Catch up on past fashions during Palace Démodé weekend

Some Colonial fashions might not fit in today. Modern women might wonder how they could ever fit into some of the 18th century clothes.  But, the fashions of that era are fun to view and the histories of how they were made are interesting.

Tryon Palace presents a Démodé Fashion Weekend Friday through Sunday.

Strictly speaking, Démodé is an adjective meaning “no longer in fashion; out of date; outmoded.”

And these fashions, hand-made, are definitely classics of the 18th century.

The weekend programs include a variety of fashion programs, period demonstrations and children’s crafts.

The 6 p.m. fashion show Friday night is in the visitors’ center and provides 18th century fashion with a runway twist. Tickets are $6.

Saturday’s Démodé Fashion Day is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and it is included in regular admission to the Palace grounds and buildings. Visitors will learn about the clothing Gov. Tryon and his family, friends and servants would have worn. The Kitchen Office will feature a busy gown maker and her assistant making an 18th-century gown in the period way in one day. 

Also on Saturday, Tryon Palace Theater presents “Layers of History” at 1 p.m. It’s a light-hearted program that explores exactly what an 18th-century lady and her servants would have to endure to keep her dressed in high fashion.

Tickets are $4, $2 for students and free with regular admission.

Sunday’s program is “A Framework for Fashion” at 2 p.m. in the Commission House Parlor.
This is a special lecture for the women, who can enjoy tea and light treats while they learn the truth and history on 18th-century ladies undergarment

Admission is $4 per adult, $2 per student, and free with regular admission.