Renaissance Woman… Modern World
Renaissance Festivals have been a springboard to many artistic careers, from magicians Penn and Teller to Hollywood director Andy Fickman, but something many don't realize is how many people have found their experience working at a festival to be an aid to advancement, both personal and professional, in seemingly unrelated fields. One surprising example is the... Continue Reading →
After a long year of closures and being sheltered in our homes, this summer feels especially celebratory! Though we yet remember the shadows of the losses of the last 16 months, so many of us are finally breathing a little easier, turning our faces toward the sun, and airing out our costumes and garb to... Continue Reading →
Of course, we've all seen women walking the lanes at the Renaissance festival in gorgeous court gowns, shimmery fairy costumes, and simpler merchant-class dresses. But perhaps there is no more ubiquitous clothing item at the RenFaire than the corset. Curvy, boned, and in materials from silk to leather, the Victorian corset has become the costume... Continue Reading →
I recently had the sheer pleasure of chatting with Lily over Facetime, she's a delightfully positive woman who radiates joy. A native of Pennsylvania who loves Barcelona, her playfulness was evident by the cat ears popping up behind her shoulders, courtesy of a cute pillow case. Who are you and what do you do? My... Continue Reading →
From Part One of this series by Hilary Bryant, originally published October 1: A Renaissance Festival is many things to many people. Just about every kind of person, in fact. What started out in Southern California as a small bit of countercultural rebellion has grown into a rather mainstream phenomenon. RenFaire culture is a convergence... Continue Reading →
part one of a series by Hilary Bryant "CANNON FIRE! CANNON FIRE!" These words ring out across the entryway to the faire - both a warning (plug your ears, folks) and a proud invitation. With a singular and emphatic BOOM, it begins. Music plays, gentle and lively. Excited cries from vendors layer on top of... Continue Reading →
When we started LadyFaire in the autumn of 2020, the world had shut down. Faires and Festivals were canceled all over the country, and we all missed the community we'd grown to love. Our team wanted to fill that void. As faire musician Lojo Russo sings in her song "Where We Left Off": Hello, my... Continue Reading →
As we enter the last few weeks of winter, you may have found yourself running out of creative cooking ideas for the cold weather. Warm, creamy beef stews or a Texas chili may have worn out their welcome! No worry here, Christine Boyett Barr of LadyFaire has searched for delicious recipes from the Slavic and... Continue Reading →
As winter descends in the northern hemisphere and those who are blessed with home and hearth settle in with warm beverages and toasty blankets, there's a sense of snug security in these shorter, colder days. But sometimes, magical creatures lurk in the long winter nights, especially in the colder climes of Nordic and Slavic regions.... Continue Reading →
It's mid-January, and sweaters, mittens, and hot chocolate are in high demand as we snuggle up under a blanket to binge watch Encanto or read Daina Gabaldon's latest, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (is there any love more divine than Jamie and Claire's?). If you need music to accompany your quiet evenings,... Continue Reading →
It's January, 2022, and we're in the midst of another surge in Covid cases. Sometimes it's been discouraging; it's hard to keep chins up and eyes ahead. I am learning that it takes bravery to live abundantly and authentically during a global pandemic that's soon to reach its second anniversary. I haven't been perfect at... Continue Reading →
We’ve gathered songs about summer fairies, beaches, and warm sunshine. For those who have summer faires to celebrate, this mix is a great soundtrack for your journey to the festival. For those who must wait for their faire's next season, this list can make your summer picnics and vacay drives a bit, well, sunnier! It’s... Continue Reading →
Have you ever noticed that when you're walking the lanes of a Renaissance or medieval faire, there is a distinct love of all things connected to the United Kingdom? A generalization, to be sure, but Renfest enthusiasts are often devoted Anglophiles who love tea, kilts, Celtic knotwork, and may even be able to quote sumptuary... Continue Reading →
LadyFaire Magazine 