Saturday, August 09, 2025

It' time again for the latest additions to the Capshaw Collection of Fine Fiestawear!

Cover shot featuring something new this year Panamanian Pollera Fiestawear....

Inside cover of the most elaborate Fiesta/Squaw dress to be described later in the listing.


Emelina in a purple/blue evening ensemble of velvet and lace from Martin McRea Westernwear.  She is modeling the dress with boots, a Spanish shawl and a festive feather corona.

A Mexican handpainted postcard skirt modeled with an Audrey Coleman, San Diego blouse....
A closeup of some of the hidden design--I checked the skirt to find a signature because these handpainted items are sometimes signed by the artist, but no signature was detected.

Bianca models this rose pattern skirt Native American style at the Santa Fe Opera with a silver belt, a Zuni inlaid bird necklace and fringed shawl.
The skirt is totally reversibile and here it is modeled on historic Santa Fe Burro Alley displaying the reverse side..
At the Millicent Rodger's Museum in Taos, NM, this one-piece, bi-tone cotton raincloth Squaw/Fiesta dress has all of the features that are represented in a truly fine Fiesta dress: a full-circle skirt, a plethora of gold ric-rac and braiding, a finishing touch of a ric-rac edging on the bottom and (a real plus on one-piece dresses)--an ample waistline.  For all these reasons, I give this dress a full rating of five stars *****  Only true Squaw/Fiesta dresses are rated.  (Photo by Ed Curley)
At The Legal Tender in Lamy, NM, Chiara is modeling another splendid homemade bi-tone, cotton raincloth dress in shades of brown with copper ric-rac and braiding.  This two piece, full-circle skirted dress is worn with copper jewelry and belt.  Unfortunately, because of some fading on the skirt, the rating is four stars:  ****
Emily demonstrates how lovely even a singleton skirt can look with some careful accents like this patchwork Boston Proper blouse, a Mexican corona and those fabulous high heels that most Santa Fe ladies wore with their Fiesta attire in the 1950s and early sixties.
A blending of cultures:  A Native American ribbon skirt by Bigwater Design, Santa Fe is teamed with an antique Mexican China Poblana Blouse, shawl and woven belt.  The outfit is completed by some beaded Tewa moccasins.
Close up of the basket weave pattern of the ribbon.  I purchased this skirt at Santa Fe Indian Market, and the seamstress hemmed the dress for me, took in the waist and added the embellishment of the floral fabric overnight.  A real treasure!
Emelina adds a lot of "oomph" to this absolutely gorgeous handmade heavy cotton,bitone. two-piece dress that was made by a very skilled seamstress.  It features turquoise brown, copper and white ric-rac and braid.  The full-circle skirt is very professionally pleated.  Eme accessorized the dress with copper and turquoise jewelry and belt, a heavy weave vaquera hat and a fabulous smile! Modeled with the carretas at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, this masterwork dress earns a full five star rating*****.
Against the iconic pink stucco of Santa Fe's Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, this outfit features a distinctive original buckskin jacket by Char, Santa Fe, USA and a Silver Springs velvet skirt--again with a Vaquera hat and silver jewelry..
Besides the beautiful silver buttons and leather braiding on this original jacket, all the designs are burnt into the leather and then hand painted with irridescent colors.

In Corrales. NM, Angelica is a vision in this light cotton highly embroidered Mexican hostess dress.

Also in Corales, NM, Chiara is modeling a black velvet, handpainted  skirt by Stampados Arco Rissigned that features a Mexican Rodeo event of tipping cows by their tails by the Coleaderos.  No signature and not my favorite theme, but Chiara looks lovely with her gold and black jewelry.
Also in Corrales, NM, Sylvia graces this adobe home with her Spanish crocheted lace blouse and five tiered skirt.  She accesorized with Santo Domingo shell jewelry.
In a different season, this David Paul, New York blanket jacket takes this silk two-piece western outfit into the Christmas season.  A poinsetta on a cowboy hat lets you know it's Christmas and it's Santa Fe.
Sarah takes advantage of the dark adobe buildings at El Rancho de las Golondrinas to show off this exquisite Desert Flower Originals, two-piece, cotton raincloth dress to it's full advantage   This full-circle skirt dress features silver and white ric-rac and braiding is expertly pleated by a local NM cottage industry in it's prime.  She teams it with a Laura Ingalls woven hat with blue leather lacing. Five stars *****
For Zozobra's 100th Anniversary last year, I wore this magnificent totally sequined China Poblana heavy skirt that was a generous birthday gift from my four children.  I was very pleased to find an antique Mexican China Poblana blouse with sequins to wear with it.
Upclose you can see the sequin detail on the blouse as well as on the massive Mexican corona....
Panels from the skirt--clockwise from upper leftL  The eagle on the cactus (symbol of Mexico); an Aztec archer; another Aztec archer; and a facsimile of the Aztec calendar.
Zoila is magnificient in this black Navajo velvet emsemble featuring a blouse by Double D Ranch and silver jewelry and belt.
Emelinda blends new and old with this highly elaborate embroidered skirt with a trace of sequins with a vibrant red cropped blouse and a Mexican corona.  Again, at El Rancho de las Golondddrinas.

