Yesterday I presented my Regency Costume Talk and Display ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’ for Sunderland Embroiderers Guild. We had a splendid afternoon and the ladies said they really enjoyed my talk. I described the fashions worn around the time of Jane Austen who was born in 1775 and only lived until 1817 dying at the age of only 42 years old.

It was an era immortalised by Jane Austen who adeptly used the new found diversity of fashion to enliven her characters – Mr Darcy’s understated elegance, Miss Tilney’s romantic fixation with white muslin and Mr Whickham’s military splendour.

I compared the different types of dresses worn during the period – the casual morning dress worn only in the house – created of old fabric or restyled dresses – why with all the money you saved you could spend it on your going out dresses!

 The afternoon or going out dress which would be of the best fabric and decorated beautifully to go out and be seen in. I created a very elegant gown in white windowpane cotton and lace.

I also included a very ornate and elaborate pure silk evening gown – which I created in lilac silk fabric decorated with crystal beading and gold lace which would be worn for a ball.

Not forgetting my set of Regency reproduction underwear  – it is extremely important to wear the right undergarments to give the correct period shape. I designed a short stays bra worn about 1800 – 1830 and a chemise which would be the first layer nest to the skin. I also included a set of the first pair of knickers ever worn in about 1790 – before then NO KNICKERS were worn at all.

They were separate legs tied separately around the waist – not a not a very sturdy arrangement, as one woman found out the hard way in 1820:

“They are the ugliest things I ever saw: I will never put them on again. I dragged my dress in the dirt for fear someone would spy them. My finest dimity pair with real Swiss lace is quite useless to me for I lost one leg and did not deem it proper to pick it up, and so walked off leaving it in the street behind me, and the lace had cost six shillings a yard…’ 

An embarrassing disaster for the lady, and a source of amusement for everyone else.”

My final costume was a very ornate masquerade costume which was commissioned for a friend as it was based on the coronation gown for Empress Josephine – wife of Napoleon Bonaparte who was crowned in 1801 – it was created in beautiful velvet with gold trimming.

I received the message below after my talk –

“Many thanks for coming to our Guild meeting yesterday. You gave us a splendid afternoon, your costumes were lovely and we learned a lot about the fashion of Jane Austen`s time. The talk was delivered with enthusiasm and a delightful sense of humour. `Mr Darcy` was great too, an added bonus!”

We had a super afternoon presenting my Regency Talk and we were very pleased that the ladies enjoyed it too.

We presented out talk in a large spacious hall in the centre of South Shields. 

The U3A is an organisation was established in South Tyneside in 2001 – it’s motto is ‘Friendship , Fun and Learning’. It was certainly fun meeting all the lovely members.

South Tyneside U3A offers many opportunities to explore new interests, expand old ones and learn something different. Learning for fun rather than qualifications or exam results.
They say it is never too late to learn and research has shown that remaining active; both mentally and physically; is hugely beneficial to our health and happiness in later years.
Members share their skills and life experiences with a wide range of activity groups all organised by members themselves.

There were over 100 people who attended my talk- a mix of men and women- they were a lot of members keen to speak to me and have a close look at my costumes   The ladies all said they really enjoyed it – I also had a couple of gentlemen state they found it very interesting – success indeed as I don’t usually have a lot male interest in costumes!

Part of my talk mentions the undergarments of regency ladies – I include a chemise, corset and pantalettes – which were the first type of knickers ever worn!  They were two tubes of fabric which were based on men’s trousers.  They were separate legs and not joined at the top at all – a lady at my talk mentioned that the term a ‘pair of knickers’ might have originated when the knickers were separate legs and she is probably right!

The group were very hospitable and friendly.  I would like to thank Cheryl who booked me for all her help. She also asked me for information regarding my new talk ‘Marie Antoinette and what she worn to the Revolution’ which is I will be presenting for the first time later this year.

We really enjoyed visiting the U3A and look forward to visiting them again.

Last night we presented our Regency Talk and Costume Display for Heighton WI – Heighton is a very pretty village quite close to Newton Aycliffe.It was for a special WI event called a friendship evening and we were happy to present the entertainment.

The ladies enjoyed special cake and gateaux baked specially for the event  – enjoyed with prosecco wine. We were of course asked to join them however an alcoholic beverage is possibly not the best idea prior to presenting a costume talk!

I presented my Regency Talk which included costumes inspired by  Jane Austen and Empress Josephine among others.

After the talk I was pleased to offer a question and answer session.

