19th Century

A rainy day photoshoot – the 1871 pink extravaganza

Madame Ornata, Sarah of Diana Villiers and I have been having such fun with photoshoots that we planned another one for last weekend.

Unfortunately for us, the weather did not cooperate: the day dawned all grey and drizzly.  Sarah thought we should postpone, but both Madame O and I had Mother’s Day commitments, so we voted to press on.

I really wanted a proper photoshoot with my 1871 Pink Extravaganza ensemble (it’s pretty much the oldest thing still in my closet, and it’s never been properly photographed!), and the rain meant I got a chance to use my pretty umbrella. Madame O wore my 1882 ‘By the Seashore’ ensemble and Mrs C got dolled up as a female Dr Who and joined us.

We had a fantastic time, and Sarah got some amazing shots, but it really wasn’t the best circumstances for a shoot: my photos are all rather mediocre because of the glaring light, and the hem of my dress got soaked from the damp.  Next time maybe we should listen to the proper photographer!

These are the photos that Madame O got on my camera of me.  I’ll post images of Madame O in my 1882 ‘By the Seashore’ ensemble in a few days (and, of course, you already got a sneak peek of her yesterday!), and a sampling of Sarah’s much better images as she processes them.  Or you could cheat and follow her livejournal ;-).

Umbrella's are good for rain - and hiding modern scenery!

Umbrella's are good for rain - and hiding modern scenery!

 

Trying to get my train out of the damp
Trains are so fun!
Standing on the front porch, surveying my domain
Bustles and buildings
You really need that bulk of skirts to compete with the architecture!

The  building in the background is the Old Government Building, constructed in 1876.  It is the 2nd largest wooden building in the world (largest in the Southern Hemisphere), and currently houses the Victoria University Law School.  It’s one of the oldest extent buildings in Wellington, and made a fabulous place for a photoshoot.

This photoshoot reminded me that I’m not entirely happy with the Pink Extravaganza (bustling is wrong, I forgot to tie some of the tie-backs, the underskirt is too small in the waist and the overskirt is too big, and the sleeves don’t sit right), so I need to tweak it a little, and then do another photoshoot.  And this time I’ll iron the skirt first!

 

6 Comments

  1. I love that dress!!! oh dear. I’ve made a late bustle dress, but I love the flowy, frilly, girly look of the early ones…I need to make one of these too!

  2. I love that dress!!! oh dear. I’ve made a late bustle dress, but I love the flowy, frilly, girly look of the early ones…I need to make one of these too! alas….if it didn’t take 40,00000000 yds of fabric….

  3. oh, how WONDERFUL! I especially love that last image. Just gorgeous!

  4. Dear Leimomi,

    The dress may be the oldest one in your closet, but it’s yummy: I love the color treatment, which is very 1870s. The squared neckline looks very well on you. Great ensemble!

    So that’s a wooden building. What an excellent tromp l’oeil. What’s the inside like?

    Very best,

    Natalie

Comments are closed.