Emily models Fiesta style blended with Western style with bi-tone full-circle skirt, a peasant blouse and a cowboy hat.

Francesca goes full western for a Beyonce Concert in Los Angeles in this Denim & Company, Dallas buckskin jacket, a straw cowboy hat, turquoise jewelry and apparently a stinky cigar!
Liberty was the only one tall enough to model this fine silk satin tiered Spanish outfit with lace trim.  She is posing at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.

Close up of a fabulous French bakelite comb with rhinestones and a super pretty face........

THE LADY IN RED!  Zoila luxuriates in this Faye Creations/Patio Creations. Tucson, Arizona raincloth two-piece dress.  This dress shines with silver and whit ric-rac abd braid, silver jewelry and belt, and fantastic silver shoes.  Four stars, due to some fading on the blouse--****

Gabriela combines a bitone skirt in yellow and brown with a plain brown blouse and red accents.  The skirt is gloriously festooned withe yellow, brown and gold metallic ric-rac and multicolored braid.  The adobe walls of El Rancho de las Golondrinas afford a perfect backdrop.

A very clever girl, Liberty wears a Lapis elastic pleated silk skirt as a one piece dress and tops it off with a velvet Double D Ranch bolero and boots.   Very fetching.....

Without the bolero with a view into the courtyard.......(nice portrait)

Jenny does wonders with a "Handmade by Becca" two piece light cotton dress with white, silver and pink ric-rac and braid. It is a full-circle skirt, but it does have a real idiocincricy in that it has a Chinese collar with silver metallic frog closures that Jenny tucked into a more tradition look like a Navajo top.  Three stars ***


Emily combines a simple peasant blouse with a bi-tone Gans of Old Santa Fe raincloth bi-tone skirt.  As a collector of Ganscraft dresses, I will be looking for the matching top, but you have never seen a prettier cowgirl than Emily in that coyboy hat!
Gabriela shines in another singelton skirt, but it is a good one!  The bi-tone heavy cotton skirt has black, red,white and a pop of yellow ric-rac and braid.  It is not quite a full circle. A crop top and a gorgeous squash blossom necklace make for a lovely picture.
Another LADY IN RED, Helena is resplendent  in a cotton "By Bogart, Texas" bitone, two-piece beauty! She wisely did not wear a belt because the waistline banding on this dress completes a vision in crisp design and simplicity.  White boots complete the look.  A looker!--five stars! *****
HOLLYWOOOOD!  Zoila is ready for the red carpet in this outfit!  A sinple dress beneath, it is topped with an elaborate campaign coat wth skads of silver buttons and silver detailing on the collar and cuffs.  Her public applauds..............
Rosie looks great in this tri-color two-piece homemade fiesta dress.  As is common with little girl's dresses. the seamstress was a little stingy with the ric-rac.  Nevertheless, in her Mexican corona and turquoise necklace, Rosie SHINES!! Three stars ***
Haunting a favorite Santa Fe eatery--Casa Sena, I'm checking to see if it has re-opened yet.  The answer is "NO!". My Mexican hand woven huipil in multi-colors keeps me warm and softens the blow.....
HER FUTURE'S SO BRIGHT, SHE HAS TO WEAR SHADES!--at least in this dazziling outfit!  Jenny combines an off-the-shoulder brown peasant blouse with a spangled I.K.Collections three tiered skirt and silver jewelry....oh, and some fascinatin' shades........

