Would you try on this 134 year old ballerina costume??? I DID.

Before we get started, I do have a disclaimer. I’m not wearing the right chemise (community guidelines) or the right corset. I was worried I would not fit into the bodice so I wore my 1900 corset made by Ninonella that is capable of lacing me down. This was sold me as a ballerina costume. It may have been a Victorian 18th century fancy dress costume. I DID NOTTTT have the proper petticoat that would have gone under this. It has tons of cartridge pleating, which tells me it was worn under a very full petticoat so please ignore my modern day solution.
On Ye Olde Tubes of the You I have an entire long form video where I talk about the garment and show the guts so you can see more close up details. Unfortunately I had a minute and a half for IG to try to show you everything.
I really cannot express how much I love the Met Gala theme for this year. It really draws attention to the struggle conservators face is thing to preserve our history for future generations. It highlights just how magical these Guardians of the past truly are.
#metgala #metgala2024 #victorianfashion #victorian #antique

[@AstaDarling]

DISCLAIMER PART II: I tripped up and mentioned the theme being Sleeping Beauties (I also called it Celestial Bodies oop) but my focus was on the EXHIBITION not the Carpet theme. I filmed all of this without a script and just rambled. Sorry I didn’t make that clearer, mea culpa.

[@grodjigoli9509]

Sweet.❤❤❤

[@grodjigoli9509]

Sweet.❤❤❤

[@grodjigoli9509]

Sweet.❤❤❤

[@grodjigoli9509]

Sweet.❤❤❤

[@grodjigoli9509]

Sweet.❤❤❤

[@balletgoat]

The dress is so beautiful! As a ballet dancer who loves historical fashion, seeing one of these costumes on a video is so amazing

[@AstaDarling]

Thank you so much!

[@daynagilfillan1015]

Love u well done x ur so pretty x

[@timefoolery]

Same! I rarely got to wear something as beautiful when dancing. It looks like something in a Degas painting. ❤

[@claireschweizer4765]

Same!!!

[@holyfireholdingspace888]

Clear nail polish

[@acelibrarian]

As someone who works with limited yardage often, and has altered ballet costumes to fit various sizes, I wonder if that back panel of lace wasn't an early-on repair/a discovery that they didn't have enough material? Regardless, this looks like it could be a court dress for a fairytale ballet like Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty. I don't know that it would be a starring role dress of the era, though. They tended to have much less sleeve.

[@katlover4442]

Party Scene from the 1st act of The Nutcracker, Clara’s mom particularly…

[@acelibrarian]

@@katlover4442 that is possible, though the style doesn't really fit the era. Idk when they set it back when it was first produced, but usually nowadays it is set later in history than that dress is supposed to look.

[@PurpleandWhiteStories]

I think you may be right in that it's a ballet costume. As you pointed out with the skirt construction, as well as the bodice interior. It would be a treat to see it with the proper undergarments. (There's still ballet dresses made that mimic this one.) Don't apologize for being emotional. Those are happy tears! ❤

[@4MalletPrincess]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who cries seeing old garments in person!!!

[@Taratreehugger]

Right?! Me too.

[@samelevan1]

I love your emotion and excitement and pure JOY you have for these pieces and your collection ❤ it’s absolutely gorgeous and in phenomenal hands

[@kaks2912]

Your emotion putting this beautiful dress on was what made it even more beautiful! Your gentleness with it was incredibly touching! ♥️

[@csmith2662]

^ what they said 😜 I also appreciate the honesty of sharing your genuine reaction. There is beauty in old things, and there are moments where we feel connected to the past and it’s people - through places and objects. Thank you for sharing your moment with us!!! ❤ One of my moments came when I got the diaries of Lewis Carroll from a university library sale. I remember looking through the different bins at the books you could buy. I opened up that one to a random page and the top most entry was discussing life in general - including the health of his family - then at the end of the entry…“Alice is selling well.” It spoke to me that a man who lived so long ago wrote down his thoughts so we know what he was thinking 158 years ago. In that moment, it was like he was speaking through time. And his stories (as well as other older works) still matter. They’re still relevant, because people care about the same things that they did in the past. Society changes over time of course, but at the end of the day people are people. We want to love and be loved. We want connection. We want to be happy and feel productive. We want to feel like our life has meaning and purpose. We want to have the coolest tools and technology. We want to be attractive and wear nice things. One of my pet peeves is when people say old writing is boring and irrelevant. It’s not! Here’s a great example: Young men 2,000 years ago wanted to “have fun”with a pretty lady just like they do now. In fact, “carpe diem” came from a Latin poem in which general message is something along the lines of “you are young and beautiful right now, but we don’t know what tomorrow will bring because we have no guarantee, so you should sleep with me today” 🤓😜

[@LivingVintageAndHandmade]

I can completely understand the emotion behind this. It’s not only a beautiful garment, but you are feeling the history attached to it, that makes it so much more than a beautiful dress. Absolutely stunning!