One of the very interesting questions included –

What types of lace were used in the regency period? 

We will be returning to Heighton WI to present my new talk “Marie Antoinette and what she wore to the Revolution” – we are certainly looking forward to it!

“Enter the World of Jane Austen’ Regency Talk and Costume Display”

I presented my Jane Austen Regency Talk with Costume Display on 9 April 2016 for the Border Textile Group in Foulden.

They have published a very interesting article about my costume event on their website – I thought you may like to view it.

It contains a number of interesting facts from my talk as well as pictures taken of my costumes and myself during the event.

I included a quick demonstration on my talk entitled – “How to make an excellent Regency Bonnet in a couple of hours”   also included on their website is a picture of one of the members wearing my Regency Bonnet.

She loved it so much after my talk decided to go home and make one herself – I am looking forward to receiving a photo of her creation!

Hope you enjoy reading the article!

With very many thanks to Annie Robinson for taking the photographs 

My Jane Austen Talk with Costume Display was featured in the Northern Echo on Tuesday 10 November – please find excerpt below –

AN insight into the fashion of Jane Austin has helped raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Julia Soares-McCormick entertained and informed guests about the history of Regency clothing between 1811 and 1820, using costumes she made herself.

The talk at Sedgefield Parish Hall was organised by the town’s mayor Gloria Wills, who was joined by residents and the mayors of Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe, Hartlepool, South Tyneside and Brandon and Byshottles.

Dubbed as an insight into the world of Jane Austin’s clothing, the five costumes, made by Mrs Soares-McCormick, from Cramlington, Northumberland were explained along with some historical background.

She was assisted by her husband, Mick McCormick who demonstrated how the Spencer coat got its name after Earl Spencer of the period burnt his frock coat while standing too close to the fire.

Ms Wills said: “Mrs Soares-McCormick’s talk includes lots about how the costumes were made and how they would have affected the people’s lives who wore them. The clothes were very impractical. Imagine going out in the rain wearing such a long dress.”

 

 

 

 
The event was supported by Sedgefield businesses along with Sedgefield’s pensioner support group, Days In Days Out.”The talk at Sedgefield Parish Hall was organised by the town’s mayor Gloria Wills who was joined by the mayors of Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe, Hartlepool, South Tyneside and Brandon and Byshottles” .

I really enjoyed presenting the event and meeting all the lovely ladies  – we also joined them for refreshments afterwards.

View the article in the Northern Echo – – http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/14021241.Jane_Austin_costumes_explained_at_Sedgefield_Parish_Hall/

 

 

Muncaster Regency Talk

Muncaster is a beautiful Castle near Ravenglass in Cumbria.  It is a historic haunted building set in 70 acres of stunning wild gardens set against the Lake District fells – it is also home to the Hawk & Owl Centre.

Muncaster Castle

We were booked to present our Regency Talk with Costume Display ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’ on Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2015 as part of the ‘Living History Week’.

The wonderful hall

We presented our talks in the wonderful grand hall – a fabulous setting for a period costume display with beautiful portraits lining the walls. During my talk I used a portrait of a lady in a beautiful silver gown to show the type of garment which was worn prior to the regency era and to illustrate how the change in style was so dramatic.

Portrait of a lady in a silver gown on display in the Great Hall

Throughout the week Muncaster have had a range of history events to keep the whole family entertained – the line-up for 2015 includes the Herlid Vikings, the Iron Shepherds (Norman-era re-enactment), the 19th Foot Green Howards Crimean War and of course Renaissance Costumes with our Regency-era dresses. 

The 19th Foot Green Howards

Also included were the Red Wyverns Re-enactment Society and the Tudor Alchemist.

We stayed in the Coachman’s Quarters – a lovely period building overnight and also met members of the 19th Foot Howards Crimean War Group who were camped in the grounds.

19th Foot Green Howards

Ladies from the Crimean War group attended my talk on the Thursday and said they really enjoyed it.  The next day the ladies invited me to their camp and I had a great time chatting to them about their lovely costumes. they also kindly lent me a Victorian jacket for the photograph!

Sitting with the lovely ladies of the 19th Foot Green Howards

Apparently they were having rabbit stew on the Thursday and boiled gammon the next day- all cooked on an authentic open fire.  Sadly the tents were a bit too authentic for me I preferred the Coachman’s quartets and staying in an en-suite room!

My Regency Gentleman

My thanks to Jo and Bronwen at Muncaster Castle for all their help and support in presenting the our events – not forgetting Rachel a super girl who worked in the accommodation office.

