High Fashion in the Rockies

When Darrell and I were in Banff this August, we spent some time at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.  One of the displays was "High Fashion in the Rockies" and displayed an extensive wardrobe collection of Georgie and Eleanor Luxton.

"Who would have thought that Georgina and Eleanor, the Luxton Ladies, would have accumulated finery spanning five decades?  Rediscovered in the Eleanor Luxton Historical Foundation collection were dozens of beautiful dresses and divine accessories from 1910 through the 1960's.  Purchased by Georgina and Eleanor by mail order from dressmakers or fine shops from Calgary to Toronto, most of these frocks were worn for only one special occasion and then stored carefully away."

Beautiful lingerie....

A great little suitcase as a display..

But how did Eleanor and Georgina learn of the latest fashions?

"Fashion magazines provided access to haute couture far beyond Paris, the seat of fashion.  In North America, wearing Paris fashion ensured that others would recognize the wearer's status as a cultivated and wealthy person, perhaps able to travel to Paris, certainly able to afford the best her own locality could provide, be it local cultural life or the best dressmaker in town."

The accessories were beautiful as well as the timeless dresses..

Even in a small moutain town such as Banff, Eleanor and Georgina Luxton had access to the fashions of the world.   To learn more about the Luxton Family , be sure to check out the website.

The busy streets of Banff

Eating at our one of our favorite spots Magpie and Stump

It was a fun day learning about some of Alberta's history and Banff royalty.