A Shimmering Drop Of Crimson On Gold

A gift from Sir Thomas Sharpe, acquired under far more desirable circumstances than its previous owner contended with.

As you might have suspected, I'm also gathering odds & ends, and pulling fabrics from my stash for Crimson Peak-inspired sewing. I'll likely do a replica of one of Edith's costumes from the film eventually, too. The trick is picking which one to do (first), and finding that perfect russet gold silk taffeta if I make her suit.
For now, I am planning a gown for the Edwardian Ball in January. It will be inspired by Edith and the blood red stain left on her memory of Crimson Peak. Or from a still-broken heart; like a mended porcelain teacup it's never quite the same again. Perhaps it still bleeds a little for Thomas.

I have a lush gold silk taffeta in my stash, 6 yards worth, that would be plenty for an 1890s evening gown. The only issue is that it's not a glowing color, much like Edith's pallet in the story, but more dusky.
Then again, maybe after her survival of Crimson Peak her colors would have become richer, deeper and sometimes more like dusk than the dawn-like shades before 'the calamity'.
But, my desire to have a brighter base fabric is because I'll be adding a small dose of rich blood red velvet and crystal trimming on the bodice, and I want there to be a striking contrast between the two.

While I can't spend money on 6 more yards of silk taffeta, I may break my historical sewing rules, and choose a nice quality synthetic if I can find some at my local discount fabric shop. This gown will be worn to a sometimes raucous and always crowded ball. So, if anything gets spilled on it or the hem gets soiled, there will be little difficulty or worry in washing it out!

That's all for now, folks. I'll keep you posted on what I find in place of the silk taffeta XOXO

Red Snow - A Crimson Peak Inspired Playlist

Just a little audio scrapbook I’m adding to now and then:

**Updated Sept. 2024, new link below :)**

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3UmqKGYJuDefy2OC8olPzl?si=HPYTHphoTjqgjfp6r500EA

Bloody Brilliant - My Crimson Peak Review

Well ladies and gents, I finally had the chance to see the film Crimson Peak, directed by Guillermo del Toro, both written by del Toro and Matthew Robbins. The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, and Jim Beaver.

I'm still digesting all the visceral beauty that this film is made of.
All I can say for now is that it's a swirling masterpiece, and an homage to all the classic horror thrillers of the last 100+ years.
There is a hefty dose of the literary style of the era in the storytelling, but not so much that it would tire modern moviegoers with short-attention-span sensibilities. This classic Gothic romance goes straight for the jugular and races into the utterly disturbing, introducing us to the restless souls that have passed on. It delicately plunges into murderous mayhem straight away, while it hands us a hot cup of tea.
There's also a violent scene during the first half, that seems straight out of Boardwalk Empire. You'll know it when you see it.

The loving nod to Hammer Studios-style horror can instantly be seen but really, who are we kidding? Let's get down to the nitty-gritty; they *absolutely nailed the costuming*.
Borrowing heavily from actual trends in fashion between 1877 and 1901, they were able to incorporate the imaginative artistic influences that couture fashion was reflecting at the time, rather than try to modernize it.
Two of the main characters represent the present and the past with their choice of clothing. One is twisted with dark tragic beauty, while the other is bright, lyrical and full of optimism.
Along with the set design, lighting and art direction, the costuming is a fashion time capsule that has just burst open before our eyes. When combined with the aforementioned elements, it becomes a stunning painting in motion.

Needless to say, I have a stash of fabrics that have been yearning to become something similar to what we see Edith (Mia) wearing in the film as she plays a true American belle of the Art Nouveau age.
Below are some historical examples I like to think were inspiration for the costumes of Crimson Peak.

 1893 Worth ballgown

 Late 1870s natural form gowns

Jessica Chastain as Lady Lucille Sharpe

Evening cape by Emile Pingat 1890s, and Mia as Edith Cushing

 Worth gown, and painting by John Singer Sargent

 Worth cloak, and movie set still of Mia playing the role of Edith Cushing

Those Wonderful Things...

Things of beauty that make your breath catch in your throat for a second or two.

1890's Blue Velvet and Gold Embroidered Shoes and matching tights

Detail: Mantua, Stomacher and petticoat, Italy, 1700. LACMA Collections Online