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The theme of the
Friday night cocktail party is NIGHTS OF THE RAJ. It was inspired by
inspired by the opulence, chandeliers and brocade decor of the
Langham.
It reminded the
historical writers among us of the opulence and decadence of the days
of the British Empire, so that's what we went for. The Raj was the
name given to the British in India.
So, if you're stumped
as to what to wear, here are a few ideas:–
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* Come as a
Sultan or a Sultana or a Rajah, or Prince or Princess. Come
as an Indian lady in a fabulous sari or decorative robes or
gathered pants. Be a harem-girl or an Indian man in a turban
and baggy pants. Wear a sari -- want to know how? Click this
website to see examples. |
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* Think of
British memsahibs (ladies) in long cocktail dresses with
shawls and fans and long gloves, sahibs (men) in evening
wear, men with knobby knees in shorts and pith helmets,
women in whites and pith helmets.
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* Think of
elephants, snake charmers, English governess types, English
soldier types, Russian spies (this was the time when "The
Great Game" began, when Russia and England were trying to
outjockey each other). Think Scotsmen in kilts, or kaftans,
men and women in jodphurs and riding boots. Wear a monocle
or a jewel in the middle of your forehead -- or your navel!
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* Think
brocade, embroidery, muslin, fabulous jewels, gorgeous
colourful or embroidered shawls, sequins, peacock feathers,
fans and shade umbrellas. Think Bollywood. You could even
dig out your old Indian hippy gear. |
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* Come as a
gin and tonic, a cucumber sandwich, a curry or a cup of tea!
Come as a pink bit on the map! (On all the old atlases, the
British Empire was shown in pink)
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*You don't even have to dress up in total costume
if you don't want to -- just wear something to do
with the theme. Wear a taj mahal brooch, snake
earrings, a long sequinned scarf, carry a fan,
arrive on an elephant, wear or bring a tiger...
just join in the fun!
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cheers, Anne Gracie.
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