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IWLFNDU
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 08 2010
Status: offline
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 Posted - June 04 2010 : 7:20:54 PM
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Hey all,
Would anyone happen to know the history behind Coras costume in the latter half of the movie? Her bodice is sleeveless, and from what I have read, this particular garment either never existed or was meant to be worn for warmth under clothing or to replace stays.
If this is true, I wonder why this style was selected for Cora (apart from being a little more risqu...oh la la) if it wasnt historically accurate.  I am no means an expert and was hoping some kind soul could shed some light on this for me....
Thanks!!!
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''Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we cannot eat money.''
~ Cree Proverb |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2010 : 11:37:00 PM
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| There is much that is not historically accurate in the film. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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IWLFNDU
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 08 2010
Status: offline
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Posted - June 05 2010 : 09:52:09 AM
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Thanks, Fitzhugh. Being that I saw the movie first almost twenty years ago, I thought all of it was accurate at the time, but since I'm a little older and a wee bit wiser on the period and the actual events, I see the inconsistencies. Regardless of its faults, though, it's still my favorite movie!!!
Thank you for replying! I would love to hear you share your knowledge one day! |
''Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we cannot eat money.''
~ Cree Proverb |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 05 2010 : 10:13:06 AM
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... and, there is much that IS historically accurate in this film. 
I hope that Wilderness Woman sees this post, IWLFNDU. She can probably answer your question in detail and accurately.
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
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Posted - June 08 2010 : 2:48:18 PM
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...and ad nauseum! 
You are correct. That particular upper body garment does resemble the so-called bodice. We re-enactors (are you one?) call it the UFB (Ubiquitous Farby Bodice), and it is one of my major pet peeves.
I think that the costume designer was trying to emulate stays or jumps (partially-boned stays), but I'm not really certain. And yes, they took the Hollywood route. Additionally, her shift sleeves are much too long. They should not reach the wrist, but be just below the elbows.
Having said that, there are some female costumes in the movie that came pretty close to being accurate: Cora and Alice's gowns, caps and hats in the Albany scene, for example, are very good. Alice's gown in the captive scenes is OK, but it was just way too lose on her. It should have fit much more snugly around her body. Perhaps we can assume that it was borrowed at the fort from a larger woman. The famous "striped skirt" is good.
But that bodice-thingie? No. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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IWLFNDU
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 08 2010
Status: offline
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Posted - June 08 2010 : 5:45:38 PM
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Thank you, Wilderness Woman! I have no doubt your fingers are cramped from typing responses to questions having to do with period dress, but it is appreciated! I gave a glance through past posts and didn't see anything related to this. In fact, I only recently found this out because of an event's reenactment rules (I currently do not reenact, but it does interest me) and that was one of the rules: no sleeveless bodices. I immediately remembered Cora's costume, and I was intrigued, so thank you! Your expertise has solved this stumper of mine! If I missed somewhere on the board where a discussion of period dress occurred (very good chance of that--there's quite a bit of posting), please let me know. |
''Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we cannot eat money.''
~ Cree Proverb |
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Costume Conundrum
