Michelle Rowley chats with GBSB contestant Richy Wedge about the most exciting sewing social event ‘on the ton’ this year
Written by Michelle Rowley
Dearest Gentle Reader, It may have come to your attention that a much-loved Netflix series, which encapsulates the beauty of Georgian and Regency fashion, has captivated a legion of enraptured fans and contributed to the revival in puff sleeves, square necklines and empire line dresses. We are, of course, referring to the phenomenal success of Bridgerton, which is set to grace our screens again with the release of series three this May. We can't wait, can you?
Those with a love of Georgian or Regency fashion will recognise that the show’s costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick, used a lot of creative licence in designing the jaw-dropping gowns, wigs, and cloaks that undoubtedly contributed to the show’s success. Viewers couldn’t get enough of the bejewelled ball gowns, embroidered waistcoats, velvet jackets and those Queen Charlotte wigs. Although not entirely historically accurate, they still beautifully evoke the glamour and opulence of two bygone eras.
HISTORICAL FASHION FANS
It was witnessing this creative play with historical costume that led GBSB series eight contestant and historical costume fan Richy Wedge to organise the exciting Bridge Town Ball. “Several people had approached me about wanting to get into attending historical fashion balls, but they were a bit scared. I wanted to do it in a way that you didn’t feel worried or pressured about doing it accurately, which is why I chose the Bridgeton style. It isn’t truly authentic to the period but is a distinctive style.” explains Richy. He admits that prior to the hit show he was fastidious about accuracy when sewing historical garments, but that the show made him see how fun it can be to play around with things. “Before I would never have overlocked anything! Now I will, and I like to play with modern fabrics and change up the styles to make things that suit me better.”
His desire to put on a fun and inclusive historical costume party for dressmakers, with “Pride not Prejudice” as the ethos, means that The Bridge Town Ball is an event not only for sewists with experience of historical costume making, but also for anyone who’d like to sew something with just a gentle nod to the Bridgerton style. It’s an opportunity for people to sew (and get to wear!) a head-turning opulent Georgian gown if they wish, or an outfit they can wear every day.
“We’d like people t
