Recollections

 

Featured Victorian Lady

www.recollections.biz

1-800-452-5925

 

Editor's note: As I wrote this article about Denise Winter, I imagined her dressed in a fine bustled taffeta gown dancing with members of the Victorian Society of Colorado Springs.  The orchestra was playing beautifully while the couples gently waltzed about to the music bowing towards one another and delicately holding hands.  There is something engaging about this era that generates romance, wonder, and awe.  Denise Winter helps transport her friends and customers alike back to these tender days and realize their Victorian dreams -

Cathy

Denise Nadine Design

   When Barbara Warnell contacted Recollections and told us about Denise Winter’s story, we knew that Denise was one of us – a Victorian Lady.  This San Diego native, after losing her mother and her marriage, was ready to pursue her dream in the costuming business.  She quit her job with a Fortune 500 company, sold her home, packed her belongs and pets, and moved to Colorado.   Once settled, Denise began studying and researching Victorian clothing and developed a line of period correct costumes for women and men.  In addition to providing clothing, Denise offers period underpinnings, hat making kits, and patterns.  She also conducts corset and hat making workshops and gives lectures. 

   Denise found that there were numerous Victorian groups in Colorado, so to  coordinate all of the activities, she began an email list announcing upcoming events within the state.  She also is president and co-founder (with Audrey Donn) of the Victorian Society of Colorado Springs, a group focused on dances from the Victorian Era, 1837 – 1901. They meet monthly in full costume and dance reels, quadrilles, and waltzes.  Their web site states that the dances are not complicated, and if you can walk, you can do these historic steps.  Take time to view      an actual 1899 dance card, listing the order of the evening’s 24 dances, on the site. 

   We at Recollections are pleased to know Denise Winter – a leader in the business and a truly inspirational Victorian woman. 

  

 


Recollections, Inc.  7956 County Road 451 Hawks, Michigan  49743

©2001-2008 Recollections, Inc

Denise Nadine Design
www.denisenadinedesign.com

(719) 592-1648

dnwinter@comcast.net
Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM Mountain

Sat 10AM -2PM

 

If you know someone that has taken their love of Victoriana and made it into an interesting business or hobby, and you think they should be featured in our Victorian Lady pages,

please email or call us and let us know!

sales@recollections.biz

www.recollections.biz

1-800-452-5925


   Victorian Society of Colorado Springs

www.victoriansocietycs.org

Denise Winter

We received this email from Barbara Warnell about Denise Nadine Design, which prompted us to contact Denise to showcase to all her many talents and hard work:

"I think that Denise Winter should be featured in your Victorian Lady pages.  She has done more to keep Victorian history, dance, dress and etiquette alive in the Colorado Springs, CO area than anyone I know.  Denise founded and is current president of the Victorian Society of Colorado Springs.  She developed and maintains the website for the organizationAt this time the organization specializes in dance and dress of the period and hosts several dances per year and free practices each month.  In September of each year we hold a Grand Victorian Ball.  Denise is usually the project manager for the ball and also manages all of the decorations herself.  In addition Denise conducts Victorian hat making workshops.  I attended one recently and although I am not creative or a seamstress I made a beautiful hat.  Patterns available include hats for both men and women.  I will be attending another of her workshops in June.  Denise also makes custom Victorian clothing.  What is unusual is that she makes clothing for both men and women.  Her styles are one of a kind and are thoroughly researched to ensure that they are period correct.  Most members of the Victorian Society of Colorado Springs are Recollections customers.  And although she could be perceived as a competitor of Recollections I have only heard her say kind words about the clothing and accessories we order from Recollections."