Join us for three virtual presentations on fashion history with Ren Antonowicz this June!

Tuesday, 6/7/22, 2pm, “Shoes Through The Decades”

Are you curious about the footwear of years gone by?  If so, join us as we explore the evolution of shoes from the reign of Queen Victoria through the decades of the 20th Century.  We will discover the changes that occurred in footwear for women and men of the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizing the influences that precipitated these changes.

 

Tuesday, 6/14/22, 2pm, “History of Beauty & Cosmetics“

Do you wonder where cosmetics originated and how they evolved through the years?  If so, join us as we explore the origins of makeup and the ways in which societal changes influenced the beauty industry’s development.  As cosmetics became more acceptable in the early 20th C., ladies were able to choose from a variety of beautifying products they hoped would make their romantic dreams come true!

Tuesday, 6/21/22, 2pm, “Evolution of the Wedding Gown”

Enter the world of brides from the past and learn about what they wore during their first day of marriage.  We will discuss both celebrity and royal weddings, as well as those of the less famous.  Vintage videos will help to bring these weddings to life.  Join us for a glamorous foray into former wedding finery!

Karen (Ren) Antonowicz received her Master’s Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design, with a concentration in Historic Costume & Textiles from the University of RI.  She then taught History of Fashion and other courses full time at the college level for 13 years, and taught part time in the CE Program at the RI School of Design. In the meantime, Ren and her husband, Mike, opened Nostalgia Antiques & Collectibles, a 3-floor co-op located on historic Wickenden St. in Providence, RI and ran the business for five years.  Ren continues to follow her passion for historic costume by conducting fashion era presentations, such as “The Fashions of Downton Abbey” at libraries, senior centers, schools, historical societies, and historic homes. ​​​Spirits of Fashion was developed by Ren as a vehicle for conducting these various lectures and workshops on all eras of Fashion History. Learn more here

Please register once for the entire series, even if you can not attend all three lectures.

Zoom links will be sent out before the event.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library.