Inclusive Historical Costuming Weekend in Port Townsend
Spring 2027 (April/May)
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.
Event Partners
We have identified the following venues as potential partners due to their quality goods & services, historical character, accessibility, and commitment to inclusive hospitality:
- 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 home base for attendees.
- The Monarch Hotel: Another downtown option to ensure ample space for our guests.
- Port Townsend Vineyards: A location with a lovely space for lawn party activities, private pavilion for gathering, on site refreshments, and wine.
If you would like to sponsor this event as a business or individual please contact gigi@costumersofcolor.org to discuss. We would love to partner with community vendors!
Tentative Itinerary
- Friday: Arrival and Welcome
- Arrival and Welcome Attendees arrive in Port Townsend and check into their respective lodgings.
- Promenade to Dinner: A costumed walk through Port Townsend’s historic district, engaging with the public and showcasing historical excellence.
- Dinner: Group dinner at ?
- Saturday: Fashion, Learning, and Fun
- Tea & Tiny Talks: Gathering for education and refreshments, basket competition, bring sewing handwork/ knitting, fashion runway?
- Evening: Bustle Ball by Emily? Absinthe sponsor?
- Sunday: Public Engagement and Exploration
- Sunday Brunch: 10am-12pm Formal group meal to begin the final day of the retreat.
- Afternoon: 1pm-4pm Lawn Party at Port Townsend Vineyards (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 1837-1914 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 on patterns, dress diaries, extant garments, and no-sew options for attire in this section.
Costumers of Color 