My Jane Austen Costume

We had a really great couple of days  – Muncaster is a fabulous Castle and the staff are great.

I would love to return to Muncaster in the future to present more events and also really hope to meet the lovely  ladies of the Green Howards again.

My talk is called ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’ – costumes included in my display were inspired by clothing which would have been worn about the time of the Battle of Waterloo.

We presented our talks at 2pm on both days in the ‘War Cinema’ –they were well attended and we had an enthusiastic audience on both occasions. They particularly enjoyed my ‘regency bonnet tutorial’ – I explained how to make a very attractive bonnet in a couple of hours from an inexpensive straw hat!

We also had time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the battleground which were brought to life to celebrate the 200th anniversary of one of Britain’s greatest military triumphs.

Stunt riders from Goole-based Atkinson Action Horses were at the Royal Armouries to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo starting on Saturday. Stunt rider Mark Atkinson, from Atkinson Action Horses performed with horse Jonny (who also was seen in the popular TV series Poldark). The team were at the Armouries this weekend – June 20 and 21, showcasing cavalry fighting techniques used at Waterloo amid black-powder firings.

Actors dressed as Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte provided a comedy touch. A tiny –Napoleon Bonaparte in a ‘Punch and Judy’ style booth as well as a very tall Lord Wellington in stilts and very large boots – a very amusing pair!

The Royal Armouries also hosted a parade by members of The Yorkshire Regiment on the anniversary of battle, June 18, as well as dramatic productions, study groups and not forgetting our Regency Costume Display.

It was very busy on both days so both the Royal Armouries and ourselves had a very successful weekend – it is certainly worth a visit! Our thanks to Rachel – the Events Manager for all her help and support in presenting our events – we certainly enjoyed presenting our talks and meeting all the visitors!

Following a very successful ‘Tudor Fashion Show ‘ presented at the Royal Armouries in Leeds I am pleased to  announce that ‘Julia Renaissance Costumes’ has been booked again to present a number of costume events.

My events are to be included as part of the celebrations of the bi-centenary of the Battle of Waterloo which took place in 1815.

A display of my romantic Regency fashions from the time of Waterloo which will be on show in the galleries.

To compliment the display there will also be a number of costume presentations –

Regency Costume Talk/Lecture with Display-

A very interesting, lively, humorous and informative lecture about the design and construction of my Regency period costumes. Five beautifully dressed mannequins will accompany the talk.  Included are an ornate gold-encrusted court gown inspired by Empress Josephine.  A very pretty white cotton afternoon dress fit for Jane Austen worn with bonnet, chemisette and spencer. Also included is  a sumptuous  lilac silk ball gown embellished with gold and lilac guipure lace worn with a turban, fan and gloves  – a stunning outfit fit for the Netherfield Ball! Regency underwear, A morning gown and accessories worn during this period will also be included. Not forgetting a personal appearance by a Regency Gentleman in frock coat, waistcoat and breeches!

My talk will be presented on Tuesday 26 May and will be repeated on Friday 29 May – times are to be confirmed.

I do hope you will join us.

For more information please click

https://www.royalarmouries.org/events/calendar/2015-05-26/something-different-every-day

The excerpt below is taken from the WI Website –

“Half-Yearly Council Meeting March 30th 2015

Gill, Doreen, Jill and Ann all went to Kendal Town Hall on a wild evening for the Half-Yearly Council meeting.They were entertained by Julia Soares-McCormick (ably assisted by her husband Mick) with her talk entitled ‘Enter the World of Jane Austen’.There were four models on stage showing different costumes from the regency times: underwear, morning dress, afternoon dress and wonderful evening wear.

Enjoying a coffee before the event

 

 Julia told us about her training in stage design and explained in great detail all about the different costumes.  She had made them all herself and you can see how wonderful they are in the pictures below. 

At the start of the evening in front of the costumes

 

Mick standing next to one of the outfits”

 

(I have also added a couple of my pictures I took while the members were arriving  –  I thought you might like to see them  as they show the interior of the beautiful Town Hall.)

   

I presented a very interesting, humorous and informative lecture about the design/construction of my Regency inspired costumes. I provided a display of beautifully costumed mannequins wearing clothes inspired by the regency period – costumes for Empress Josephine and Jane Austen were included.

The Army & Navy Club is playing host to a series of lectures and commemorative events to celebrate and reflect on the enduring values handed down to us from those brave men who fought on the fields near Waterloo.

