Wendy Tomlinson of Owen Sound Presented Fashion Through the Eras

High fashion of bygone eras and afternoon tea with delectable petis fours, provided by Mary Ellen Harrigan, were the order of the day at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre on Saturday.

Slide Presentation Depicted Fashion Through the Ages

Two tea-times were held to accommodate everyone who wanted to experience a high-tea, while Commentator, Wendy Tomlinson from Owen Sound, presented a slide presentation of fashion ranging from the Edwardian and Victorian ages through the 1950s.

"Fashion has gone through incredible changes," she explained. "From the restriction of the corset when an 18-inch waist for women was a 'must' to the stiletto high-heeled shoe of the 1950s, fashion has been ever evolving. What began as a very genteel era of modesty and elegance moved into to a more utilitarian age during war-time, when women were required to work in factories and on farms to fill the gaps left by men going to war."

Wartime Influence

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"Clothing is much more than fashion," Tomlinson points out.  "It's history."

Many of those in attendance harkened back to an historical time by wearing hats and attire reminiscent of the early days when tea-time was 'de rigeur' in the afternoon.

Kathryn Forsyth Wears Her Great-grandmother's Organza Hat

 Kathryn Forsyth of Southampton modeled several of the original fashions from the Victorian collection of dresses along with hats on loan to the Museum from the Stratford Theatre, but  she also wore an original hat that belonged to her great-grandmother, Hectoreen Willa Robinson.

Museum Director Barb Ribey is Edwardian

"This has become a very popular event that brings back memories of a more gentle time," said Museum Curator/Director, Barbara Ribey, "and we look forward to hosting it every year."