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Corsets and Cravats in Person Summer Conference
August 4-6, 2023 Registration Opens at 12pm EST March 18, 2023. REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
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Established in 2018, Corsets & Cravats strives to present well researched educational content on mid-19th century topics. Originally held in Newberry, South Carolina, we switched gears and went virtual in 2020. Since 2020, we have provided both in person and virtual content to attendees from across the globe. Our instructors are established history professionals from academic as well as museum fields. We strive to make history accessible to everyone through the examination of material culture and social history. At Corsets & Cravats, we dive into what people were wearing, reading, expressing, singing, using in their households, etc. We look into a full story of history not just one small group to the exclusion of other people. More history is always better than less history with more for us to learn and explore.
Along with the serious history, we like to have a bit of costumed fun. Many of our attendees create quality reproduction period garments to attend the costumed portions of our events, but you never know when a dinosaur or a Viking may appear. We are proud to count among our instructors and attendees some of the best mid-19th century costumers in the United States, but don't let that scare you from participating. We are eager to help in your journey into historical costuming. We understand that people are in different stages of their journey into this exciting hobby.
Our schedule this year is set up much as it has been in previous years with educational activities in modern dress during the day with costumed events in the evenings. This is not a full-dress or immersion event. You are more than welcome to wear modern clothing to lectures and classes. Historical dress is not required at any weekend events.
Along with the serious history, we like to have a bit of costumed fun. Many of our attendees create quality reproduction period garments to attend the costumed portions of our events, but you never know when a dinosaur or a Viking may appear. We are proud to count among our instructors and attendees some of the best mid-19th century costumers in the United States, but don't let that scare you from participating. We are eager to help in your journey into historical costuming. We understand that people are in different stages of their journey into this exciting hobby.
Our schedule this year is set up much as it has been in previous years with educational activities in modern dress during the day with costumed events in the evenings. This is not a full-dress or immersion event. You are more than welcome to wear modern clothing to lectures and classes. Historical dress is not required at any weekend events.
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We are excited to hold our 2023 event at 3 historic locations in Raleigh, North Carolina this year. Our main location is the City of Raleigh Museum located in the Briggs Hardware Building built in 1874. Our breakout locations include Mordecai Historic Park and the Borden Building. The Mordecai Historic Park is located on the grounds of the Mordecai House. Built in 1785, it is the oldest house in Raleigh still in its original location. Built in 1900, The Borden Building is one of the two remaining buildings from Raleigh's Methodist Home for Children. We are excited to be partnering with these and other historic locations in downtown Raleigh this year. Transportation between locations will be provided.
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Registration includes 4 large group lectures and 4 breakout sessions. The breakout sessions are classes, not workshops, and you may not finish your projects within the weekend. Additional class or kit fees are noted where relevant. Instructors will provide you with a list of necessary materials before the event weekend. Breakout sessions are intended to give attendees better access to instructors to ask more questions and learn skills that are more difficult to teach to a large group.
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Corsets & Cravats has a conference book like no other. The book contains 300+ pages of handouts and references from the event. It has full-color pictures and relevant information instructors want to make sure you have access to after their classes. You get information on all classes, not just the ones you attend. Registering for the weekend is the only way to get this book!
If you are interested in advertising in the Corsets & Cravats book, please email admin@corsetsandcravats.com for more information. Advertisers will also have their ads or products projected on a screen in the City of Raleigh Museum throughout the weekend. |
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Another great feature of attending Corsets & Cravats is being able to see extant items on display in Collectors' Corner. Collections of antique garments from the mid-19th century and other items will adorn the gallery of the City of Raleigh Museum. Displays change daily. We are grateful to all of the generous collectors who have shared portions of their collections with us in the past! We are already coordinating this year's displays. This year will not disappoint!
(If you are interested in sharing some of your own interesting antique items, please email us at admin@corsetsandcravats.com.) |
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Our social event this year for attendees only is a fancy dress party. Fancy dress is a period costume party. Dress in earlier time periods, as a book character, as a historic or mythical figure. The options are endless, but keep in mind this is an event held in the modern world. The event will take place Friday night in the City of Raleigh Museum. Snacks and drinks will be served.
If you choose to attend, but not to dress in a costume, please dress appropriately for an evening social function. No Civil War military impressions please. If you are unfamiliar with Fancy Dress, there is a great class by Carolann Schmitt in our Virtual Library called History, Whimsy, Allegory: Costumes for a Fancy Dress Party or Ball. |
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Our Share What You Wear fashion show is moving from Friday to Saturday night this year. Catie Shows of Honey Magnolia Studios is coordinating this year's show which will be set up like a real fashion show with a runway and attendees seated on either side facing the runway to better see costumed participants. Each look will be described as participants proceed down the runway. This year's theme is "This is my Story" which allows attendees to share the story of the garments they are wearing. Does the original garment you copied have an interesting story? Where did you find the fabric? What inspired you? In the past, we have had everything from swim wear to a period Santa Clause. There are plenty of opportunities elsewhere to show your military impressions, please think outside the box and do something different. Use your creativity.
Proceeds from this year's Share What You Wear will be donated to the City of Raleigh Museum. Attendees wishing to participate must submit outfit descriptions in advance of the event weekend for planning purposes. Group submissions welcome. |
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Our vendor area consistently provides only the best in historical wares. Our past vendors include Timely Tresses, Corner Clothiers, Amazon Drygoods, C. Read Apothecary, Blessed Bee Herbals, Merrick Custom Leather, Past Reflections, Beth Miller Hall, Ortega Trading, and others. Our vendor area will be set up in the lobby of the City of Raleigh Museum for the entire weekend.
If you are interested in being a vendor at Corsets & Cravats, please email us. Space is limited with preference going to past vendors. |