Debutantes & Downton

Cornelia Powell’s next Downton Abbey costume talk:

September 8, 2-4pm Highlands, NC

Part of the CLE Lecture Series

{See below for Presentation preview.}

Click on CLE for ticket information

or call 828 526 8811 for more details and reservations. 

Space is limited.

DEBUTANTES & DOWNTON

American Heiresses Do the London Season

Cora Crawley, the fictional Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey, represents one of many real American “Buccaneers”—the daughters of wealthy American industrialists who married British Lords in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries in a “cash for class” exchange. These sparkling young heiresses did “The London Season” showing off their million-dollar Worth wardrobes, dazzled the Old World with their New World riches as well as their spirited confidence, married in opulent wedding ceremonies, and saved the grand old country houses around Great Britain and their aristocratic way of life—at least for a while.

This gilded American legacy—that has come to life through the popularity of British costume drama Downton Abbey—brought the world such compelling personalities as Winston Churchill, Lady Diana Spencer and king-to-be Prince William. Using hundreds of beautiful images, Cornelia Powell tells an irresistible version of this glittering history through stories of sumptuous fashion, presentations at royal court, legendary tiaras and princely affairs—all with our favorite Downton characters in the backdrop!

Ms. Powell, author, wedding folklorist and costume historian, entertains audiences around the country with her Downton Abbey costume talks and PowerPoint presentations.