Fashion Historian Fact Checks Downton Abbey's Costumes | Glamour

[@queenie2904]

I am proud to say that my niece worked on several of series of Downton Abbey, and both of the film's, in the costume department. She spent weeks tracking down authentic garments and had a great time doing it!

[@lxtatar7773]

sounds like an interesting job ☺

[@ceeceety2320]

That's something my wife would love to talk about into the late hours! It's wonderful that your niece got to do something that sounds not only fascinating but something she loved! Much to be proud of!

[@MattbyNature]

WOW!!! What an amazing job. I loved the fashion on the show - especially the use of iridescent silk in various garments worn by Mary and Violet

[@eternalsunshineofthespotlessme]

One of my favorites things about Downton Abbey was how well they conveyed the changes between pre and postwar fashion and culture.

[@rosedewittbukater4203]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ What does this have to do with Downton Abbey?

[@irenedavo3768]

My Mum was born in 1920

[@irenedavo3768]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ do you watch Jim Nduruchi

[@SeanBeBop]

@@irenedavo3768 @rose Has nothing to do wit Downton Abbey. Irene is either paid by or a stooge of the corrupt @JimNduruchi as her comments keep popping up everywhere to support him and his creepy charity. KZbin keeps cancelling his channels but they keep coming back.

[@amandachavez8848]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ A😳 es izikjKJ

[@tinydancer7426]

How ironic it was that the beautiful champagne colored beaded gown Lady Rose wore for her wedding reception was not designed for the show, rather it was found in a resale (thrift/charity shop as hey are called across the pond) and worn as it was found ..... not a single thing about the gown was changed. It was breathtaking.

[@malvavisco10]

How is that ironic?

[@noth9617]

@@malvavisco10 hahahahaha I was wondering if I was missing something.

[@averybisexualbookworm]

Did you mean iconic?

[@tinydancer7426]

@@averybisexualbookworm No. It was ironic that the dress was not created for the show. It was found in a thrift store/ resale store/second hand store .... whatever you want to call it. Point it (the dress) was/is a modern day, modern styled dress.

[@emilymatthews5058]

@@tinydancer7426 was it a modern dress rather than vintage? then I'd get you calling it ironic!

[@hannemanart]

I'm not surprised in the slightest... Downton was known to be pretty darn close to historical accuracy when it came to costumes

[@hydrolito]

What day time and channel is Downton Abbey even on? I've heard of it but have not watched it what exactly is it about romance, action, adventure, family drama, comedy or what?

[@imonlysaying9985]

@@hydrolito it's no longer on air. Ot was on sundays on itv in the uk. However I do believe netflix has the rights. It also had 2 films. It's about the day today life of an upper class family.living on a vast estate in yorkshire. Romance drama based

[@graceb9905]

@@hydrolito Downton Abbey is now on Peacock

[@davidknowles3459]

@@imonlysaying9985 It's being shown again on ITV at the weekends

[@007Julie]

@@hydrolitoit’s also on Amazon Prime in the US

[@mms4520]

Please do these more often! I absolutely adore them and get so excited when I see a new one pop up.

[@TheLiteralLatest]

Same! These are so interesting. 😍

[@rosedewittbukater4203]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ What does this have to do with Downton Abbey?

[@inurscreams4682]

I love how accurate Downton is. My sister was like, is it anything like Bridgerton? Uh, not even close sister. Their fashion isn't even anywhere near the period.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

Oooofff that’s a whole century off 😂😆😂😆 Secondly, even considering Bridgertons’ time period, many of those costumes aren’t accurate either, but the show was clearly going for the campy vibe, so at least it knew it wasn’t trying to be accurate.

[@logikgirl12]

Downton feels so real, it's true. It's like we're there The other show is comedy at best

[@trenae77]

@@jenniferhiemstra5228LoL try telling your uninformed friends that … you just get ‘looks’ 😂

[@Aboni-rw7uy]

Bridgerton was not meant to be accurate. It is a fiction just set in the period of regency era. It's just storytelling and imagination that is meant to be enjoyed as that and not be taken as reference for historical learning. Downton on the other hand, is meant to show how life was back in the 1900s... So obviously it has to show more accuracy as we are supposed to take it as a glimpse into the past and not just an entertaining fiction. I Don't think the two shows can or should be compared. They're great in their own ways.

