In the early 20s, “plus fours” became
popular for men’s sportswear. These
shortened trousers go down four
inches below the knee for hunting,
i in th m mor hy i a
i i ity
There were also changes in the
tailoring of men’s suits. The more
casual “country tweed” look was
popular on country estates versus
what men were wearing in London.
“What sets the aristocratic class
apart, particularly in England, was
the fact that both men and women
ha iff r nt o t t or iff r nt
activities during the day,” Klingner
ai
Th r
a an o t t or
breakfast, for going into town, for
afternoon tea, for hunting and for
dinner, so they ended up changing
o t t
or i tim a ay
o
the investments they were making in
their clothing weren’t for longevity,
but for fashion. Most were only
arin th ir o t t or a a on
and then it would be time to get the
latest fashions from London or Paris.”
he er ants
Rose’s silk velvet
evening dress
(Photo courtesy The
Biltmore Company)
tfits
Edwardian period footmen were
hired for their good looks and
height, with the taller footmen
earning a higher salary. Their
uniforms would be provided by the
house at great expense. The maids
were not so fortunate. They had to
cover the cost and make their own
uniforms of two dresses: a print
dress with a plain apron for cleaning
in the morning, changing into a black
dress with a more decorative pinny
for the afternoons and evenings.
What’s unique about the exhibit at
Biltmore is that the house still has
the original servant’s quarters and
kitchen. At Highclere Castle the
kitchen has been renovated, so the
o n tair
n ar
m in a
studio separate from Highclere.
om o th
r ant o t t on
display at The Biltmore include Mr.
Carson presiding over the banquet
hall; Mrs. Hughes; Mr. Barrow; Mrs.
Patmore and Daisy in the kitchen
and Anna and John Bates.
“What’s been fun for me is to see
the costumes close up in the correct
settings,” Klingner said. “They are
so eye-popping in person with their
exquisite details. The exhibit is bringing
Biltmore to life in a way we haven’t seen
before and also bringing Downton
Abbey to life for our visitors.”
I
o
o
A behind-the-scenes guided Upstairs—
Downstairs Tour takes visitors to the
domains of the butler, head
housekeeper and the lady’s maid, and
to a suite of upstairs guest rooms not
seen on the regular house tour.
Guests can enjoy a special English
Sunday Brunch at Cedric’s Tavern.
Also enjoy 20th century-themed
cocktails on the estate’s restaurant
menus and sweets at The Bake Shop.
Select weekend evenings in April and
May, guests can book the Rooftop
Sparkling Wine Reception. A guided
behind-the scenes rooftop tour will
provide stunning views of the estate
from various balconies. Following the
tour, guests will enjoy canapés and
Biltmore wines.
Dressing Downton hotel package at
The Inn on Biltmore Estate (Feb. 5—
May 22). Includes accommodations,
h
r a a t ff t ai y in Th
Dining Room, afternoon tea in the
Library Lounge, admission to the
Biltmore House and estate valid
for length of stay, audio guide to
Biltmore House, Biltmore souvenir
guidebook, valet parking at the Inn
and complimentary estate shuttle
service.
For more info on the exhibit see:
www.biltmore.com/events/
dressing-downton-1
Curators at
Biltmore prepare
Downton Abbey
fashion exhibit
(Photo courtesy
of The Biltmore
Company).
134