18th Century Opulent Art at FIDM Museum

A couple days ago, I covered the film costumes I saw at FIDM. There was a second exhibit at the museum that showcased several pieces from the Helen Larson collection, a collection that the museum is actively trying to acquire. When I've gone in previous years, they've had other pieces from this collection on display (including a dress worn by Queen Victoria!) but this is the first year I got to photograph the display pieces.

The Opulent Era focuses on 18th Century fashion and includes men's and women's clothing, and accessories. Enjoy!

Embroidered shoes with pattens

Robe a l'anglaise

Age of Innocence and Royal Affair reviews

As I've been steadily working on my corset and a few other small projects (more on that later), I've been catching up on some of my period costume movies.

A Royal Affair
This is a foreign film with Dutch subtitles, so sewing while watching took a bit longer than usual. It takes place in the later half of the 18th Century, so I admit that we're taking a small step outside the Victorian era. The focus of the story is on Caroline Matilda of Great Britain, who married into Dutch Royalty, and her extramarital affair with her husband's physician.

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Not only was it a great film, but the costumes are definitely drool inducing. Not that I delved much into 18th Century costume, but I got to see some of the costumes in person in February when I visited the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising's annual exhibit of film costumes. What I liked best about these costumes is that while they are still elaborate, there's a certain degree of simplicity to them and they better match their actual historical counterparts.

So for those interested in 18th Century costumes, a good historical film, or both, I definitely recommend this film.

Film - 4.5 out of 5
Costumes - 4 out of 5

The Age of Innocence
Based on Edith's Wharton's novel of the same name, this adaption stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder in the main roles with Martin Scorsese directing. Although the film is not the most fast paced, the costumes make it worth the watch.

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The story is set during the late 1870s, during the Natural Form period of Victorian dress when the bustle had momentarily died away and mermaid tail dresses were all the rage. Frankly, I don't think we see enough dresses from this brief period (about 1876-1881), so it was wonderful to see these costumes.

Don't know if I'll be watching the movie again anytime soon, but I've already pulled multiple images of the costumes for some dress inspiration.

Film - 3 out of 5
Costumes - 5 out of 5