Isa is modeling a homemade pale pink dress that is just as expertly tailored as the professioned dresses.  It is a full-circle skirted, two piece dress with silver and white ric-rac and braid.  She makes the pale color pop  with bright turquoise jewelry and a fabulous SMILE!  Four stars--the color, though great on Isa, is not good on everyone.
Finally, a description of the Collection inside cover:  This elaborate dress, another generous gift, is hand made in distinction featuring a bi-tone skirt with fortyseven rows of ric-rac and braid on a full-circle skirt and it is very precisely pleated.  The blouse is made to be tucked in, but it is too big on me so I wore it like a lightweight cotton jacket.  It also features lots of white, black, gold, brown nd green ric-rac and braid including on the Bishop sleeves.  Amazing--Five stars *****!
Perfect for a date night at the Fiesta de Santa Fe!  Jenny is perfection itself in this gorgeous, handpainted Mexican skirt.  Although it is not signed, it is truly one-of-a-kind!  She tops it with a velvet peasant blouse and these metallic colors will shine under the festive fiesta lights!
There is a lot of beauty in SIMPLICITY!  This two -piece heavy cotton two-piece full circle skirt by Jojanto, Albuquerque, NM, is trimmed simply with only matching turquoise lace and sparse self-colored ric-rac. and silver buttons.  Chiara added a silver belt and her Grandma's squash blossom necklace in Sena Plaza, Santa Fe..  Five Stars *****
What could these two little cuties be up to with their Josefina doll at El Rancho de las Golondrinas??
Well, they are here to actually immitate Josefina in the very location of her adventures in her American Girl Doll Books.  The setting for this story starts at the gates of the Grand Placita at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.........
Here is Renata at the Placita entrance in her red skirt, peasant top, leather pouch and coloful shawl!

In this story, Joefina is in the Golondrinas chapel in her Christmas finest with her pantaloons and a mantilla and comb--likewise her dolly....

And here is Leona in her similar outfit with her dolly!

Soaking up the rays, Zoila matched up this heavy cotton peach colored skirt with a Spanish crocheted lace top in matching green to the braid in the skirt.  A large flowered corona and silver shoes complete the look.                                                                                 

More illustrations from the Josfina books--this time it is the kitchen in the Baca House.

Bianca and Renata in the Baca House kitchen wearing matching skirts of multi-strands of braid and ric-rac--too many to count!.

In this photo you can see how closely the skirts match.  I have had the longer skirt for over 15 years, but my daughter Chiara found the little mini-version this year.  She plans to wear it as a mini-skirt, but Renata wears it as a longer skirt.
Close-up of the gang in the kitchen...
Renata's modeling pose with her golden corona and leather pouch
La Familia

Leona's pose.  Her outfit is a Disney costume for Mirabela in ENCANTO.
Passamenterie Adelita dress stacked over Passamenterie Baile Con Migo skirt worn with a creme lace fringed Flamenco jacket and a tall ivory colored pineta.
Liberty displays a lovely floral embroidered shawl.  The patterns remind me of colcha embroidery patterns.
This dress has been shown before, but not with a belted waist and blue laced hat.  I'm ready for a Margarita at the bar at Legal Tender, Lamy. NM.

Last summer, Chiara and Stephano visited the magical little town of Santiago Atitlan on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.  The huipils in this town are woven on backstrap looms with thread treated with cornmeal dough in a grueling process that can take up to several weeks just to make the fabric for one garment.  Here she is modeling one such huipil along with painted Mexican jewelry.

The native name for this town means "Birdhouse" and they take great pride in adorning their huipils with this exquisite embroidery featuring some of the local birds.

This is a picture I never expected to see.....the menfolk of the town are not so hung up on the notion of being "macho" that they will not partake in the beauty and talent and wear the woven, embroidred garments themselves. Hats off to you guys!!!

On the Cinco de Mayo I attended a party and put together this outfit of a Mexican skirt and enbroidered blouse; an appliqued Mariachi jacket ; and a super Mexican sombrero.... (Photo by Angela Rubino)


But I made sure that my outfit honored Mexican Independence Day. (Which most folks in the US think is the Cinco de Mayo)  As the printing on my skirt attests:  Mexican Independence Day is September 16th!
Eme keeps the Mexican theme progressing with this lovely hand embroidered blouse, a "Caballeros" sash, and just a little hint of leg.....Viva Mexico!!!

Cool as a cucumber, Zoila  models this loose cotton dress with self crocheted lace and multicolor embroidery.  Perfect!
Sisi models a pale blue crocheted lace top with a patchworked three tiered skirt and a brightly colored and embelished jacket from Chicos.......



On Valentine's Day a plush Pink velvet Navajo emsemble with silver and turquoise jewelry.  (Photo by Waymon Whittemore)
The skirt to this two piece light cotton , bitone Fiesta dress was modeled by Emily,  but when worn in it's entirety, the crisp design and excellent tailoring is obvious  Worn with white shell jewelry from Santo Domingol  Five Stars *****


Fairytale Time--another lovely shawl modeled by Liberty in the gardens of El Rancho de las Golondrinas. with a black satin skirt and blouse beneath.....

