bryn mawr college
historical costume society


who we are

how to join

events

who we are

The Historical Costume Society is a community for Bryn Mawr students of all knowledge and experience levels that are interested in dress history, historical sewing, costuming, or the study of fashion. We host monthly informal sew-ins, as well as organizing and attending costumed opportunities such as picnics and teas, or non-costumed opportunities like exhibitions and lectures, both on-campus and in the community. We welcome all experience levels and levels of historical accuracy-- you never need to worry about having a "perfect costume", we're all here to learn and costume on a budget.Never costumed before? Just curious? No worries! Brand new costumers with little to no knowledge are just as welcome as experienced sewists. The HCS is a welcoming space to grow your skills and discover new facets of historical dress.Find us on social media!

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how to join

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upcoming events

Third Tuesday of Every Month
Stitch 'n' Bitch
6:00 pm, Quita Woodward Room, Old Library
Our regular meeting! Bring something to sew, knit, embroider, crochet, or just come to hang out. Fall 2022 dates:
- September 20th
- October 18th (reticule workshop!)
- November 15th
September
(9/1) - Fall Frolic
4:30-7:00 pm, Wyndham Green
Learn about HCS from some current members, and introduce yourself!
(9/20) - September Stitch 'n' Bitch
6:00-7:30 pm, Quita Woodward Room, Old Library
October
(10/18) - Beginner Sewing Workshop: make a Regency reticule!
6-9:00 pm, English House II
Love Jane Austen? Bridgerton? Just want to finally dip your toes into historical costuming? This workshop is perfect for absolute beginners to learn the basics of sewing, but is also appropriate for more experienced sewists who are interesting in picking up a couple more specialized historical techniques—and everyone will get to make their own Regency-era purse!
Reticules are decorative handbags associated with the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century, and this workshop will walk you step-by-step through the process of sewing one for yourself, using historically accurate techniques. Check out some examples on our Pinterest.You can RSVP here; make sure to sign up before October 4th if you want to guarantee we will have enough supplies for you!(10/23) - Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
off-campus
Our annual trip to the PA RenFaire! Dress up in Renaissance or fantasy garb, cosplay, or even just your halloween costume for a day of themed events, food, and shopping. Register here.
November
(11/15) - November Stitch 'n' Bitch
6:00-7:30 pm, Quita Woodward Room, Old Library
(11/22) - Guest Lecture: The History of Elaborate Fancy Dress Costumes with Howard Vincent Kurtz
5:00-6:00pm, Zoom
Dressing up in costume is nothing new. The tradition of wearing costumes or disguises of some sort to celebrate special occasions has long been a part of cultures throughout the world. For over four hundred years individuals have enjoyed dressing up and appearing at balls or parties in forms quite different from their everyday selves. Fancy dress balls were popular during the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century. This presentation will explore the history of fancy dress costumes.
This Zoom event requires registration to receive the meeting link. Register here.Howard Vincent Kurtz has an extensive and diversified career in costumes, which has involved professional design, academic teaching, and as a fashion historian. He is Professor Emeritus of College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he served as the Resident Costume Designer and chair of the Design Tech program for twenty-five years. His designs have been seen at The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Orlando Shakes, Opera Orlando, and many other theaters on the East Coast. For more information, visit HVKurtz.com.(11/22) - Powerpoint Night
details tba

Registration Links:

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