[@Jacques-xg9vc]

😊 I understand how emotional it is to realise someone else had the same happiness wearing this amazing outfit. It suits you so much... It's like it has been made for you. You make it shining... Thanks so much to share with us...

[@miss_smiley6830]

Astra, I love the way your emotions affect you about clothes. It's not silly to cry, even if it is about a dress. It means something to you and I love that. I love that you shared this with us, too. The dress is stunning, even if it is being withered by time.

[@sewmuchjoy]

Wow. Don't apologize for getting emotional Asta! (😭) She is soooooo beautiful! Magnificent!!! And you look STUNNING!! I can't even imagine what an honor it must have been to wear! Sitting here and seeing you wearing it....ohhh. We were all thinking of the lady, long ago, who wore those garments and then danced in it! Most beautiful outfit I think I've ever seen! Beautifully sewn! I love the colors!! Perhaps you could recreate her...? To preserve her memory! 💖

[@flyingnow4233]

Your joy and passion for historical clothing is infectious. We are so lucky to celebrate with you. Thank you for sharing.

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

I so wish you lived closer. Our historical society needs somebody to cry with joy over our treasures.

[@amsan7710]

Hi all. You wear so well this beautiful dress. It makes me think that you owned it 134 years ago, during your previous life. You reconnect to little girl's dreams when you wear it. So cute! Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@valerieshive9160]

This is such a wondrous treat to see this gorgeous delicate garment and I completely understand why you should be emotional connecting with a precious piece of history like that! I know I would!

[@cynthiat6505]

This beautiful costume is with the right person. You will give her the respect she deserves. And you look glorious in her!

[@disney_et_moi]

Miss Asta Darling! You do not need to apologise for showing your emotions. You see: what you are experiencing is just simply called: living for one’s passion! And what’s more is that showing emotions while creating video content gives your videos simply something so human: you post videos in order to teach us something; of course there is also money, but you don’t just post videos in order to gain money, you do it, because you know that if you post a video, numerous people will watch and they will love it, no matter what. If you laugh, you laugh, if you sing, you sing and if you have to cry, well just simply cry. No one is going to judge.❤❤ My dearest greetings 😊

[@arielaragon7310]

Your gentleness with historical garments is so wonderful to see. Thank you for showing us this wonderful ballet costume!

[@elizabethleach2778]

A beautiful girl in a beautiful dress. Thank you for sharing your passion for life, for fashion, and for conservation of our past. You inspire me to not hold back on sharing my passions with others.

[@Jess-Who-Nic-too77]

She is right where she needs to be..with a young lady..no no ..a beautiful young lady, who's just as beautiful inside and out as ..she! I cherish antique clothing. I can understand being emotional..how beautiful.. The first owner who commissioned her and now you as current owner must feel sliding your arms into her sleeves.. gazing in the mirror watching her have life breathed into her once again, feeling her beauty come alive again, after being in a box for 100 years! I hope you spin and twirl her around to your hearts desire.. and once for me! Thank you so much for including your audience for this moment. Enjoy!!💕💓💞💗

[@sailormoonworld]

Your tears of joy is a beautiful expression of your passion and the seamstress who created this would be thrilled to see your love and care for her work. Lovely ❤

[@kristenhartmann7807]

You don't ever need to apologize for emotion! I love your content, both long and short form. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, and for all you do.

[@annguthrie7762]

The dress is stunning and I can understand why you love it so much. It’s amazing how pieces like this survive. I so enjoy watching you share your love of historical dresses, and I could feel your joy in wearing such a beautiful creation.

[@kish9836]

It's beautiful! It reminded me of the 12 dancing princesses dresses ngl.

[@christyhartmann4264]

To hold such history in your arms and then to be able to wear it is bringing tears to my eyes as I think of the awesome joy and wonder of it all.

[@fannydriscoll]

What an amazing dress!!! Love it!!! I am glad you put it on and brought it back to life!!!!!

