This year it’s 100 years since the Titanic sank. In Lucan, they’re marking the anniversary with a couple of black-tie fund-raisers for the local museum and historical society. Guests at the Titanic Ball will enter through a giant replica bow of the ship, dine on what the first class passengers ate that fateful night and enjoy other surprises including a giant iceberg! And we will be joining them.
I thought my search for a 1912-era gown would take weeks but I found one on my first stop: McCulloch’s Costumes. I have a hat to match and they’re even making a bow tie for Derek in the same royal blue as my skirt. I rented a top hat for him, too. The skirt features a bit of a J-Lo butt compliments of a crinoline which gives the posterior some puffiness. Just getting dressed back then was a major endeavour. 
Didn’t these people know anything about sweatpants?
The costume shop woman said the footwear of the time was little booties, no open toes, perhaps adorned with buttons or buckles. They didn’t have anything in stock that would work so I thought I would have to purchase something. But who wants to spend money on a pair of shoes they’re only going to wear once? Oh yeah, I’m a girl, I’ve already done that several times when there was no period costume required. However, my wonderful colleague Avery is going to loan me a pair of cream coloured Mary-Janes and a little beaded purse so I’m pretty much set.
However, the excursion to find Derek’s ensemble was even more satisfying! There is a giant, new Goodwill store in downtown London that is clean and very well organized. Not only did we find him a white shirt with an appropriately stubby collar, inside 15 minutes we also secured a cream-coloured vest and an Oscar de La Renta tux – jacket and pants! The pants fit him as if they were tailored and after a professional pressing, the jacket will be perfect. All for $30. Unreal.
All that’s left is for me to figure out how I want to put my hair in an updo as was the fashion back then. Once that’s figured out we’re ready to go for the 14th and party like it’s 1912. At least until we hit the iceberg.
As the second mate on the construction crew of the Titanic Ball and wife of the ship builder, I have to say that this event captured the committee’s imagination over a year ago and the creativity that has been channeled into this will be dazzling !! There is something about the whole story of this amazing ship – that inspires. The trip in 1912 was special and we hope to salute her in the same manner. You will be on a time trip to 1912. Welcome aboard.