Victorian fashion show to benefit museum, historical society

Anyone with an interest in history and an eye for fashion will get a chance to indulge in both this month during a Victorian Fashion Show sponsored by the Friends of the Nevada State Museum.

The event will be from

3-6 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Dema Guinn Concourse of the museum, said organizer Tina Davis-Hersey.

This won't be an ordinary fashion show, she said, but rather a series of scenes will be played out showing Victorian attire.

"One lady will demonstrate Victorian underpinnings - sort of a reverse strip show - starting with chemise, pantalettes, corset, cage hoop skirt and petticoats," Davis-Hersey said.

Other skits will include a scene demonstrating proper Victorian mourning etiquette and attire, as well as an outdoor walk showing what women and men would wear outdoors, she said.

"It was a different style than for staying home," she said. "There could be as many as 16 changes of clothes in a day."

After an intermission, a ballroom scene will highlight four couples dressed formally while dancing to a quartet provided by the Carson City Symphony.

The afternoon also includes a display of original Victorian pieces. Most of the pieces to be shown will be from Davis-Hersey's personal collection, she said, including gloves, hats, parasols, shoes and dresses.

"I've always liked old-fashioned clothes. I loved 'Little House on the Prairie' - I wanted to be Laura Ingalls," she said, laughing.

Guests are encouraged to wear their own Victorian clothing because after the ballroom scene, a reception with refreshments will be offered along with more music so that everyone can join in the ballroom dancing.

Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the Museum Store, 600 N. Carson St., and at White Cat Antiques, 512 N. Curry St.

All proceeds will benefit the Nevada State Museum and the Carson City Historical Society.

For more information, call Davis-Hersey at 671-2364.