Worth watching for the costumes alone…
Where Downton Abbey and Fashion intersect, you’ll find The House of Eliott.
Tabitha’s delightfully entertaining post about Downton Abbey reminded me that I hadn’t watched The House of Eliott in ages. This BBC series from the early 1990’s was a favorite of mine when it aired, and I’d love to watch the whole thing from start to finish again. It’s available through Netflix, or the complete series can be purchased at amazon.com.
Though the show was cancelled unexpectedly by the BBC at the end of the third season (leaving the storylines hanging) this is such an enjoyable series that one can mostly overlook the unresolved fates of the characters. (Or at least know, going in, that you’ll be left hanging.)
This program is worth a look just for the costumes and exploration of 1920’s period fashion and the nascent couture industry, as well as the expanding roles of women and shifting class relationships.
Have you seen it? What did you think?
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My sentiments echo yours. Loved the series.
I haven’t seen it, but I do have Netflix! I love the clothing, including the nightgowns, and the crimped hair — so romantic.
Oh I think I’ll fish that out again.
Series2 of Downton starts on Sunday – can’t wait!
Oh I think I’ll fish that out again.
Series2 of Downton starts on Sunday – can’t wait!
The great thing about dvds is that you can pause to check the detail of a skirt or the flash of a shoe whether Mad Men or House of Eliott. (Finally, costume designers are getting more recognition.)
I’m going to watch this, thanks!
thank you for reminding me of this series. these period pieces are my favorites. I did not see it when it aired because my work schedule conflicted. I will love seeing it now. the clothing of this period is wonderful.
Thanks for the rec; I haven’t seen it but am a sucker for costume dramas — bonus for ones with great writing.
I got hooked on DA via Netflix and can’t believe I will have to wait so long for Season 2. Sounds as if House of Eliott may help take the edge off, ha.
I watched all of these…as you said the costumes were spectacular! I really enjoyed every episode.
It was so nice of you to stop by and visit me, it seems we have the same love for blue and white dishes. Thank you for your very kind comments. Have a great day.
I loved this series when it originally aired. Another series to put on the list of titles to watch again. (We just finished watching Jeeves and Wooster a second time. Lots of lovely tailoring in that series.)
I love HoE and can’t believe I don’t own it. Maybe I will put it on my Christmas list. I watched it when it aired on TV and then rewatched it with my husband on Netflix a couple years ago. He had a thing for Louise Lombard during her brief stint on CSI. The name sounded familiar and when I looked her up on IMDb, I could not believe it was little Evie!
I wish someone would make a photo-heavy a book with their fashion. I love the era and I absolutely adore this series. Thanks so much for putting a smile on my face this morning. 🙂
I watched every single episode of House of Eliott and enjoyed each minute. For some reason, it’s been on my mind lately…imagine my delight seeing your post this morning.
I’ve never seen House of Eliott, but it sounds like a series I would love. I’ll have to surf over to Netflix and put it on my list.
Justine
I loved this series!!! Before Chanel, After Chanel. Such a delectable potpourri of eye candy that was!
I have never seen it…but it sounds like something I could’ve easily become hooked on.
Thank you for the tip, I’d not heard of it and clip got me hooked. Netflix queue!
By the way, those were some very stylish mourning outfits.
I loved it, though I haven’t seen it in ages… Thanks for the reminder!
We visited an exhibit in Bury St. Edmunds featuring the costumes from the series. They were exquisite. I loved that series. I took my daughter to see Stella Gonet in Midsummer’s Night Dream at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, she was lovely!
My first comment on your blog! I just had to let you know how much I too loved this series, although when it aired I was only a young girl. My daughter (now 14 months) is named Evangeline. Inspired of course by the glamourous Evie.
Phoebe (in Australia)
I’m familiar with but never watched this series. I’m viewing the 10 minute video you posted and I think you’d all like the movie “Easy Virtue” with Jessica Biehl, Colin Firth & Kristin Scott Thomas. 1920s, great costumes, English manor house, upper class vs lower.
I used to love The House of Elliot!! I even got my hair cut in a bob once to try for that sleek chic flapper look. It was a cut that didn’t end well, but I tried.
LOVED this series and was so bummed when it didnt continue! I am going to check it out on netflix now! Thanks for reminding me of this wonderful show!
Loved that series even though I wasn’t sewing my own clothes at the time. Forgot about the frustration of that cliffhanger ending….so annoying. Loved visiting the V&A when the costumes were being exhibited. Yes, thanks for the reminder to enjoy this one again.
I do remember watching this series when it first came out. Also remember loving the costumes and the characters. Don’t really remember much about the plotline! Therefore it would be perfect for re-watching now…..
Oh yes, count me in too – I loved it. x
That is one of my all time favorite shows!! My husband bought me the dvds when we first started dating!! I just wish the show would of been renewed so we know how it ends!!
I stumbled on this by accident and loved it! I wish only it had gone on longer.
Another “House of Elliott” lover here! Watched it when it was on originally: I do believe some of my most fundamental style preferences are influenced by the 1920’s era, and I adored watching the sisters as their business grew … Loved the shoes then, too! Thanks for the happy memory.
This is one of my favorite series, not only are the fashion fabulous but it is about people who make the clothes (fashion sewing is my hobby!)
House of Elliott is the BEST! After you’ve seen the series you might enjoy these rather silly spoofs of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sRToL_Cw-I&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEPSg32pnD0