Supporting Marisa's Historical Costuming Journey

Hello hello! I am Marisa, your friendly neighborhood historical costumer. I've been obsessed with costuming for about 16 or so years after my husband took me to the Renaissance Faire for our third date. Once we got there, and I saw everyone in their garb, I was HOOKED! I'm convinced that he did it on purpose, knowing that I would want to dive into it immediately. So after that date, I borrowed a friend's sewing machine, watched a bunch of YouTube videos, visited a lot of online forums (yes, that's how long ago it was!), and started my journey in sewing. I've taught some classes, such as "Dressing a Regency Lady" for the Costumers of Color Silk Routes Symposium, as well as "Regency Fashion on a Budget" for Virtual Jane Con 2024, as well as consulted with fellow costumers for their projects, and an upcoming series for The Unconventional. Won or took place in a couple of contests, including being named The Diamond of the Evening at The Queen's Ball: A Bridgerton Experience. I also host period-themed events and tea parties!

After coming back from my art residency in France this past February, a lot of people suggested that I set up another GoFundMe to continue to raise funds to support my work in historical costuming and fashion history. So here it is! This will be ongoing, and the funds will help cover and offset the cost of things like travel, materials/supplies, and equipment so I can continue creating and sharing this work.

Historical clothing isn't just something I admire—it's something I live and breathe. When I wear the historical garments I make, I feel more like *me* than I do in modern clothing. Everything I make and study about historical fashion and society from the eras that I sew makes me feel connected in a way to those before me.

But for me, it's also about reclaiming and correcting history. Too often, Black people are only acknowledged in historical narratives through the lens of slavery. I've been told that we wouldn't have existed in those periods, and if we did, we definitely would not have been dressed so nicely. What gets erased with this mindset are the thriving Black communities, the educated minds, and the skilled artisans, especially the Black women who were the seamstresses for themselves, and behind the fashions of the upper class. Many of whom went uncredited for their work.

With each project, I aim to honor their legacy and bring visibility to the fuller, richer story of our past. Every finished garment is a personal triumph—and a reminder that we were always more than history gave us credit for.

If you believe in the power of storytelling through art, culture, and craftsmanship, I’d be incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for helping me bring these stories—and these garments—to life.

If you've made it this far, here's a big high-five for you! I promise I am almost done!

There are other ways to donate as well!

I also have a fine art print site where you can purchase gorgeous prints of my art! I update it on a semi-weekly basis. Take a look! https://www.marisataylorphotography.com/PrintSite/

Thank you for taking the time to read this all, and for considering donating. Even if you can't, sharing this to spread the word is just as good, and I am forever grateful. Thank you so much, and hugs to all of you!