It's Oktoberfest time - mark your calendars!
Once again the Preston Beach Progress Assoc., with the support of Shire of Waroona Sea to Scarp Summer Events and Alcoa present OKTOBERFEST.
PRESTON BEACH COMMUNITY CENTRE
14 Panorama Drive. Preston Beach
If you need accommodation, check the website for Preston Beach Holiday Homes.
THE COSTUME
Dressing up is not compulsory but it's part of the fun. If you want to join in here are some ideas;
For the ladies - The Dirndl - a traditional costume worn in Bavaria consisting of a blouse, usually white with short puffed sleeves trimmed with lace, a fitted bodice and skirt. The dirndl skirt is a knee length full gathered skirt in a heavy fabric such as velvet or wool in a dark colour but it could be any skirt of any colour or length. Raid your local Op Shop or run one up out of some cheap fabric. The third part is the Mieder or bodice. You know the one! Often black and either laced or buttoned down the front. Make one out of felt and trim with braid. Spotlight and Textile Traders have heaps to choose from. Alternatively you could cinch the skirt and blouse at the waist with an extra wide belt. Finally, if you want the "Beer Maiden" look don an apron and some plaits. The dirndl can be dressed up for a "Noble" effect or worn as a peasant style.
An very simple way to achieve the Dirndl look is to get a stretchy (lycra) scooped neck singlet top (Big W sell them for $5) and put it over the top of a white blouse. Pull it down to resemble a low cut vest then stitch on some ribbon to form a criss-cross pattern below the bust line (as if the front were laced up), then put a skirt and apron over the top. Tie a scarf around your head to complete the look.
Guys here's your lot! The Lederhosen - Short pants with braces. Any length you like in any fabric. Once again the Op Shop is a great place to start. Lederhosen are traditionally suede so look for a fabric that mimics suede, such as brushed denim or corduroy, but it doesn't really matter. It's the basic look of an Alpine lad you're after. If you can't find suitable shorts, buy a pair of long pants (Op Shop) and cut them off at the knee. Wear a white shirt and long socks to finish off your costume. You'll need an Edelweiss hat too, or something similar. Look at the pic at the top of the flyer as a reference. A 'pork pie' hat with a feather it will do the trick.
These are just a couple of ideas for your Oktoberfest outfit and we can't wait to see what else you can come up with.
Here is a reference link to a Classic German Cultural site for some authentic outfits.
Have fun!!
Judy Carroll