I suspect that the Otomi tribe of Mexico--famouse for their outstanding embroidery-- never had any idea how outstanding their blouse would look on a beautiful typical American teen like Helena.  FABULOUS!

A whole section is included this year on my latest obsession--Panamanian Fiesta fashion!  Bianca models this combination of a yellow blouse with the typical Panamanian yarn trim and pom-poms!  I was not crazy about the pom-poms when I first saw them, but they "grow" on you amazingly quickly!  They also afford the Panamanian women a quick way to update their look by changing the yarn colors.  The skirt is embroidered with red and blue designs more white lace and a nice short length.
Now the true beauty and versatility of Panamanian style:  Sylvia is modeling a traditional double ruffle crisp cotton and lace pleated blouseand skirt.  The double deep ruffles obscure the waistline and the waist ribbon and yarn detailing on the blouse can be changed to change the look.


Up close with the tembleques and jewelry:  The tembleques consist of five golden hair combs and layers of pearl and wire flowers on hair sticks. The flowers have protrudences that tremble and shine when the wearer is dancing (hence the name) and are supposed to have a hypnotic affect on the viewer.  If you look up "tembleques" you will be amazed at how large and intricate these hair accessories can be.  This was the first time I attempted to attach the tembleques (after the necessary u-tube video), but I think Miss Sisi looks "mas fascinating" than anyone!  The jewelry is also "over the top" with layers of long gold  and pearl necklaces.  Necklaces with Christopher Columbus medals are especially popular.  I guess he is NOT out of favor in Panama. 

Here is my full Panamanian Pollera outfit.  It is made with crisp white cotton fabric embroidered all over with purple flowers.  The accent color it  came with is turquoise!--for both the waist ribbon and the pom-poms.
Upclose--I suspect that even though this was my second attempt, I think I did a better job on Sisi's.  I did however, add a bit more bling to drape upon myself...........

This outfit is described as the TUMBA HOMBRE which translates as "To knock a man down" .  I guess in this country, we would say it is a KNOCKOUT!  Sylvia is wearing the typical Tumba Hombre mult-colored and multi-tiered skirt with the same white blouse as in previous post,  She is demonstrating the other way Panamanian ladies accessorize their fiesta clothes--by embelishing their world famous Panama hats!  (a pleasant departure, I am sure, from the tortuous and time consuming process of building up tembleques)

Liberty is most fetching in this unsigned Mexican handpainted postcard skirt, bright red halter top, and fringed shawl!  What I enjoy most is her beautiful smile!


At Los Poblanos, I am wearing a Native American ribbon skirt with a Mexican China Poblana blouse and an Argentine Gaucho hat. It was winter, so both a wool jacket and cotton shawl were necessary. (Photo by Waymon Whittemore)

Frannie was tricked into modeling this fringed mantilla shawl by Zozobra......
This is a well-tailored cotton full-circle skirt with an attached lace edged petticoat.  Sisi repurposed the self waist sash into a flowing headscarf so as to have a better full view of the longer embroidered Mexican peasant blouse.  All at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
At Mundo Waymundo, I am modeling my rickety old body in front of the delightful rickety old wagon.  I am wearing a long heavy cotton bi color tiered skirt with colorful braid and tiny red ric-rac, a brown peasant blouse , woven sash and embellished Vaquera hat. (Photo by Angela Rubino)

Inside one of the ancient rooms at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, Sarah models a decidedly modern turn on Fiesta attire,  She is sporting a hot pink polished cotton blouse and and handpainted floral Mexican skirt along with a corona and silver jewelry.
A WORK IN PROGRESS.....Because we were rushing for time, Liberty's lovely silver silk outfit did not have time to get accessorized for Fiesta except for the delightful silver grey Gaucho hat.  The outfit can be imagined with a bolero,draped shawl, Santa Fe jewelry etc.--the image is yours.......

Emily, who got last pick on the new arrivals because she was out of town, graciously models another singleton raincloth skirt.  The red-white and blue motiff in the ric-rac and braid is very unique.  And,of course, SHE ROCKS THOSE HIGH HEELS!
In Sena Plaza, Sisi tames the wild beasts in this comely attire.  She teamed a mauve crochet ruffled blouse with a four-tiered ribbon skirt and silver jewelry.  One of my favorite photos!!

