Not all fashion shows highlight the latest styles of the season. Some take a step back and showcase the fashion trends of centuries ago. The Monmouth County Historical Association is doing just that.
“This fashion show came about by popular demand and we were thrilled we were able to accommodate the request,” said Evelyn C. Murphy, the association’s director.
The association will feature the history of dress from 1750 to 1810 as it offers an 18th century fashion show to clubs, organizations and senior citizen groups.
Association volunteers Jere Bethune of Freehold and Pati Githens of Neptune, both of whom are accomplished seamstresses, made the clothing for the fashion show, including skirts, jackets, blouses and undergarments, by hand.
Githens, who has been sewing since the age of 12, took an interest in making historical clothing about three years ago.
“I was curious about the process and about learning why fabrics behave a certain way. I am a process person,” she said.
The challenge, Githens said, is thinking about sewing through an 18th century experience.
“The garments are made of linen, wool and silk. The petticoat took two hours to sew by hand and the silk gowns took 40 to 45 hours to sew,” she said.
The cost of materials to produce a silk gown runs between $250 and $300 and the cost of materials to produce a men’s linen outfit runs between $120 and $150, Githens said.
Bethune has been sewing since the age of 8 and took an interest in sewing historic pieces six years ago. She said she “strives for historical accuracy by doing research and examining extant pieces.”
Bethune has had to learn some obsolete stitches to sew the clothing for the fashion show.
“It does take time, but it is very relaxing. Research and studying garments that are still in existence in museums and online is a passion,” she said.
Clothes were constructed differently in the 18th century, Bethune said.
“For instance, gowns were draped on a person using a linen or muslin to make a toile which would become the pattern for use in future gowns,” Bethune said.
The association recently held a fashion show for a senior citizens group in Little Silver. Seven outfits were modeled before more than 40 guests.
The hour-long fashion show costs $125 to reserve. For more information, call 732- 462-1466.
— Contact Christine Barcia at cbarcia@gmnews.com