[@Siansonea]

I'd love for Raissa to do more of these, but focusing on the men's ensembles, and the garments worn by the Downton Abbey staff.

[@dtschuor459]

🙌

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

She's on the spot

[@ThirdEyeAwake]

i had a vintage dress that i wasn’t quite sure how to wear until i saw the exact same dress on Mary in of the tea party scenes early in the show. it was really exciting to finally see how my dress was supposed to be worn.

[@394952]

You can tell Raisa is just happy that is so accurate. I love the series and the fact that they took the time to investigate and actually do a good job just makes it better. I love investing about the fashion in the show.

[@orangecouch]

Yay! So happy to see Raissa on your channel again! Her presentation is always informative, not only of the piece itself, but of the progression of fashion and the factors that informed those changes. I could listen to her all day.

[@andersonomo597]

The clothes in the last movie were STUNNING. Would love to see your take on them - and on the men's clothing too, and the servants!!

[@reader4111]

The finger wave hairstyle was more commonly created by the hairdresser who used her fingers and a comb to create that notable wave formation on the head after the hair had been drenched in a slimy-feeling finger-wave lotion, and then the hair dried in that form. For many years that finger-waving dexterity test was an important component of the NY State Board Tests required for an applicant to pass to obtain a Cosmetologist license. Perhaps it still is; it was in the late 1970s.

[@m.theresa1385]

I was the model for someone taking that test. Not very easy for her as my hair has a curl which she had to tame with the gel.

[@sugakookie6303]

I went to cosmetology school in the mid 90’s and had to learn how to do them, but thank goodness no at practicals for licensing… I hated making them…

[@Nyx773]

I have some setting lotion. It holds my curls very well. However it goes on slimy and dries stiff and crunchy.

[@brandyloutherback9288]

I wish Rose had adopted an orientalist look in Titanic, to show her artistic/rebellious side! Her mother couldn't complain as it was the latest style in Paris!

[@juliajulia9726]

Guess the only problem is that Rose was actually poor so they wouldn‘t have had money to buy the latest fashion.

[@waitingf0ryou]

Yessssss I’m 11 and I LOVE DOWNTON ABBEY AND SANDTION AND STUFF LIKE THAT

[@blackmumba111]

I agree but one cannot fault Titanic and its costuming. They did a LOT of research and planning for those outfits.

[@nataliealdous3899]

Ppooll

[@JB-vd8bi]

@@juliajulia9726 Rose is wearing the latest fashions. They probably were able to get credit and counting on Rose marrying to pay it back.

[@kassiopeia5565]

The fashion in this show changed my approach to choosing clothing in general. Simply marvelous.

[@Richardsonprincess00]

Seen these aristocracy ladies' fashion changes on them through the years in series and movies, bravo for the historical fashion fact and fiction.

[@goodtobuystore3158]

Took a long time for the Mary character to cut her hair apropos 1920s.

[@annbrookens945]

I love Raissa's analysis of costuming; these are always so good. That Fortuny gown! Gorgeous! I'm so surprised that it was loaned for the production!

[@dtschuor459]

Same

[@rockyroad7345]

The costumers on the series were unbelievably talented and one of my favorite parts of the show was the stunning and mesmerizing garments even tho I am no fashionista. I have looked extensively at historical photos of typical British aristocracy and they were overwhelmingly dowdy, outdated and a voluminous rumpled mess. They were very reserved and rarely fashion forward. Edith's wardrobe was my favorite overall but Mary was breathtaking in that taupe and dark blue number with her complexion and dark hair. Sybil's harem pants took my breath away. Great fun and informative episode.

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

I'm sure that a particular KZbinr has a bad comment about them

[@irishka_zolotse]

Thank you! A separate compliment to the host Raissa for her beautifully feminine detailed blouse/dress, her choice of hair style, lipstic and nail polish, and a ring, simply awesome style!!!!

