for stopping by. 

First Impressions Animated Scene 2

As if it wasn't bad enough to have already wasted one day in this manner, I have now wasted the better part of a second at XtraNormal, all to bring you another jilted, Lego rendition of a scene from my book. It's just too much fun, even though the results are less than overwhelming. The following is actually a bit edited (you know, film adaptations must always be given some leeway), so I have included the excerpt it is based on (below), so you can judge for yourself how bad my animated rendering really is. The text is not from the final draft, which I can't easily paste into Blogger, and I have decided not to edit it. Call it laziness or an interesting glimpse into the writing process, either way I apologize for some of the choppier prose. The scene takes place towards the end of the Bennet ladies' stay at Netherfield between our hero and heroine, who have established a rather playful rapport. It's rather silly. I hope you enjoy it.

Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy, despite their best resolutions, were able to steel themselves against their susceptibility to one another. In each others' company they could not help but enjoy themselves in defiance of Elizabeth's vulnerability and Darcy's pride. Miss Bingley, remarkably subdued, avoided any intercourse she could with her unwanted guest, adding relief from the lady of the house's glares to the incentives Darcy had to seek Elizabeth out. He began to wonder if much of her bravado towards himself was a facade for they had, of late, taken to gazing at each other in what he believed was a tender way. He sincerely wanted the attraction he was experiencing to be mutual though he had no doubts that, should he ask, she would accept his proposal regardless. All the Bennet girls were surely obligated to marry as well as possible: everyone was, including himself. Therein lay his dilemma.

What constitutes a good marriage? Should wealth and breeding be the utmost concern? Many a marriage that perfectly fulfilled the worldly qualification ended in misery, as Darcy had far too often observed, and a lack of refinement was not an accusation that could be leveled at Miss Elizabeth. He marveled at how she maintained her grace and composure in the face of the incivility of her hostess. 

“Mr. Darcy, you really must not continue to frown so,” Elizabeth admonished. “If you persist you will force me to do something most unbecoming and childish”.

“And what would that be,” he asked, instantly intrigued.

She spoke softly and conspiratorially: “When no one else is looking I shall stick my tongue out at you!”

He laughed, “Oh how ever will I survive such an attack.” Temporarily all his concerns were forgotten. She had a unique and delightful way of causing him to lose himself.

The passing of another day saw Jane well enough to join the party after dinner, where Mr. Bingley fawned over her while his sister glowered. On the other side of the room Darcy and Elizabeth were discussing their favorite poets. Observing Elizabeth's approving glance at her sister and Bingley, Darcy decided the time was right to fulfill a determination he had made, upon the evening of Elizabeth's arrival and the declaration of Bingley’s intentions, to inquire into the state of Jane's affections.

“Your sister seems much improved.”

“Yes,” she responded brightly, though he thought he could detect a tinge of regret. “I believe we shall return to Longbourn soon.”

“When Miss Bennet has not yet had the opportunity to enjoy her stay?”

“For someone who has been ill she has had a remarkable time I assure you,” Elizabeth laughed.

“She does seem to enjoy Bingley's company.”

“I believe she said he is everything a gentleman should be.”

“High praise indeed.”

“From Jane it certainly is.” She grew serious, “Your friend would not toy with a lady's affections, would he sir?”

He responded in kind, “He has been known to fall in and out of love with great rapidity.” Noticing Elizabeth's frown he hurried to reassure her, “But he does seem to be experiencing a most sincere attachment to your sister.”

“Does he indeed?” Elizabeth asked excitedly, her sparkle returned.

Darcy laughed, thrilled to see her joy, “I cannot betray my friend's confidence. I have already said far too much.

“So you have, sir, as have I. Shall we resume the much safer subject of poetry?”

First Impressions Animated Scene

This is rather silly. Inspired by Mags of AustenBlog, I wasted an unconscionable chunk of my day at xtranormal animating a scene from my book. The result is rather stilted, emotionless dialogue and a Charlotte and Elizabeth who have been reduced to rather tarty looking Lego characters (please ignore the miniskirts), but it was fun nonetheless. I'm not sure it will make anyone more likely to read my book, but I do hope it doesn't prove counterproductive. Enjoy.