On Saturday 5^th May, Sunday 6^th May and Monday 7^th May 2012 we will present our exciting and dynamic Period Fashion Shows three times daily at beautiful Belsay Hall in Northumberland as part of the fabulous weekend of ‘Fashion from the Past’ for English Heritage.

See a variety of sumptuous Tudor costume displayed in fashion presentations revealing the secrets of Tudor courtly costumes.  The shows are accompanied by period music and talks. Find out not only about the history of the person wearing the costume but also how the costumes, jewellery, fans and masks are designed and created.

http://www.journallive.co.uk/northumberland-sites/ponteland-northumberland/ponteland-news/2012/04/18/fashions-brought-back-to-life-61634-30786348/   

Last year over 3300 people visited Belsay to view our Fashion Shows and costume display – I am sure we will have even more visitors this year. Included are my new and fabulous costumes for two of Henry VIII’s wives – Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard.  The costumes will be modelled in the fashion shows and also included in my stunning display of 16^th Century inspired Period Costumes on show in the beautiful library at Belsay Hall from Tuesday 8th May – Sunday 27th May 2012.

My Catherine Howard inspired Gown in deep pink silk gown is designed to be worn at a Tudor Court Masque. It was inspired by portraits of the period and costumes worn in the film ‘Henry VIII and his Six Wives’.  It has a stomacher lavishly embroidered with gold/jewels and is worn with a matching French hood and beautiful ornate gold mask. Catherine Howard was a young, frivolous pretty girl who loved beautiful clothes – she received many as presents from the King. Catherine would have loved this type of very ornate, lavish and feminine gown.

The Gown created for Jane Seymour is a very beautiful and regal silver dress. It has been designed in very fine silver/grey silk and patterned silver damask fabric. The damask has black threads woven  to produce a beautiful pattern of crosses.  Jane Seymour was a very religious person and this pattern has been chosen to reflect her personality. It is embellished with pearls and worn with attractive hanging sleeves in shades of silver and blue.  A lace edged  silver/blue jewelled hood and exquisite silver feather fan complete this regal costume.

Also included in the display are ornate costumes for Henry VIII,  Anne Boleyn, James I, Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth. There will also be  Tudor Underwear on show – it gives a fascinating insight into what was worn beneath a period gown.

I look forward to seeing you at Belsay next month – everyone is welcome.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/fashion-from-the-past-costume-presentations-bh-5-may/ 

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/events