Fashion Show - Autumn 2005

Part 6

18th Century gentleman's undress
Maker: Mark and Kate of Kitty Hats
Model: Mark

At home a gentleman dressed quite informally to entertain business associates and close members of his family.
As he would have shaved his head to facilitate the wearing of his wig, he has wrapped a loose turban around his head for warmth.

Replacing the top coat indoors is a 'banyan' which is a loose, dressing-gown-like garment, here made in a silk brocade and worn over his normal day clothes. This loose garment has its origins in turkish costume which had been discovered by young gentlemen on their 'Grand Tours' of Europe.
On his feet he has replaced his heavy outdoor shoes with lightweight leather mules. His glasses are of the correct period and supplied by 'Period Glasses'

1800 gentleman
Maker: Karen of Time Tarts
Model: Steve

By the end of the 18th century, the gentleman's coat reflected the love of the English Country Gentleman for understated but well tailored clothing.
The coat here, has a cut-away front with narrow tails at the back. The shortness of the front of the coat shows a glimpse of the waistcoat underneath.

He wears this outfit with trousers, which are just becoming acceptable wear for a gentleman as opposed to common working wear for a labourer. The norm for gentlemen at this time would have been breeches in either a matching or contrasting fabric. And as a man ahead of his time he also displays the latest thing in headgear - a top hat.

1805 Sailor
Maker: Karen of Time Tarts
Model: Sam

As we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Trafalgar and Nelson's death, we can show you an outfit of a young sailor of the navy at that time. He wears a short navy blue jacket, which although was not actually uniform or issued, was commonly worn by all hands.
A sailor with prize money in his pocket might add fancy buttons and lace to improve his image ashore, but on want of money for drinking, the buttons could still be re-sold!
He wears a pair of loose canvas trousers which can be rolled up above the calf for ease of working on deck and climbing the rigging.
On board his ship, such a sailor as this would probably go barefoot and only wear his shoes in very bad weather or when he went ashore.

He carries a naval cutlass courtesy of McFarthingbowl re-enactment supplies. This all-purpose weapon would be issued from stores when the seamen were called to quarters immediately before an engagement. It could be used for diverse tasks such as chopping wood, slashing rigging or picking frenchmen's noses!