Steam-ho! Now in its third year, the Handcar Regatta rolls into Railroad Square September 26th — quite possibly the coolest event in the county. And while the main event of the Regatta may be on the tracks, the star attractions are always the costumes. The breast-heaving, corset-wearing, goggle-mustachioed-top-hat wearing, bustle-bustling, striped-stocking-wearing costumes.
Meaning show up in your shorts and tee-shirt at your own risk.
So what to wear? We’ve got some ideas…
If you’re wondering what exactly we’re getting at, acquaint yourself with the term “Steampunk” – a glimpse at a Jules Vern-like future that never was but definitely should have been. The event (expected to attract thousands) gets its inspiration from its founder, Erasmus P. Kitty, of Chugghaven-on-Spratt, who can best be described as an English colonial gentry (of the Hightinkle family) with designs on primitive dentistry and artificial limb technology.
Kitty smiles down on yards of fussy Victorian fashion skewered by broken pocket-watches, bits of airships and locomotive parts colliding with Mark Twain’s nightmare vision of a robotics. A sort of mad celebration of the late 1800s Industrial Revolution — when the possibilities were endless and everything was powered by steam. (Memorize this to give yourself Steam Cred.)
So what’s your inspiration?
Regatta Neophyte: First timers and the costume-averse may want to start simple. Although costumes are certainly not required, it’s fun to get into the spirit with oversized goggles, clunky combat boots, a lace parasol, or (for guys) a simple pair of suspenders with linen pants and a white tank. Gals can keep it simple with a kicky mini-top hat or bustier.
Regatta Inspired: Think a little bigger and create a character with a story. Are you the hero(ine) of the West, ready to gunsling the mechanical spider about to obliterate the whole town? Are you the entertainment at the local drinking hole, and every man’s vaudeville fantasy? Are you able to chase shot after shot of hard whiskey with the best of them while wearing your Sunday best? Once your character is pegged, the rest falls in place. Wear undergarments over garments. Frills, lace, corsets, fingerless gloves, and ripped up tights…(for guys or gals, really). Gears, chains, clocks, small and large framed glasses, and lots of metal for no useful reason…
Regatta Enthusiast: Chances are you’ve been plotting and planning your attire for months now. We even know a few hard-core veterans who are carefully guarding their costume inspirations. Uniqueness counts! A few suggestions: Pith helmets,University Avenue in Berekley for saris, welding supplies, and buckles, buckles, buckles.
Where to go locally:
Best Bet: Hot Couture rents costumes for as low as $65 for a sure-fire way to dress the part without spending some serious dough (tip: bring in your accessories you plan on wearing, and the staff will help put together an outfit that corresponds).
Aubergine (check out their corsets!) and Funk and Flash of Sebastopol have Vintage threads, perfect for that lacey “nice turned naughty” fetish.
Shiki Monkey is the place to go for hats, and Poison Apple for parasols. And tying in with this year’s theme Colonial India and Beyond, wrap yourself in a colorful sari, add some pointed shoes, or add a bindi to your forehead – all found at stores like Caravan Imports, Inc in Petaluma and Cost Plus World Market.
Silk Moon in Sebastopol also carries beautiful textiles that can be incorporated into your costume.
Handcar Regatta
Sunday September 26th, 11am – 6pm
Historic Railroad Square, Santa Rosa
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You should include Skirt Chaser Vintage in your places to shop for this event too …. very cool place … right around the corner from the event …on Davis, between 3rd and 4th …. just down the street from Charlie Brown, the conductor
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