Downton Abbey, Fabulous Fashions on Exhibit

If you're an addicted Downton Abbey fan like myself, you are probably attracted not only to the complex and layered characters but also to the elaborate period interiors and the finely detailed fashions. If you feel the same then you're in luck as there is presently a fascinating exhibit traveling to several cities in the United States. This visually stunning exhibit features many of the most extraordinary costumes from the award-winning British series. The presentation combines photographic stills with the costumes and allows viewers a chance to see the careful detailing of each design. I was also struck by the slender physiques of the actors, with a few notable exceptions, that the clothing reveals. As a former fashion designer, I was particularly impressed by the fine beaded and sequined silks worn during the London Social Season. To learn more about the exhibit and to check scheduled cities visit http://dressingdownton.com/Exhibition/

"Dressing Downton" is presently showing in Richmond, VA. Future exhibits are scheduled for Cincinnati, OH; Anaheim, CA; St. Augustine, FL; Oshkosh, WI; Chicago, IL; South Bend, IN; and ending in Nashville, TN in 2017.

Lady Edith Crawley in her riding attire.

Frog closure, a beautiful and functional detail

A striking red ensemble worn by Lady Mary Crawley

Costumes worn by Lord and Lady Grantham

An impeccably detailed Art Deco dress worn by Martha Levinson

Formal evening dress worn by Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess of Grantham

Handsome tweeds worn by the Crawley family.

The lovely dress worn by Lady Rose MacClare when dancing to the music of Jack Ross.

Beaded and sequined eveningwear adds glamour to "The Season" in London.

Lady Cora Crawley's outspoken mother Martha Levinson played by academy award winning actress Shirley MacLaine.