[@cremebrulee4759]

So glad to know that their costumes are historically accurate for the most part.

[@carols.8103]

i mean, a lot of their clothes were actual vintage pieces, to the point where they were smelly 🌝

[@ladymcgonagall]

Finally, i've waited so long for someone to analise downton's costumes

[@jocelynw6405]

Jullian Fellowes & the rest of the crew earned their A+ in storytelling & costume design.

[@zuzuspetals9281]

Being able to see these costumes in person at Biltmore in Asheville in January of 2020 was the highlight of having watched the entire series with my cousin the year before. They were amazing, the detailed stitching, decoration, care taken to create them, and how stunning they looked in real life was extraordinary. I really appreciated that we were allowed to see them so closely. It was a really special event.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m so happy there’s a new episode of this because I’m loving this series 👏🏽

[@syedmazharhasan6803]

I am gonna die! You guys finally did Downton Abbey!

[@ImSandyRubi]

This took a while. Thanks for finally getting to Downton Abbey!

[@luisaoc7378]

I love Raissa!!! She was one of my main lockdown finds 💖

[@sandrapicton6349]

Enjoyed your clear descriptions. Thank you Raissa. More please!

[@ruthers251]

Thanks for this informative discussion. I would like to see commentary on the Dowager Duchess’s clothing as the older women seemed to have their own pace of fashion.

[@Happyheretic2308]

Edith’s Cafe Royal gown was beautiful

[@meghanmcgowan7748]

Please bring Raissa back to do Gentleman Jack! That's another gold standard show in terms of historical accuracy

[@ovh992]

Lady Mary's angular Bob hairstyle was definitely an influence for Vidal Sassoon. He is often credited with inventing that look but apparently he lifted it right off Louis Brooks head

[@caroleaton1]

I agree. History repeats itself.

[@jimin-ssibangtansmind7230]

If I could only marry Lady Mary's bob

[@jennyjustjenny7634]

I just finished the series and I loved everything about it but especially the costumes and their hair was so stunning.

[@annkruetzkamp3604]

I absolutely adore these lessons by Ms. Bretaña. They are delightful, inspiring and informative

[@lipikilledar6923]

been waiting for this since the first such video you did! this was so fun

[@ilincasecara7988]

Been really into history recently! Love what you do!❤❤❤

[@risk5riskmks93]

So wonderful to hear such a knowledgeable expert. Thank you!

[@lemorab1]

Thank you for this documentary about the costumes of Downton Abbey. The clothes are one of my favorite things about the show.

[@sufferingsappho5738]

I DIDNT KNOW I NEEDED THIS VIDEO UNTIL IT SHOWED UP ON MY FEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FlaminiaJulia]

Fortuny is incredible. Should you ever have the opportunity to visit the fortuny museum in Venice you shouldn't miss out on it!

[@DM-br7vt]

I love this show. I've rewatched all the seasons 3 times.

[@GaryRoseCO]

Sybil's jute coulette outfit was shown so quickly at the end of an episode, I really never got a good look at the legs until I saw the photo here. However, with the glance Igot, I loved it!

[@somewhereupthere785]

God I love that show and the movies. We need a series about the Dowager's early life.

[@kristinafrentz302]

I loved the details.of the costuming in Downton Abbey. I'm guilty of watching something just for the costumes and have gotten teased about it because I'll miss plot points. I would love to hear your opinion on another favorite of mine set in the later 20s, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The first look is a version of a Kameez with Patialas. It was a beautifully constructed garment and Sybil looked fabulous!

[@beckydean4374]

Please do a 'downstairs' version for the staff!

[@sofiakawaii5404]

Ideas: -Cinderella: Cinderella slave dress and ball gown -Sleeping Beauty: Aurora pendant dress and princess dress (and if it should be blue or pink) -The Little Mermaid: Ariel Pink dress and blue dress -Pocahontas: Pocahontas and John Smith outfits -Tangled: Rapunzel and Gothel dresses -Brave: Merida and Elinor dresses -Moana: Moana and Maui outfits -Raya and the Last Dragon: Raya and Namaari outfits -Encanto: Mirabel, Isabela, Dolores and Luísa dresses

[@Richardsonprincess00]

That's cartoons, knowing the history of fashion will find out sooner or later.