The Club was founded in August 1837, the year Queen Victoria acceded to the throne. The Club was formed to meet the needs of the many army officers wanting to join a Service Club, most of which were already full. The great Duke of Wellington said he would become neither a patron nor a Member unless membership was also offered to officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Hence, the “Army Club” became the Army and Navy Club. The Army and Navy Club also has close links with other military clubs in London including the famous ‘Reform Club’. The Club is also commonly know as ‘The Rag’.

The Club is a beautiful building in Pall Mall close to St James Park and Piccadilly Circus. It has six floors which include a number of beautiful and well furnished rooms. We presented our event in the elegant library – the walls lined with books and exquisite paintings displaying a number of military events – it provided a superb setting for my costumes.

Following the French revolution and the wars in Europe clothing became much simpler and classical compared to the very ornate clothing worn previously – it is very interesting to note that this change in style was echoed almost exactly 100 years later. Following the Great War ladies clothing became much simpler and more classical than those worn during the rather fussy style of the Victorian era.

My husband was elegantly attired as a Regency gentleman – I designed his tailcoat in beautiful melton wool – a high quality cloth perfectly suited to the garment. It was interesting to note that one of the guests was a retired doctor part of the medical corps – he mentioned that his mess uniform while serving was made of a similar type of high quality wool.

Ladies at regency balls usually wore light coloured gowns so they would be noticed by candlelight – if you wore dark colours you would probably not be seen  – after all you attended a ball in the hope of finding a husband!  I was asked if gentlemen wore black at balls.  Gentleman did indeed wear dark coats and very elegant they were.

Costumed as a Regency Gentleman my husband wore period trousers – back fastening with a flap front – I was asked if they were designed in cotton fabric.  The trousers were actually made of medium weight linen – correct for the period.  It is also important to mention that the fabric must be washed and dried at least three times prior to cutting as the fabric can shrink up to 10%. So must be shrunk before cutting out from the pattern.

I also visited Borovicks in Berwick St in Soho during my stay in London – a wonderful fabric shop n central London which I would highly recommend.  I also visited ‘Creative Beadcraft’ located near Piccadilly Circus which is a wonderful emporium of beads and jewels – they also have an excellent mail order service.

My Regency style Bonnet proved a very popular item again – it is an quite a simple item to reproduce.  I mention the making of my Regency bonnet during my talk illustrated with a very simple template. A  number of the guests requested instructions.

Usually women are in the majority of my audience however on this occasion they were outnumbered by gentlemen.  After the talk a number of male attendees said that they found the my talk although traditionally a women’s subject very enjoyable, interesting and humorous – so it’s not just not just one for the ladies!

I also discussed the recent costumes and popularity of the TV drama Wolf Hall with a number of guests.  We agreed the costumes were very realistic and we that we have all enjoyed the series.  Particularly the portrayal of Anne Boleyn by Claire Foy – she made the rather unlikeable character of Anne gain our sympathy by the time of the dramatic finale.

I also included a Chemisette in my talk. In the Regency era, a chemisette was commonly worn underneath a morning dress to fill in the neckline. It covered the visible shoulders and chest to make the outfit appear more modest. In fact décolleté was not shown during this period – it was considered vulgar. No fashion plates of the period show cleavage. It is a delightful way to change up the appearance of your Regency dress – it makes a very pretty and functional addition to the gown. After my talk I showed a number of guests a very famous picture of Jane Austen shows her wearing a blue dress, chemisette and cap. In an image of Jane Austen painted by Cassandra, Jane wears a simple gown; you can observe her chemisette under the low neckline, which created a more modest look for day time.

I was asked about my work for television – I am happy to mention that my Tudor Fashion show has been filmed and is to be included as part of a documentary about the life and costumes of Elizabeth I. As soon as I have details of when the documentary is to be televised, I will post it on my website.

During our visit to the Army and Navy Club we stayed in a beautiful room on the fourth floor and dined both in the elegant dining room and the lovely Ribbon Terrace Bar.

I would like to thank Seye from the Army and Navy Club in London for all his help and hospitality in making our event such a success– we certainly enjoyed presenting it!

We received the message below from Seye at the Army and Navy Club after our event.

” Thank you so much – the event was a riveting success, subsequently, a lady who attended the event asked me to forward on your contact details as they were thinking of booking you for a costume talk in Kent.  I will certainly pass on your thanks to Lt Col John White, the committee member who was present at the talk. I do look forward to hearing from  you again in the not too distant future.”