A Different Time
One of the exhibits at Kensington Palace in February was Debutantes. If you read Jane Austen, or the Bronte sisters, you'll know that a lot of time, money, more time, more money, etc., was spent on these elaborate Seasons of Coming Out into Society . March of 1958 was the last 'official' season in London, although the ghosts of similar traditions still linger in our culture. These dresses were part of the last, or one of the last seasons. I wonder how these women felt, knowing they were "it"? Did their younger sisters mourn the loss of their introduction to society? Were they relieved that they didn't have to live up to such standards? I'm sure it was a little bit of both. I learned that many of the families went into debt, vying to hold some sort of place in society. How sad is that? On one hand, it sounds kind of fun; dressing up, parties, dancing. On the other? You are being measured by your wealth, your ability to show, curtsey, and flirt. ...