I Got An 18th Century Makeover
Safiya Nygaard・2 minutes read
The author fulfills a childhood dream by getting an 18th-century makeover at Colonial Williamsburg, highlighting the importance of historical context like slavery. Safiya and Tyler experiment with 18th-century fashion and accessories, attracting attention at the outdoor living history museum.
Insights
- The text delves into the meticulous process of undergoing an 18th-century makeover at Colonial Williamsburg, emphasizing the historical accuracy and significance of each garment and accessory.
- Safiya's immersive experience in 18th-century fashion not only showcases the complexity of historical dress but also underscores the challenges and rewards of embodying a bygone era, blurring the lines between historical exploration and modern-day cosplay.
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Recent questions
What is Colonial Williamsburg?
A living history museum recreating 1770s town.
How did the author prepare for an 18th-century makeover?
Enlisted help from fashion history YouTubers and former employees.
What was the author's 18th-century outfit made of?
Short sack style dress from printed cotton.
What were essential items for an 18th-century outfit?
Shoes, stockings, buckles, ribbons, stays, gown, and more.
How did 18th-century women style their hair and makeup?
Pomade, powder, and rouge for hair and makeup.
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Summary
00:00
"Colonial Williamsburg Makeover: Fashion History Revived"
- The text discusses the author's interest in fashion history and her childhood experiences visiting historical sites.
- Colonial Williamsburg is described as an outdoor living history museum aiming to recreate the town as it was in the 1770s.
- The author was invited to Colonial Williamsburg to experience an 18th-century makeover, fulfilling her childhood dream.
- The text highlights the importance of acknowledging the historical context of slavery and other atrocities during the 1770s.
- The author enlisted the help of fashion history YouTubers and former Colonial Williamsburg employees for the makeover.
- The author was issued foundational garments, including a shift and stays, to create an authentic 18th-century look.
- Williamsburg's main street, Duke of Gloucester Street, was the hub for various trades, including tailoring and millinery.
- The author's outfit consisted of a short sack style dress, a popular silhouette in the 1770s, made from printed cotton.
- The dress was custom-made to fit the author's measurements and was considered fashionable undress, suitable for daily wear.
- The text concludes with the author preparing to try on the rest of the ensemble for her 18th-century makeover.
11:48
"18th-Century Fashion: Shoes, Hair, Makeup"
- Numerous items were essential for an 18th-century outfit, including shoes, stockings, buckles, ribbons, shift, under petticoat, pocket, hoops, stays, gown petticoat, gown, apron, cloak, ruffles, flounces, tuckers, muff, mitts, stomachers, and a hat.
- Matching accessories to clothing was not a strict rule, allowing for personal preference in choices like black or red.
- Hair and makeup were crucial elements of the makeover, with a focus on 18th-century hairstyles involving pomade, powder, and wheat starch for styling and maintenance.
- Wigs were not common for women, who used hair attachments and padding instead.
- Makeup in the 18th century was simpler, with a focus on clear skin and rosy cheeks achieved through beauty washes, cold creams, and rouge.
- Rouge, made from carmine, was a popular cosmetic, applied for a rosy complexion.
- Shoes were a significant part of the outfit, made of wool and wooden heels, with standardized sizes and no distinction between left and right shoes initially.
- Walking in 18th-century shoes required a different technique, with a flat-footed approach rather than heel-toe.
- The final look, complete with shoes, hair, and makeup, gave the impression of an 18th-century villain or assassin, resembling an 18th-century Carmen Sandiego.
- Various accessory combinations were experimented with throughout the day, including different hat and cape options.
22:16
Colonial Williamsburg Cosplay Adventure
- Safiya and Tyler experiment with 18th-century fashion, trying on various accessories and costumes.
- They attract attention while walking around Colonial Williamsburg in costume, with Tyler filming.
- Safiya struggles to answer questions about the area, pretending to be a Colonial Williamsburg employee.
- They follow rules of behavior for costumed employees, avoiding modern greetings and items.
- Safiya gains exclusive access to certain places, pretending to be a millinery shopkeeper and doing hammering.
- Safiya tracks down a long-lost fragrance in the gift shop, Powder of Violets.
- Safiya reflects on the comfort of the 18th-century clothes, the challenges of wearing them, and the experience of cosplaying as a Colonial Williamsburg employee.