[@Richardsonprincess00]

@H already done, snow white, beauty and the beast, Frozen, Princess and the frog, and Aladdin Hopefully...i don't think cartoons won't happen.

[@sofiakawaii5404]

@@Richardsonprincess00 or maybe they will do the live action versions

[@wendyp8488]

I love Raissa’s analysis’s. Great to see this one of one of my favourite shows ⭐️

[@cassandraralph5906]

I loved the clothes worn on the Downton Abbey TV shows! They were beautiful just beautiful, and very accurate historically.

[@doubletrouble47]

*OML I LOVED (and still love) DOWNTON ABBEY-!* edit: *btw I even went to the castle lol-*

[@sonorasgirl]

Yay! That’s all. Please keep this series up!

[@lurategh]

While I love the fashion of different bygone eras, the '20s and on is one I wouldn't mind experimenting with. It seems less restrictive but still vintage and fun. This vid also inspires me to rewatch Downton Abbey. I love that show so much.

[@PastelBat]

I haven't watched Downton Abbey yet, I was just here for the fashion... Hearing my name was a totaly surprise at first. Now I want to watch the show even more because I love sharing my name with fictional characters!!

[@marysharpe6181]

I Loved this video on period pieces of Downtown Abbey. Thank you! ❤️

[@Gerry1of1]

I'd love it if you did Pride and Prejudice. Or Sense & Sensibility. Or both. :)

[@becca5100]

I just discovered a vintage gem I didn't know I had. They were called "unmentionables" when my mother was on her honeymoon in the late 1940s. Kind of a boy style short of silk, with of course no elastic. I just looked at them and melted, I had no idea I had such a treasure!

[@Crmsnraider]

Just randomly caught the ring she's wearing, Ive its near twin, without the flares on the base and a smaller diamond. Its old so makes sense the design may have been more prevalent then.

[@nerolia_gaming8030]

I like how Raissa's outfit here resembles some previous age fashion style and still looks like a modern piece! Nice!

[@lissssz]

I could hear Raissa Bretaña talking about historical dresses for ages.

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

Please let her get her own channel

[@ardenalexa94]

Love the red dress on the dark haired lady in the series. The historian’s dress is cute too.

[@macdaiddavidson8051]

That was wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing. 😊

[@SallyMars]

The actresses said a lot of the clothing was authentic and very heavy and since it was so old it smelled so so bad that they hated wearing the actual authentic pieces while filming lol

[@sfowler1017]

I love all the Raissa videos!

[@jenniferharris1280]

Thoughts? I want to know where Raissa got the gorgeous blouse/dress she's wearing in this one! It's simply splendid on her!

[@iamchristian1129]

Can you do the 2007 movie of Hairspray

[@jessicavictoriacarrillo7254]

Even the late 80s one (I really love the fashions in that movie).

[@InaMacallan]

A number of the costumes used in Downton were originally designed for the BBC series 'The House of Eliott' - and subsequently appeared in a number of other 1920s set shows.

[@ElizabethJimenezNowButler]

I'd love to see the lower class women included next time!

[@iceprincess1898]

I've been waiting for this!!!

[@juliebradley1184]

I love the shoes @ 2:50 min mark! If I could find some that were comfortable and affordable I'd wear them daily! Thanks for sharing this!!!

[@m.theresa1385]

Look for a shop selling dance shoes, you’ll find a variety of heels and it’s pretty easy to have a shoemaker add a rubber sole over the thin leather.

[@brandyloutherback9288]

We see a corset on Lady Mary without any undergarments on underneath! I was the 1st season after all, they hadn't found their groove yet!

[@merelhoekstra7330]

Very nice and pretty to see the ladies of Downton Abbey again! ❤😊

[@julietteangeli]

I always click on her videos! I would love to see her analyze Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.

