Yesterday I went to Winterthur Museum to see the exhibition of costumes from this brilliant and popular show, loaned by the costumer. The fabrics, the embroidery, the designs....wonderful. I especially loved learning about how the garments were constructed. There were some personal items from Henry and Ruth duPont, who lived at Winterthur at (part of) the same time period in which Downton Abbey took place. Many historical pieces in the White House came from Winterthur's collection of American antiques. The duPonts turned their home into a museum.
Interesting tidbit: all of the mannequins on which the costumes are displayed were carved at Winterthur from a sculptural foam, made to the exact measurements of the actor who wore the garment.
This was the garden party at which England's entry into World War I was announced.
The gown below was, I think, Mary's.....but maybe not. Sorry for the fuzzy picture. Following it is a detail of the bodice and its gorgeous beading.
The background below is a photo of the christening of baby Sybil. Since the family was in mourning, shades of purple were acceptable (as well as black and white). Mary and Edith wore the two dresses in the foreground.
The flamboyant coat below was worn by Shirley MacLaine (playing Lady Cora's showy American mother). We were wondering if that was real fox fur. The hat was made of the same fabric as the coat and had a long feather.
Winterthur page Costumes of Downton Abbey - 3 closeups
more to come............