tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56451385109293718.post6182417654758528557..comments2024-03-15T10:42:37.859-04:00Comments on Passion for the Past: Costume or Period Clothing?Historical Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04979801752112100293noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56451385109293718.post-91066413243426131232012-06-27T16:03:11.425-04:002012-06-27T16:03:11.425-04:00Thanks everyone for your comments. It seems we'...Thanks everyone for your comments. It seems we're all on the same page when it comes to period clothing. And each of you have brought up very valid points.<br />Again, thanks!<br />KenHistorical Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04979801752112100293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56451385109293718.post-9570745707753591042012-06-27T14:52:00.672-04:002012-06-27T14:52:00.672-04:00I don't necessarily get offended, but I will m...I don't necessarily get offended, but I will make a point of correcting people, especially when I'm in uniform. My group portrays a regiment that still exists in the British Army, and we are representing the Regiment as it would have looked in 1775. So in that case, it's a uniform, not a costume. But when I'm dressed as a lady, I usually just like to explain the diference and talk about some of the things I'm wearing. Most people are particularly interested in shoes and stays, and everyone asks "aren't you hot in all that?"<br />We may be a form of entertainment, but we're also educating, and I certainly couldn't teach in a colonial "costume" you can buy at a store or online. Wearing period clothing is my way of representing those who are no longer around to tell their own stories, and "costume" just isn't a fitting term.PvtSam75https://www.blogger.com/profile/00304945310687112481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56451385109293718.post-30901173194088917292012-06-25T14:12:11.648-04:002012-06-25T14:12:11.648-04:00While the definition of "costume" is tec...While the definition of "costume" is techincally correct (ie. bathing costume) in our modern society we interpret "costume" as something less than real. Even my 9 year old son has gently corrected spectators and explained the difference.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02129710216498523773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56451385109293718.post-43881128027400150332012-06-25T10:13:35.780-04:002012-06-25T10:13:35.780-04:00I agree with you 100%. What we are wearing is clo...I agree with you 100%. What we are wearing is clothing...of a very specific period in time. It wasn't a costume then, and it's not a costume now.<br /><br />It is worn for an educational purpose.<br /><br />A costume is worn for a theatrical purpose, is made with the intention of quick removal for changes and does not possess accurate closures and details, because it is not meant to be seen up close. When you distance yourself from the audience you can get away with abandoning period details.<br /><br />Reenactors/Living Historians are up close and personal with their 'audience' and are educating them on something very time specific. Yes, the general public finds this entertaining, and perhaps this is why they may view what we do as theatrical as opposed to educational, and our clothing a costume as opposed to a real, functioning garment.Robin's Egg Bleuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07940955157144789351noreply@blogger.com