My good friend Mike Morton has sent me a few pictures of his wife Angy's latest creation. She is a fashion designer and dressmaker, and recently received an order for a sidesaddle habit to be worn to a wedding.
The couple getting married operate a heritage centre and organised an Edwardian-themed wedding complete with old costumes, vehicles and agricultural machinery for atmosphere. Mike told me that the event looked almost like a film set, so complete was the image of past times.
The habit was made according to an old pattern that was unearthed by research. I gather that the process of making the garment was an interesting challenge for Angy and one that she thoroughly enjoyed.
There are some more images on Angy's blog. She did mention that future orders for equestrian apparel of this kind will be very welcome.
Fashion is far from my usual lines of interest. However I found it fascinating to see what an elegant costume could be created by a skilled and imaginative craftsperson supported by an enthusiastic and visonary customer. It is interesting to see an artefact from the past beautifully recreated and used for its intended purpose.
The photos are Mike's, and were taken around the fringes of the wedding. Unfortunately I don't have any that show the atmospheric quantum of the event. But these two are attractive and impressive, showing what a great result has been achieved.
Her horse was very well behaved too, having a mass of bright flowing fabric on his back in addition to his accustomed rider.
Incidentally, the wedding took place in northern England. The stone walls are characteristic of the area, and are made using stones cleared from the land in time immemorial.
I cannot help but admire the couple's courage in organising such an event given the unpredictable English weather!