 It is true, 7.9 million viewers in the US watched the premier episode of Downton Abbey on Jan 6th. (see preview of Ep. 2 here) As the drama continues we see some things stay exactly the same in the mansion and in the family and other elements of their life are changing. Will they have to move to a smaller house? Not if Lady Mary has anything to say about it! I agree. Of course, the costumes are front and center in each scene. As the drama evolves through the 1920's, the styles of clothing and hair illustrate the times. Lady Mary's dinner dress is, of course, stunning. Unfortunately, because the dress is dark and the shot was rather dark the details were somewhat obscure. Cora's "greeting dress" in a gray/taupe silky fabric, evokes the style we see in vintage patterns, specifically the neckline and the collar with inset. |
| Totally appropriate for today's wear, this dress reminds me of a Vogue basic style pattern I had in the early 1980's, now OOP. Mary's walking suit is so traditional, her bow gown is one of the nicest of the series. My interest in the costumes lies in the fact that I am trying to see how I could transfer some of the elements to my own clothing. I am not alone. There are multiple retail sites and pinterest boards that are devoted to this pursuit. April Cornell (here) has multiple interpretations of the style. As featured in the lace vest and blouse below, any sewist could easily interpret the fashion to suit their lifestyle.See below for my Vintage Vogues patterns. See you all tonight, for episode 2! |
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 Source, April Cornell Need more modern interpretation of the "Downton" style for today? check out Ashley's Pinterest Board. Now for my vintage patterns. Vogue 9936 (1987) Is a pattern with the neckline detail I like. Of course those shoulders would have to be redrafted! I never made this one but it is still the line I like. It can be a dress or a two piece suit. There are tuck pleats at the waist, two on each side The more I look, the more I like. Vogue 8778 (1993) Has a very similar line, narrow shoulders and a gathered waist. The skirt can be straight or pleated. This post started as a look for a photo of Cousin Isobel's blue sweater in the early scenes of episode 1. Still looking!   |
2 comments:
I love this show! I'm a fan of British TV, and DA with all it's story lines and costumes makes a good Sunday night. I'll be there!
Oh Gwen, don't I know it! Last week, fever, sore throat and everything else, I propped myself up and absorbed the whole thing. Have you ever watched "Doc Martin?" Another great BBC series on PBS.
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