[@SinginginD]

BREATHTAKING! I felt the magic the moment you put her on. And seeing you step back into frame with it all done up gave me goosebumps! I pictured entering a ball or stepping out on stage and someone looking at you in awe, like the famous Cinderella entrance at the ball. A crystallized moment in which the lady wearing it would be hoping to be admired by a suitor or a long-time husband or an audience. I could melt!

[@judyb503]

The beauty of this dress was not fully realized until you were wearing it. Thank you so much for sharing this tender moment❤️

[@risingwithphoenixnuru8532]

Thank you for your authenticity ❤ Thank you for showing such a passion for preserving pieces from that long ago. This was such a breath of fresh air.

[@avenginggoddess]

It's stunning, and I'm glad you gave it one final "dance."

[@theliterarytarot]

I love these historical posts, that is so lovely

[@makeda6530]

So exciting! Like a Cinderella silver. It’s so beautiful to see your connection to it with the tears.

[@AnUnimpressedCat]

It’s so gorgeous and you can tell how much work and love went into it! Also as someone who cries over everything I feel you girl, sometimes the emotions just hit 🥹

[@AstaDarling]

❤❤❤❤

[@raewren]

Your emotional moments are just so pure. You reveling in the history of the piece, how the lady wearing must have felt…I love it.

[@jennifersullivan7306]

You look amazing, and I can feel your happiness through the screen! I'm so happy for you to get to have an historical piece that means so much to you! ❤️

[@CarolynParsons-mv1ji]

So stunning!!!! I’m so glad it’s still in existence and that she’s part of your collection. She belongs with someone who truly appreciates her history and beauty and delicately. I have done a small bit of costuming myself (nothing even close to your level) and I have a tremendous respect for the amount of work that went in to creating her. I know you will treasure her as she is meant to be.

[@penniecormier8770]

You look amazing. The dress is stunning. A dancer like you could truly appreciate this gown! I can easily see this shepherdess gown taking center stage at a ballet or fancy-dress ball. I imagine lots of dancing happened! Can’t wait to see the copy you sew!

[@katlover4442]

It reminds me of the Party Moms’ costumes from the 1st act of The Nutcracker during the party scene, particularly Clara’s mom. Clara’s mom had the prettiest dress and, although her dress was burgundy, the style was very close to this dress. My daughters danced in the local ballet company’s production of The Nutcracker throughout their elementary and high school years, and two years into college…

[@rachelgallus5694]

I first followed your channel for historical fashion content, but now and especially after this video I follow you because of your passion for exactly this kind of thing! I love how moved you are with wearing this piece. Watching you put it on and talk about it makes me think that somewhere 100 years ago another woman put this on and felt stunning just as you do here! I know what you mean about feeling the joy of an object, feeling the intensity that someone else left in this fabric, when it was made and when it was used. I think artists and passionate people leave a little bit of their soul and everything they make and love, and when we use historical objects, especially well loved ones, we get to connect with that piece of them I think the soul in this dress is happy to be cared for by you!

[@nessajes]

This look like a ballet costume for a story/theatrical piece. Its so lovely❤

[@rileyhudson9326]

I've been following your videos for years, and never before have I felt so much joy in seeing you wear something so stunning. You truly do look like the Belle of the Ball, Asta. I believe when you say you can feel the joy of the woman who wore it, that she may have worn it while doing something she truly loved; Whether it be dancing for show, or for love. I would love to see you reproduce this dress to wear, perhaps with a few alterations to make it last longer. After all, seeing the places where this gown is shattering tells you where the garment could use some reinforcements. Thank you for sharing this treasure with us.

[@00keziah]

You look beautiful. How wonderful that you felt the happiness of the woman that wore that dress and had an evening she remembered for ever. You gave her a time out again.

[@Melanie-bn3sj]

The dress is radiant! The moment you slipped it over your arms, your face lit up. The colors and sheen of the fabric seemed to have melted into you and you were both glowing! It was very moving and i think all of us witnessed something very special in this video. Very special because we were in love with the woman who originally wore this gown, and we felt the love embrace you as she shared with you her beauty. So moving!

[@agiles6483]

This is an absolutely beautiful gown, especially as you tried it on, seeing how much it means for you to have for your collection is making me teary eyed. The hours of work it would have taken to make is hard to imagine.

[@nancycollins8824]

It is beautiful! And so are you! Thanks for rescuing these lovely pieces!

[@mariavanessanaranjoamorett6574]

Thank you for sharing such beautiful garments.🥰❤️ I was awed at the honor of seeing you wear such beautiful pieces.

