Vintage Victorian was founded in 1989 by Catherine Bishop. The company produces historical
reproduction clothing, accessories, period fashion reference books, as well as doing
restoration work on period outfits. Our interest primarily focuses on 19th and early
20th Century fashion, although our portfolio of designs includes items from the 18th
through the mid-20th Centuries. All of our made-to-order creations are custom made to suit individual
needs and are created with an emphasis on historical accuracy. I have access to an
extensive library of period clothing, magazines, books, and patterns to draw upon for
inspiration. Our most frequent customers are Vintage Dancers, Historical Re-enactors, Museums, Actors
and Bridal parties.
In 1999 we started producing the Vintage Dress Series Books to aid our customers in the design of their outfits.
That project has grown to be a major part of the company. The eras covered are currently from the 19th
Century, soon the library will be expanding to cover some early 20th Century topics. If there is a topic
that you would like us to cover, or if you need some specialized research done please contact us.
A majority of our customers are Vintage Dancers, who recreate the dances of the
19th and early 20th centuries. Since period ball gowns are not only
hard to find, but usually too delicate to dance in, a reproduction gown is usually a
necessity. Vintage Victorian can create a gown that not only is appropriate to
the period but also can stand up to years of dancing, and it will never go out of
style! We can also supply all of the appropriate undergarments, from corsets to
petticoats, and accessories, even searching for the right fan or pair of gloves to
complete a vintage outfit. We can bring your original design to life on
the dance floor.
We also create outfits for Civil War re-enactors as well as gowns for events such
as Victorian Teas, period Costume Balls, and Bathing Parties at events like the Newport Vintage Dance
Week.
Weddings
Whether your wish is to commission the perfect gown, wear a treasured family
heirloom, or special vintage find, Vintage Victorian can help you.
We create original wedding and bridal party outfits, in both modern and historical
styles, as well as performing restoration services on antique gowns. We also have
created many wedding and attendant gowns, both historical and modern; each creation
custom made to suit individual tastes. And no outfit is complete without appropriate
costume accessories such as collars, hats, and veils that we can make especially for
you.
Click here to go to a page with information to help you decide if Vintage Victorian
can help your dream dress come to life.
About Catherine Bishop, Owner
Vintage Victorian's founder Catherine Bishop has many years of experience in
the area of custom dressmaking, costume design, history, and textile conservation.
She is and independent costume historian and researcher who has worked with many small
museums, historical societies, and other groups on small exhibits, she is also an avid vintage dancer. Catherine worked for a number of years in the conservation lab of the
Boston Museum of Fine Arts'
Department of Textiles and Costumes.
The Collection
Catherine has amassed an extensive library of period clothing, magazines, books,
and patterns to draw upon for inspiration. She also has a large collection of original
period clothing, dating from the 1830's to the 1930's, an invaluable resource in
making reproduction clothing.
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