Mummers ParadeI grew up in Philadelphia so I am well acquainted with the Mummers. I can remember as a child waking up early, having my Mom bundle me up with layers, and taking the Broad Street Subway into the city to see the parade. After a few years of cold and wind my mom decided to watch the Mummers on TV the easy way.
Mummer is from the old french
momer meaning to wear a mask
or a costumed merrymaker.
Turns out Mummery tradition dates back to 400 BC and the Roman Festival of Saturnalias where Latin laborers marched in masks throughout the day of satire and gift exchange. Reports of unruly groups parading on New Years day in Philadelphia date back before the revolution. Prizes were offered by merchants in the late 1800's. The first official parade was January 1, 1901 when close to $2000. in prize money was offered from the city.
The Mummers parade is a celebration of the New Year but in Philadelphia it is also very serious business. Each year there is on average 10 - 15,000 participants. Clubs are divided into four divisions: Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigade. The divisions work on the theme, costumes, choreography and music for the parade the entire year, many starting the day after the parade is over. The scoring of the judges is based on a complicated set of rules the marchers must adhere to. Prize money awarded to the clubs is usually reinvested into the group.
The outdoor parade was postponed in 2003, the first time in 13 years. there have been 22 weather-related postponements since 1922. there was no parade in 1919 due to WW1 and in 1934 during the depression the parade was canceled because the prize money was not available.
We carry most of the fabrics that the Mummers use for the elaborate costumes they make,
here are just a few:
Slipper Satin Fabric
Lame'
Sequined Dress Fabric
Chandelle Feather Boas
Marabou FeathersView our
Dress FabricsView our
FeathersPosts by J&O
Fabric StoreLabels: feather-boa, lame, satin fabric, sequined
The carpet wasn’t the only one wearing red at this years’ Oscar’s. Notable film and television favorites came dressed to impress in what some say was just what the Oscar’s needed to jolt the dreary energy of a lingering winter, and the weighted residue from the pending writer’s strike.
The lovely ladies of stage and screen came out to warm the blood of men and stimulate the senses of all in their one of a kind, custom made and right of the runway designer gowns from such fashion icons as Valentino, Galliano, Escada and Kevan Hall. From the legendary
Ruby Dee , suited in a ruby red satin gown complete with rhinestone belt, to new comer
Miley Cyrus, in a red chiffon bow backed number, it was clear that red was the undisputed color of choice, and these diva’s worked their fashionable garments as only they could.
Check out our collection of taffeta here!
Check out our collection of sequined fabric here!
Check out our selection of chiffon here!
Actress
Helen Mirren donned a garnet satin dress, while
Anne Hathaway adorned herself in a crimson red satin one shoulder by Marchesa complete with rosette embellishment.
Kathy Heigl looked liked she walked right off the set of a Harlequin romance in a beautiful silk georgette column dress with a draped and pleated bodice. The red affair was completed with a haute couture red silk taffeta bustier gown by Galliano that was strutted in true runway style by none other than super model icon herself,
Heidi Klum. With prom season right around the corner, and J&O right at your fingertips, you can take a little bit of creative inspiration and glamour from the red carpet today!
Labels: academy awards, chiffon fabric, chiffon fabrics, Designer-fabric, designer-fabrics, dress fabrics, oscars, red-fabric, satin fabric