I’ve had two people suggest that I should take my Regency dress to Wiscon. I’m packing now and am torn, so it’s time for a survey!
If you answer yes, then tell me when I’ll have a chance to wear it while there.
Edited to add: I’ve been reminded of the fancy dress event on Sunday. So, I’m packing both dresses and will see if I can convince someone to wear the other.
Where will you wear it? I think the better question is where *won’t* you wear it?! It’s like a walking advertisement for your book.
My worry is that it would make me look a wee bit odd and obsessive.
Mary, it’s a CONVENTION. People dress up there. Wee bit odd? Puh-lease…wear it whenever you like! Just wear it to wear it!
Well, yes, but… but…
Aren’t you the woman who swanned around in a gorgeous ballgown and tiara the other year? Come on! Dooooooooo it! And take pictures. Many pictures.
Well, yes, but there WAS a specific occasion to wear a ball gown. It’s totally appropriate garb for an awards ceremony.
Being in fandom means NEVER having to say “but where would I wear it?”
It just feels like the rules for writers are different than for the rest of fandom. I don’t know anyone else who dresses up like someone out of their book except for special occasions.
Special occasions like *conventions*? 😛
Ye gods woman, I know you know Jay Lake. And you say you don’t know any writers who dress strangely at cons?
Wait. Did you just hold Jay up as an example of good fashion sense?
Well…more as an example of acceptable outrageousness. 🙂
Jay wouldn’t look good in that dress Mary Robinette. But your dress would be just fine for the fancy dress tea or whatever that event is at Wiscon. Also just fine for French martinis in the Governor’s bar.
Have fun!
Anon
I voted “err, but…” Now, thinking about it, I say no.
Most conventions are a bit unruly to say the least.
I would totally hate that a marvelous period recreation like this be ruined by the accidental application of some party beverage. Wow, that sentence was a bit involved wasn’t it?
I’m somewhat cautious and don’t really live much on the edge in general, so
I might not be the best arbiter of fashion at this point.
So either she doesn’t wear it to the parties, or she doesn’t attend the “unruly” parties while wearing the dress. Most conventions do not allow public “party beverages” during their scheduled functions…you do that in your hotel rooms. I mean, I’ve been to over 30 cons in the last 10 years (taking a four year break for undergrad far far away from all cons) and I have yet to see one where unruly partygoers with party beverages roam the halls of the venue spilling things on cosplayers. I have’t been to many West Coast ones, though…
Conventions are used to people cosplaying. Fans are used to it and respect it.
Will you have to do your hair in the Regency style too?