This was the theme of last week’s talk by Jenny Tiramani from The School of Historical Dress. Award-winning and passionate Jenny kept the packed room enthralled by whizzing us through a history of costume. She did this by showing us not only a slideshow of breathtakingly intricate costumes she had created, but by literally bringing one of them along too.

But it gets even better… not content to just show us an actual costume, fellow talented designer and teacher at the school in Hoxton, Luca Costigliolo, literally modelled the costume which included hose, footwear and a hat.

With names like Stephen Fry amongst the national treasures that they have created for Jenny and Luca are sticklers for authenticity and it’s no surprise that their client lists venues like The Globe , The Royal Opera House and Jenny’s upcoming work will be for The Marriage of Figaro at the Sydney Opera House, opening in August 2015.

One fact that stayed with many of us was that back in the day being a laundress was a much-coveted job (as well it should always be!) as fabric was so precious the person who washed it was well respected.  The school runs courses for anyone who missed this evening or for anyone who wants to learn more.

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