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, Welcome, and VIP Reception at Noon Attendees arrive in Port Townsend and check into their respective lodgings.
- Historical Homes Tour: 2pm-4pm 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: 5pm-6pm A costumed walk through Port Townsend’s historic uptown district, engaging with the public and showcasing historical excellence.
- Dinner: 6pm- 9pm Dinner Partner TBD
- Saturday: Fashion, Learning, and Fun
- Brunch Tea: 11am-12:30pm Venue TBD
- Tiny Talks: 1pm-4pm Gathering in the parlor of a Victorian home for educational lectures, workshops, and conversation about dress history and 19th-century culture. Bring sewing handwork/ knitting.
- Language of Flowers Workshop by @erikaalamode – Learn about 19th-century floriography traditions and create your own posey to send a beautiful covert message
- Sportswear Salon by Ellie Alexander – Learn about what people wore to experience the great outdoors during the Belle Epoque
- Hat Trimming Workshop by @soulaani.seamstress – Learn how to trim your own hat or bonnet in a historically plausible way
- Evening: 7pm 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.
Costumers of Color trips are open to travelers of all races and backgrounds. We ask every participant to help create a respectful, anti-racist, and community-minded travel environment. This includes following our community policies and being open to correction if harm occurs. Please review the policies here: https://costumersofcolor.org/policies/
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 