[@다미최-w5b]

anything written by fellows is perfection be very careful about attacking him

[@caroleaton1]

The way women dressed in the 1920's was so beautiful but required so much effort. Beauty aside I'm thankful for my leggings and t-shirt. 😊

[@elizabethabaya4435]

Please do the Spanish series El tempo entre costuras. The English title is The Time in Between. Its literally full of fashion references.

[@MsTUDORSFAN]

Tiempo*. The title literally means "Time between the seams", too bad the english title didn't retain the subtle wordgame, cause the protagonist is a seamstress.

[@kamrenwalker]

i LIVE for these videos 😩

[@blugreen123]

Imagine changing your clothes 5-7 times a day. Good lord. 😬

[@gabrielametodieva8360]

Now I understand why they needed a maid to dress them 😂

[@lizjo7213]

Meh, what else was I doing? not like I worked plus I had servants to assist me...

[@arianeboutin6295]

Somehow, my hair have a slight ressemblance with Mary's like maybe the "coupe au carré " is the evolution of that style. Great video. It's interesting how they put the effort for the costumes. I am curious tough about the men layers now.

[@wallyjansen898]

My alltime favorite was Sybil in her harem outfit

[@s.troyer3330]

Would you do one on the Gilded Age?

[@marybethscherry2282]

Would love to see a video about "Call the midwife",especially one of Trixies outfits.

[@clarekrmiller]

I’d love to see a similar video about the servants’ clothing.

[@mirellalastar]

Can you please tell us where did you buy your top?

[@sayhello5377]

My favorite show! I’ve watched it through several times, along with both films. 🤗 Edith is my least favorite character, but she has my favorite wardrobe, especially once she meets Michael Gregson.

[@auroralee3934]

Michelle Dockery is so beautiful 😍

[@rrdcreates]

The concept that we can pinpoint fashion history to a year and season is just not realistic. There will always be early adopters of styles - so if we see Edith in something that wasn’t popular until 1923 - it makes sense because she is a rich individual who had access to the latest or bespoke options. That people picked up on the trend later on does not negate the fact that an aristocrat could have been there/done that on the trend seasons prior. When we talk about eras we need to be cognizant of place, wealth, daily responsibilities, and access. 1920s French Designer is not the same as 1920s New York middle class.

[@Ginasgusa]

Sybil’s headpiece is what elder Chinese lady wears during that period.

[@elizabethkenobi1365]

Thank you! So glad someone has finally done this!

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

Downton Abbey my favourite tv show 🥰

[@annedwyer797]

WOW, I didn't know Michelle Dockery wore a genuine Fortuny gown!! I read that Fortuny gowns couldn't be cleaned/laundered because it would destroy the pleating.

[@fantasyfiction101]

I think this fashion historian is more enthusiastic about the dresses in this video and she knows the period better then in some other videos.

[@heneralantonioluna8725]

Sybil was the most beautiful crawley for me

[@rl6116]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I was positive that was a Fortuny! How I would love one of his gowns.

[@lisajaenicke]

That was fun! Loved the series🙂

[@erinstanger416]

I think lady Edith was more conservative in her style because her sisters tried newer style years before Edith did. In second two Mary talked about cutting her hair short, but it was Sybil that actually did it. Also Mary wore a Chanel style dress before most people knew who Chanel really was as a designer. Edith did eventually do the same thing, like cut her hair, but it wasn't until later when the 1920's styles were more mainstream.

[@chiar8476]

How we've gone frm "fashionably flat chested" to "thicc" boggles me 🤣

[@matthewk2175]

If y’all like downtown abbey, check out the gilded age! The costumes are STUNNING and the story is great! It takes place in 1880s New York and the whole show is visually incredible

[@tfh5575]

downton is def my fav period drama

[@ximenagarzon764]

I have as personal goal wear something like Sibyl's dress in a wedding or some nice event

[@nycp1969]

I think Raissa was gentle on Edith's dress. I don't think it was at all accurate for 1920. Dresses in this era were much more layered and festooned than Edith's sleek deco dress. The show didn't have any of the barrel silhouette that was popular in 1917-1920. It was unflattering to modern eyes, but it was popular. Downton jumped right to the straight, minimal silhouette that wasn't in evidence till around 1923.