Two weeks ago, I took my annual trip to the Port Townsend Victorian Festival. I debuted my new bustle gown, hung out with so many costuming friends, and had a nice time wandering around the town in my Victorian costumes. But unfortunately, some of the organizers really screwed up this weekend, and it resulted in multiple people feeling hurt and unsafe. So let's talk about it. Please go follow Costumers of Color & Soulaani Seamstress: http://instagram.com/costumersofcolor http://tiktok.com/@soulaani.seamstress Check out my other event vlogs, including past Victorian Festivals here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeUQ-NeEZhXzhxlQbbnQXTEF1Zd1BJmLy *Get to know me better* My instagram: http://instagram.com/ladyrebeccafashions Become a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/ladyrebeccafashions Help support my channel on Ko-Fi: http://ko-fi.com/ladyrebeccafashions *Recommendations* My Favorite Sewing Tools: https://www.amazon.com/shop/ladyrebeccafashions?listId=34KSQ7UG5WTEM What I use for filming: https://www.amazon.com/shop/ladyrebeccafashions?listId=V69HIP5184AU Edited on Wondershare Filmora: https://alnk.to/flpXG4i My PO Box: Lady Rebecca Fashions PO Box 695 Auburn, WA 98071 Business inquiries: [email protected] *Amazon links are affiliate links. It really helps me out if you use them!*
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I saw Noelle's (Costuming Drama) thoughts on this and OMG I was so shocked. But the gasp I gusped watching what she and Gigi had to say. I was so heartbroken for her and other costumers that felt so hurt by this unfathomable error in judgement. On the plus side, I hope that Gigi's event becomes an absolute smash hit. I would love to go if I ever get back to that area and at the right time. You looked fantastic and everything you make is so beautiful. That natural form has always been a favourite of mine since you made it, and I fully understand the parking lot disrobing. I have done that so many times. I have a popup changing tent I can get in to do the whole thing right there if that's the only way to drive from the event in normal clothing.
I’ve followed you for years and I also follow GiGi. Of course I’ve heard you talk about this event and seen your videos. I was so shocked when she talked about what happened. I don’t know why I was shocked. I’m a black southerner in my 60s. I know all about the revisionist ‘lost cause’ mythos and I’m still stunned any time I see someone wearing Confederate uniforms in public. It’s bad enough here in Georgia I can’t imagine how I’d feel seeing it in Washington state. Really looking forward to seeing her event and I know the costumes will be amazing and more importantly the environment will be safe.
I love your fairy godmother ballgown! The colours are so beautiful. All your friends' dresses were lovely too!
It was wonderful to meet up with you briefly!! I hope we can meet up at an event sometime again I plan to no longer attend the festival specifically. It's so sad but I'm just not ok with how they handled the entire situation both initially and in the following days. I hope I can afford to attend the event from Costumers of Color, but either way cannot wait to see what Gigi does!
I have heard Gigi's POV, and a few others, I have been waiting for your take. I've been that coordinator for pop culture fashion shows for years at a LARGE Pop Culture convention; we would never do that. Every costume would be vetted for offence. Every comment was taken seriously. The people at the PTVF sound like they want the event to fail.
i only ever wanted to go to see the pretty dresses but ill just select a event hosted by better hosts when i do feel able to attend one
That really disappointing to hear what happened at the Victorian Festival and the feedback given was just brushed aside. I have been wanting to go but haven’t ever made it happen. Please do share once you have more information about the other event thats in the works! Also, do you happen to know of any good places to go to rent a costume or purchase one online? I dont have the sewing skills to make something but would love to attend sometime and dress up
It is disappointing to get to the end of this video and hear your final comments because prior to it you all seemed to be having so much fun. It’s unfortunate but ignorance still affects many. I’m still claiming how beautiful all the gowns were and the way you all seemed to be enjoying the time together with your beautiful smiles and dancing. It brought a smile to my face and even a chuckle at times. Thank you for sharing
as a local, what happened at the fashion show is atrocious, i am pretty taken aback that they would make the decision to allow it, that they responded so poorly to criticism after making said decision is... unsurprising.
Watching this fashion show, it occurred to me that your plus size body is so perfect for the dresses you create! It provides a canvas that really shows off all the decorative details, which become harder to see on some of the smaller women, though their dresses are amazing too. ❤
The black bodice with purple might've actually been mourning wear, just based on the color placement
I actually love tge simplicity of the day bodice of the new gown without the extra ruffles on tge sleeves. Very elegant! The evening bodice is more playful and fun, so a totally different vibe, love that difference. Inexcusable mistake by the organizers, made even worse by their abyssmal reaction to criticism. They'll find out the result of that in coming years, when nobody attends anymore.
My gosh Kennedy is illegally gorgeous. I was enamored by her!
32:02 One might say you're a button for punishment 😂 I'll show myself out...
Everyone looks so beautiful in their gowns! What a shock that in 2026 there are people who still don't get it. I love the ideas about creating a new event.
im excited to see Gigi's event! only another note, the spice and tea exchange is a chain and you can order your tea online if you need to! :)
When I heard you say you had tea at Café Tenby I paused rewound and listened again and yes you definitely said Tenby…. I actually live 5 miles from the real Tenby in West Wales., I lived in Tenby until I was 14 and I went to school in Tenby . My Mother was born in Tenby in the local fish and chip shop and many of my family members are still there.
Your new dress is lovely! In fact both are!
Whew - poor Gigi ! I just saw the video and read the article. Since I wasn't there I can't say for sure, but I hope she's okay. I understand that those involved in the festival were primarily selected for the historical accuracy of their costume, but I do think that if “inclusivity” is your overarching priority, then maybe excluding military uniform, or some other enforceable rule, needs to be put in place to be genuinely inclusive. There is a “freedom of expression” argument here, but the harmonious atmosphere of the event is also important, and clearly some rules - reasonable rules that can be enforced and equally applied - need to be put in place. As representation among costumers increases, we might have to be a little more sensitive about the messages clothing can convey, and also have some guidelines to balance freedom of expression with situational awareness. This is also a reminder that fashion isn’t necessarily “neutral”. I don’t necessarily think stepping down is really the answer. To me, that seems like a cop-out.
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