[@grauntie57]

I believe that clothing can hold the emotions of the people who wore the garment. I get feelings when i try on vintage or antique garments and i think its from the previous wearer

[@SharylM-se5ku]

Your genuine emotions speaks volumes. The dress is all the more beautiful because of the woman who wears it and has genuine love for these grand ladies. Thank You for sharing your knowledge and love for these garments. I love to watch your posts.

[@robinhoogewerf6712]

What made this video awesome is your wholesome reaction to this lovely garment. Your passion for this genre of fashion is truly evident in every video and its a pleasure to view. Thank you for sharing !

[@JenniePrice89]

I think it’s beautiful that you get emotional about something you are passionate about. Of all your cosplays, historical tours, costume makes/shares, my favorite videos are the ones that talk about historically accurate pieces and teaching how and Why things were seen/made the way they were at the time! Getting to see aging gems like this is So cool! And you’re right, they deserve to be seen before they disintegrate, lost forever. Keep being unapologetically you! 💜

[@FaeWild_Fancies]

I need you to know that I teared up with you and am feeling really incredibly lucky just to be able to see her. Stunning.

[@mrscolonyrabble]

Getting emotional right there with you. Thanks for sharing your joy with us.

[@krystle1695]

This is an incredible time capsule. Thank you for showing us this beautiful outfit!

[@maryrottman1530]

The outfit is beautiful. Your tears and emotion showed how much you loved the dress.

[@user-ch2ni7hy8h]

When you put on bodice I'm started crying. Thank you for sharing this moment ❤

[@ZombiWait]

That was a lovely video. Old things have their history and you are sensitive enough to feel that. Beautiful dress! Thanks for letting it be worn once more.

[@sarahpezzat5666]

It's so Giselle! Thank you for sharing her ❤

[@katlover4442]

Possibly the Prince’s fiancée or one of the ladies of the royal court, it wouldn’t be for Giselle or any of the village girls. They wore peasant style dresses for the 1st act and then white romantic tutu’s for the 2nd act… I was thinking party mom dress (specifically Clara’s mom) from the 1st act of The Nutcracker party scene. My daughters danced in The Nutcracker every year for about 20 years…

[@EmyajNosdrahcirEniacSovereign]

It is wonderful to see how much joy and excitement you have with wearing such beautiful clothes as these as well. It is definitely something I encourage other people to do for themselves of whatever also resonates with them too. Everyone that certainly does so has similarly expressed far greater satisfaction and confidence with themselves as you do here. But in their own way also.

[@jenniferalexander920]

It’s a beautiful old gown. I love seeing your joy. It looks gorgeous on you.

[@lyndioli]

Just beautiful! And those sleeves... WOW, I don't even have the words to express my appreciation of the artistry that went into them as well as the whole bodice!!!✨💞✨

[@juliejohnson-hunt7134]

She is stunning!

[@kerridwynntheacegoblin6465]

Those beautiful pastel shades work incredibly well with your coloring. So lovely.

[@ellenwood719]

The ballet costume/fancy dress is gorgeous! Absolutely breathtaking!!

[@robynwilliams460]

She is beautiful! I loved that you showed how much you love her! ❤❤❤

[@itschelseakay]

I feel like your tears are another perfect example of the sleeping beauty theme. Knowing this dress is slowly coming apart and it’s beauty will be lost one day, thinking of all the beauty that’s already been lost, thinking of the woman who wore this dress, how alive and vibrant she once was yet now we don’t even know her name. It’s heartbreaking but at the same time, beautiful. When we stay in the present we can revel in the beauty and love, but when we focus on the past or the future our heart breaks. So a mix of emotions makes sense 💕 It makes me emotional when I see a historical piece in a new home with someone who cherishes it. It gives me a deep sense of peace 🥰 You were meant to have this dress

[@louannmanthey5194]

So beautiful. What wonderful pieces.

[@lindabeebe7065]

It is such a beautiful piece. I find it hard to comprehend that people used to wear such exquisite things on a regular basis through their lives for one occasion or another. It’s so far removed from this day and age of comfort clothing that is stretch jeans or leggings & tennis shoes it seems unreal! Such a fairytale piece.

[@dianamontijo41]

And you wear it so well. Absolutely Lovely. Thank you for sharing.

[@alexandriaharper9996]

Beautiful work. Never apologize for crying it’s a natural emotion.

[@gloriabromley7315]

Thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous dress and the explanation of the structure. Unbelievable! ❤️

[@Taratreehugger]

It’s wonderful to see another person like me! I have that reaction when I touch anything that I know was touched or held by a person from the past. It really feels like a connection is made across time and it’s magical. The closest to time travel I can get.

