I have a confession to make, an especially shocking confession given my involvement in the Entertainment Industry career-wise. Here goes... I barely watch any television. at all. Honestly, apart from (
once in a blue moon) switching CNN on in the background while perusing the internets and, of course, watching my beloved MadMen (but even that is via Netflix!) it is an increasingly rare thing to find me watching actual live TV. I'm not even sure why we have cable apart from the Brit needing his English "football". I suppose, it is the security of knowing it is there should I need it. For example, say I become obsessed with a new show accidentally? Which, funnily enough, is exactly what happened to me a week or two ago when I discovered the English series
Downton Abbey.
The series (created by Julian Fellowes...writer of Gosford Park, among other things) centers on a manor house called Downton Abbey and the trials and tribulations of it's inhabitants. Namely, the aristocratic Crawley family who owns it and their (dozen or so) servants. The show takes place in the early 1900s and, similarly to MadMen, historical events occasionally have an effect on the storyline - which is part of what drew me in from the first episode. I am lover of history and historical fiction. But wow... the costumes definitely did not hurt. They are, in a word, incredible...
The
millinery alone is worthy of its own post! I do love a good hat. I found myself literally gasping at the costumes in every other scene. They are pure Georgian perfection which only adds to the beautiful / tumultuous narrative unfolding in Season One.
It nearly killed me when I found there were only seven (hour long) episodes in the first season but they are shooting Season Two as we speak! Still, I'm bound to be
revisiting a few episodes down the line.
OK! I have to stop myself here because I don't want to spoil it for you but there are
so many costumes that I loved and couldn't find photos of! Again, all of Season One is on
Netflix and the new season starts this fall in the UK (on iTV, I think?) and PBS in the US but not until January (boo...)
photos via here & here.
11 comments:
I completely forgot this was coming to TV (I'm in Australia) until the second last episode which I decided to watch even though I had no idea what had happened so far. It didn't really remember, I payed no attention to anything other than the gorgeous, gorgeous clothing. If only they'd hurry up and invent a time machine so I can go back and live there for a while!
I agree - but just for a visit. Women didn't have exactly the same status as we have these days but I'm excited to see how they'll deal more with those issues in season 2!
You should try watching the first few episodes - it will make waaay more sense that way ;)
Oh defnitely just a short trip...just long enough to acquire a few choice pieces of clothing and hats!
It's on my Summer must watch list once I've finished studying for the semester. Can't wait!
Crud. I've totally gotten rid of anything television related in my house. I don't even get PBS anymore, but my parents do...so I need to remember to start recording this show once it comes stateside at their home. The costumes look amazing!! I can't imagine how much work it must take to make everything seem so authentic!
I barely watch any TV as well, but I think I definitely need to start watching this series! I keep hearing about the quality of the show, and I am absolutely in love with just about ANYTHING that is a period piece.
Oh, I love Downton! Everything is completely perfect, from the costumes to the writing to the story to the performances. So good. Nothing ever bored me about the first season (though I think my favorite part may have been watching the romance unfold between Anna and Bates, they're darling). I'm so excited to see what's more to come with it.
@thedailyfashionista somehow I feel partly responsible for this ;) but it's worth it!
I love Downton so very much! And the costumes...oh. my. word. They really were so incredibly gorgeous...I really loved Mary's costumes, especially. Everything in it was so perfect...it was interesting, realistic, well-written, well-performed...not to mention the set was beautiful. Some of the rooms in the house were so pastel-y and lovely...definitely inspiring.
When it ended like it did I was freaking out with my mom, "That's it?! When does season two come out?! We need season two!" Haha, I guess we'll have to tough it out until January!
xo
Maria Elyse
First Impressions
Flying Ships Vintage
@MariaElyse I totally relate to that. me..."Wait...oh no! that's the last episode?!?" haha
I keep meaning to watch this but never got round to it... I don't watch a huge amount of TV either except Mad Men and 'The Hour' which has been on the BBC this summer
oh man, i've been trying to get my hands on this series for ages. everyone i know is like 'MAUD THIS SERIES WAS CREATED FOR YOU, IT IS YOUR SPIRIT IN TELEVISED FORM' and i haven't even seen it yet! now that you've prompted me again, perhaps i'll finally drag my butt to the library to borrow it...
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