Inclusive Historical Costuming Weekend in Port Townsend
April 16-18, 2027
The Belle Epoque Retreat is a curated weekend experience hosted by Costumers of Color & Friends. The event will be designed to provide a safe, dignified, and joyous space for costumers, historians, artisans, and interested ones to learn about fashion and daily life during the Belle Epoque (Beautiful Era 1870-1914) which encompasses both the Victorian and Edwardian time periods. By partnering with inclusive local businesses, we aim to showcase a version of historical appreciation that is rooted in community and mutual respect.
Partnerships, Sponsors, and Patrons
Adams Pragge House is an official partner! https://adamspraggehouse.com
We’d love to partner with community vendors and venues for this event. We’ve built a highly engaged community of costumers, sewists, and historians who actively invest in their craft—and we’re looking for partners who want to connect with that audience in a meaningful way. We offer a few ways to get involved depending on your goals, including sponsorship, patron support, and collaboration. If you’re interested, reach out to gigi@costumersofcolor.org and I’d be happy to share details and explore a fit.
Our team also includes a strong group of content creators who help extend visibility and engagement around our events:
- @Soulaani.Seamstress 71K followers
- @CostumersOfColor 16K followers
- @Costuming_Drama 35K subscribers
- @the_sewlo_artist 260K followers
Tentative Itinerary
- Friday: Arrival and Welcome
- Arrival and Welcome Attendees arrive in Port Townsend and check into their respective lodgings.
- Historical Homes: Get to know the history of historical homes and the people who restored and care for the properties in Uptown Port Townsend
- Promenade to Dinner: A costumed walk through Port Townsend’s historic uptown district, engaging with the public and showcasing historical excellence.
- Dinner: Dinner partner TBD
- Saturday: Fashion, Learning, and Fun
- Brunch Tea: Venue TBD
- Tiny Talks: Gathering in the parlor of a Victorian home for education and conversation about historical dress. Bring sewing handwork/ knitting.
- Evening: Bustle Ball TBD
- After Ball: TBD
- Sunday: Public Engagement and Exploration
- Sunday Brunch: 10am-12pm
- Afternoon: 1pm-3pm Lawn Party (Bocce, Croquet, and Music)
Core Values & Event Mission
This retreat serves as a direct alternative to events that fail to account for the impact of exclusionary historical iconography. Our focus remains on:
- Safety: Ensuring all participants can dress and gather without exposure to hate symbols.
- Education: Engaging with the public to share the diverse history of the 1870-1914 period.
- Representation: Including the cultures and experiences of people of color in the historical narrative.
Attire Requirements
Attendees are asked to wear historical or historical inspired attire for the period of 1870-1914. We will post links to information (e.g. this video) on patterns, dress diaries, extant garments, and no-sew options for attire in this section.
Brands
We have identified the following venues as potential partners due to their quality goods & services, historical character, accessibility, and commitment to inclusive hospitality:
- Adams Pragge House: Built in 1889, this home has a diverse number of owners in its lineage. This property is an official partner with the Belle Epoque Retreat event! https://adamspraggehouse.com
- The Starrett Victorian Mansion: A premier historical landmark ideal for a full-house buyout, offering an authentic 19th-century atmosphere.
- The Bishop Hotel: A boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Port Townsend, providing a refined and welcoming venue for brunch.
- Port Townsend Vineyards: A location with a lovely space for lawn party activities, private pavilion for gathering, on site refreshments, and wine.
Terms & Conditions
A full explanation of terms & conditions is listed here. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
By purchasing a ticket, Guest is acknowledging, agreeing and accepting our Terms & Conditions Agreement, Policies, and Liability Waiver on behalf of himself/ herself/ themself and all persons for whom Guest is making payment. Guest understands that this is a legally binding and enforceable contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer refunds?
All tickets, trip deposits, and trip payments are non-refundable. If you would like to transfer your ticket, deposit, or payment to someone else please email me at costumersofcolor@gmail.com
Costumers of Color 