Clothing Historian Gigi Coulson will present an overview of ballroom fashion from the 12th through the 20th centuries in anticipation of the upcoming Tacoma History Ball at the Spanish Ballroom on August 15 and the Georgian Global Salon hosted by nonprofit Costumers of Color in Seattle on October 4. Gigi's talk will offer the historical context of changing fashions, plus practical guidance on sourcing historical patterns, commissioning custom garments, and clever ways to transform off-the-rack modern clothing into stunning ensembles to suit formal historical events. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your historical style and get ballroom ready! 

Gigi Coulson is a sociologist, public historian, historical costumer, and independent researcher with a focus on European culture and clothing. She is the founder and executive director of Costumers of Color, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating safe and welcoming multicultural spaces in historical costuming. Gigi travels extensively for Costumers of Color and organizes educational events and historical costuming trips to Europe. Scholarships are available to support inclusion and equity for the BIPOC community. 

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp