ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – You can learn about history from clothing and fashion just like you can from a battlefield photo.
Joy Melcher, a historical dress designer from Osage, Iowa, is doing just that by showcasing her costume designs that honor the early 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Melcher has created period clothing for some of the most renowned theatrical organizations and museums in the country. Most recently, her costumes were featured in the Hulu production ‘General Earl Van Dorn’ based on the life of the American General.
“It was very fun to work with the women who were some of the more extras, some of them were professional actresses,” Melcher said.
The History Center of Olmsted County is hosting a Queen Marie Antoinette-themed historic fashion show fundraiser on Sunday in Rochester at the Mayo Civic Center, which will feature Melcher’s fashionable work.
She said her designs will tell the stories of what some women went through during those moments in history.
“There were bad things. you couldn’t stand close to a fireplace because you could catch on fire easily. Women’s fashion, you know, no pain, no gain,” Melcher said.
Ahead of the fashion show, Melcher is spending her time walking models through history.
“The models so far have been very generous with their time,” Melcher said.
Valerie Wassmer, the Director of Education at the history center and a model in the show, expressed that she’s a little nervous, hoping she doesn’t trip.
“I wouldn’t wanted to have lived and had to wear all this all the time. It’s kind of fun to step back in time a little bit,” Wassmer said.
But Wassmer is excited to walk the runway in Melcher’s historic works of art.
“I love the idea of tangible history. It’s one thing to read about something on an exhibit or read about it or look at a picture in a book. But to be able to be in the room and watching these amazing gowns walk down the runway kind of brings history to life,” Wassmer explained.
Aside from seeing eye-catching designs, Welcher hopes attendees walk away having learned something new about our past.
“It is a lot of work, but I like the interest from people. That said, I didn’t know that, you know, that’s so much fun.”
The doors to the fashion show will open at 1 p.m. Desserts will follow at 1:30 p.m. before the show begins at 2 p.m.
Tickets are only available online on the history center’s website.
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