The House of Eliott - BBC Series

[swinggal]

Hi all,

I just rewatched the entire 3 series of House of Eliott over the last week. This was one of my favourite BBC series in the early 90s - about two sisters in the 1920s who run their own fashion house in London.

It truly is the best series of it's kind as it focuses on fashion. I'd forgotten just how amazing the fashion and hairstyle are. Simply stunning and so authentic. I don't think I've ever seen such attention to detail in clothing and hair. Best fingerwaves I have ever seen. Especially in the 3rd series which is set in 1927.

Try and find it girls. Even if you are a 40s fan - this series is great. I'm blown away by the dresses and outfits. Also a great look at what was going on at the time.

 

[Rachael]

For those of us in the States, the series is available on Netflix. I used to have wonderful conversations with sweet old ladies about this show, and am looking forward to having it arrive in my mailbox.

 

[LelaViavonie]

Rachel! U an angel for stating that netflix has it!
I just signed up yesterday and I am on my way to watch it!

I watched Cover Girl yesterday at work.. it was soo good. Inspired me to try different hair styles.

I will be netflixing the movie! Thanks Gals!

 

[Mojito]

One of my favourites, Swinggal! I should rewatch it. Interesting how some of the issues in the show - such as the conflict between the sisters of the design direction of their House (practical wear for women vs the more fanciful and exotic outfits) reflect what was happening in some couture houses at the time. The writers obviously did their research.

 

[Aurora]

I've never heard of this, going to have a look in the library tomorrow and see if I can find it to borrow - Thanks

 

[olive bleu]

I saw the dvd set for sale somewhere recently and almost bought it..partly for the obvious reasons(fashion, 1920's..yadda yadda)but also just because of the name..my maiden name is Elliott I will definitelt have another look.

 

[Warden]

Sorry for popping in here ladies, but I just wanted to say I cannot watch the series without thinking of French and Suanders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEPSg32pnD0

Harry

 

[Laura Chase]

I remember watching these series on BBC some years back, it opened my eyes when it comes to 20's fashion! Definitely going to see it again now, thanks for reminding me.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

Ladies, This is moving out to Moving Picture, since its a general discussion of the series and belongs out there.

 

[swinggal]

This isn't just a show for women either. There are plenty of men in the series as well as cars of the age. Seriously - it's one of the best series re the 20's for fashion. Still stuns me today and it's exciting waiting for the next scene and wondering what they will be wearing.

I read, back when it made, that all of the clothes for the series were made from original 1920s patterns and fabrics of the day. I also love seeing how the fashion changes in the show from the early 20s to series 3 where it is 1927. Becomes more streamlined an elegant (as we know it did). The women in the series cut their hair shorter and Evie goes from a longer bob to a more severe Louise Brooks style bob which is shingled up the back to finally, in series 3, an Eaton Crop.

 

[swinggal]

Also loved Evies wedding attire. My nana wore a similar headpiece in the late 20s. Quite stunning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWa49imJjGo&feature=related

 

[Mojito]

Do you have any photos of your Nana wearing it, Swinggal? I've no intention of marriage at this point, but if I ever did wed it would be with a 20s style headdress and veil!

I love Evie's dark, vampy make up in that scene! I was surprised to read (long after the episodes aired) that when the first season was aired the public thought Evie was too dowdy and nicknamed her the "Mouse of Elliott"! I thought her outfits were fabulous, and very appropriately early 1920s. Of course more extravagent and theatrical styles were also worn among the wealthy and avant garde, but I never had a problem with her attire - I enjoyed it all too much! They did change this in the later seasons, though.

 

[BegintheBeguine]

My library system has this series. Thanks for the reminder of it so I can put it on my list!

 

[miserabelle]

I was kind of disappointed with the way that it ended, but I loved the show.
I loved when something really dramatic happened at the end of an episode, but the music over the credits was really cheery and incongruous.

The clothes are beautiful aren't they? x

 

[Benny Holiday]

One of my favourites, Swinggal! I should rewatch it. Interesting how some of the issues in the show - such as the conflict between the sisters of the design direction of their House (practical wear for women vs the more fanciful and exotic outfits) reflect what was happening in some couture houses at the time. The writers obviously did their research.

I actually came across the series for the first time at the ABC Store yesterday and thought immediately of you, Mojito!

 

[swinggal]

I too remember being VERY disappointed when it ended at the time. It was almost as if there was more to come. The final series had less episodes too which made me wonder if something happened to stop production. Back in 1993 I waited to hear about a 4th series....but it never happened. It definatley seemed like there was more to come after.

 

[blacklagoon]

I remember winning the house of eliott music DVD when it came out in a newspaper competition.

 

[imoldfashioned]

I'm so glad they released the whole series on DVD--my old VHS tapes were getting really ratty. I read somewhere that the series unexpectedly got the axe so all the storylines were up in the air when it ended. I kept wishing that Penelope and/or Daphne would reappear for a cameo but alas, they never did. It's always fun to see Miinnie Driver before she was well known.

Also, someday I'm going to sit down and do screencaps of the hats and dresses I want to track down or copy. I'll have to plot out quite a bit of time!

 

[dhermann1]

My wife and I watched this show religiously. She was VERY into the fashions.
Sadly, I think each new season was inferior to the previous season. Still, there were plenty of good plot lines available. I thought the sub plot of the nascent movie industry was cool.

 

[Antje]

My parents always tell me that this would be a great serie and that I would love it.
Maybe i can gett it on dvd somethimes