[@TimiFung]

The beautiful dress has been waiting for her owner for more than a hundred years, and she has finally arrived ! Her life can be resurrected again !

[@dawngable4622]

Such a stunning piece of artwork

[@edgarescamilla2679]

Now having the dress on you, it does feel as if it was a “costume” for the ballet “Giselle” in the first and final acts. Such a beautiful ballet too, just like your dress. ☺️🥹🤩☺️

[@arriannaniv]

You are so beautiful and adorable as you get so emotional over the dress. It’s not silly at all and don’t apologize for something so beautifully human.

[@natashapowell9445]

A truly stunning piece.

[@laurachutchison9604]

That dress is absolutely beautiful!!❤

[@MichelleDurbin-qg6sz]

I agree that the dress is beautiful! I am so glad to see someone else that loves history and clothing as much as I do. 🎉🎉🎉 3 cheers to you!

[@melaniemerritt-davis8421]

It is truly gorgeous! Feel like there is so much construction to be studied here and the best of luck with replicating those sleeves.

[@maureendelzer]

The dress is absolutely stunning! The bodice is a work of art, and it complements your figure perfectly. It's truly a breathtaking piece that captures attention and admiration.

[@user-hw9lo4oz2g]

Such a beautiful gown. So very well made. So lovely on you. ❤️ 😊

[@nafisamaliat3206]

Well you're not alone... I also get emotional by old things ❤

[@Kattaccino]

When you started crying, I did too. It's so lovely to know there are people in this world who care so deeply about old things and the work and love and passion that have been put into them over the years ❤️

[@marcienance2615]

So gorgeous!! Ive always been in awe of the clothing for the 1800’s and very early 1900’s. I wish I could get my hands on plus size garments so I could feel what it’s like to wear items from then. ❤🥰😍😘

[@sarahe2274]

Oh my gosh. When you teared up I was feeling totally fine, just understanding why you were feeling emotional, but not feeling emotional myself. And then, to my surprise, tears started to well in my own eyes!!! That was a weird experience. But honestly, such a beautiful look into the past. I'm so happy you shared it. And I love your connection to the past.

[@yazpis1achio]

SHE'S GORGEOUS!

[@DawnSaleh]

❤❤beautiful. Its wonderful see how much you connect to these pieces and history

[@horseygirl18]

feel all the feelings - nothing wrong with that! ❤❤ what a beautiful garment - it was a joy to share in your obvious excitement

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

I love the combination of colours in this.

[@aceofspades3003]

There's definitely a warm and positive energy imbued in this gown. It was much loved in the past and I feel like you're experiencing some of that energy now ❤ ❤

[@MamaKittieKat]

Such a beautiful costume!!! 🥰

[@gloriakelly4040]

The bows on the sleeves ate just beautiful. A neighbor gave me a number of antique family garments that, like yours, are shattering. It is so sad to see them starting to fall apart.

[@katiearbuckle9017]

Nutcracker Christmas Party scene

[@AB-mx1de]

That is an excellent theory!

[@katlover4442]

That’s exactly what I’m thinking!!! Party moms 1st act, Clara’s mom to be precise. Our local ballet company does The Nutcracker every year and this dress reminds me of the party moma’ costumes. My daughters danced in The Nutcracker for about 20-22 years, my oldest daughter was even Clara for one season!!!

[@alesmuron8613]

Full load of fun, prefessionality and nice historicel journey,... bravo !

[@ushere5791]

gorgeous. thank you for sharing her with us!

[@julienicol9202]

It is so beautiful! I hope one day I can maybe recreate historical fashion for myself in reference to real garments like this one! I love ballet costumes (because I have danced for a long time) and old fancy dress costumes too! 💖

[@WinterStream]

Its absolutely breathtaking beautiful!

[@geraldwhite3523]

Your passion is contagious I felt Ike crying too. It is wonderful how you are able to fit in such a beautiful costume. I have a plumper shape with a very full bust so I have to go in another direction. Thank you for sharing.

[@loricarter2394]

This is an absolutely beautiful garment ❤

[@A_Amazi]

Even if I cared 0% about this before, I can feel your excitement, joy, and passion about it, and that’s lovely.

[@lucindamahaffey4556]

I would be crying, too. What a thrill and an honor to be able to put her on, if just for a few minutes. And you were deemed worthy by the history of the dress to be allowed to feel the love and the joy. I totally get it.