  Finally, a skirt shot!  And what a beauty of a skirt and what a beauty of a woman to display it!  This handmade two-piece, bi-tone, heavy cotton, thinly pleated full-circle skirted outfit is only for those lucky ladies with tiny waists.  It sports white, silver and turquoise ric-rac but no braiding.  The seamstress fashioned a very unique top featuring the turquoise fabric in two vertical placcards,  A treasure!  Five stars *****
 Another hand-woven huipil gifted to me by Kiki on her travels. This one was purchased at the market in Solola, Guatemala.  Bianca models it on the docks in Oakland CA.  You know it's Oakland because of the iconic Oakland dock cranes in the background that inspired George Lucas to create the Imperial Walkers in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK!  When it first arrived I thought the sequined areas were "evil eyes" and I brought some evil eye jewelery for Binks to wear when she modeled it.  Upon closer inspection, it turns that the images are actually Calla Lillies. 

Come Spanish Market time in Santa Fe, more of the Chiara bounty comes out for display.  I am wearing a yellow crocheted ruffle blouse and yellow tiered skirt with some gorgeous beaded jewelry from the Markets near Oaxaca Mexico.  (Whittemore Photo)
Upclose view of the set that includes a necklace, earrings and a bracelet.
A vision!  Sarah is the perfect Seniorta in this satin Spanish dancing dress.  Because of some of the details of construction, I think this dress was designed for stage performers. The red and coral ruffles are embellished with tinier lavender ruffles, and that red, coral and lavender motiff is continued in the colors of the intricate sequined flowers on the sleeves and bodice. Long black fringe adds more drama. Sarah accessorized with an elaborate sequined corona.  In the gardens at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.........

  A vision from THE AGE OF ACQUARIUS for Fiestatime!  Helena models a festive Baile Conmigo skirt by Passamenterie and a very well-preserved peasant top from Suzette International, Paris-Santa Fe.  Her festival headress reminds us of the utter joy of being so young and so lovely.......

At the Pecos Pueblo Ruins, Chiara models one of the new very unique dresses from one of the talented fashion-forward designers at Santa Fe Indian Market.  This Taina Whitethorne dress consists of a skirt that is a traditional ribbon skirt with an overlay netting of sumptious embroidered roses, while the top is like a traditional velvet Navajo blouse with silver buttons, but the sleeves are made of the embroidered net fabric,.  Kiki modeled it with silver jewelry and a red rose leather belt.


At a horse farm in Northern California last autumn, I  wore a Tasha Polizzi for T.P. Saddleblanket Company jacket with a lace applique skirt , crochet lace ruffled blouse, silver jewelry and embroidered boots.

This is a very unique Mexican style Postcard skirt handcrafted in New Mexico by The Taos Fiesta Fashions Designed by Art Kay of Arte Nativo.  The imaginative and colorful skirt features South American Indians from perhaps Bolivia or Peru.  Chiara wears it with similar colored bead jewelry.

Closeup of the waistband.

Another singleton bi-tone skirt modeled in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, NM.  It is teamed with a Oaxacan poncho, an embroidered blouse by Tres Marias and cowboy books.  (Curley Photo)
Howdy Maam!  Jennie manages to turn a grabbag of odds and ends into an interesting western outfit.  I love the kerchief tied on only one boot.  I think it sends a message, but I am just too old or just too square to know what the message is......



Bianca teams a pink velvet silver buttoned blouse with a purple velvet skirt and silver jewelry.

A layering of laces.....Sarah is wearing an elaborate lace and embroidered blouse from Mexico with a long skirt featuring the same "dripping lace" hem.  A corona and silver jewelry complete the picture.  Very fresh!

Not really a fiesta style, but both the jewelry and the blouse could be so used with other Fiesta attire.  The blouse is from the Ukraine.

This completes the collection portion of the posting with Emily and her adoreable daughter, Helena.  The next section is out-takes and examples of Fiestwear being worn in other settings........

HAVE EL CAMINO, WILL TRAVEL.....
Indian Market Dress at the Governor's Mansion at Christmastime...
Zozobra 2024--Chiara mixing and matching previously modeled pieces.....
Zozobra 2025, Bianca doing the same......
Whoa!  Something never done before at Cielo Azul!--Fire dancers for Zozobra's 100th Birthday!
Chiara and Diana in a couple of the Collection's fancier outfits at the Chavez Fandango....
A week later, same dress as Queen Isabella afor Reniassance Fair......
SEE-NO-EVIL. HEAR-NO-EVIL-, SPEAK-NO-EVIL.......
Welcome to El Rancho de las Golondrinas!
Such lovely exhaustion!

Inspiration!  Gabriela demonstrates that her shorts have a pocket for her cell phone.  NO Fiesta Dress has pockets!.........next year, everyone wears shorts underneath!!

Portal Royalty!
The girlies survey their landscape for their Josefina re-enactments......
FAMILIA!!!!

OLDER familia!


Dishing with the girls at the luncheon

Shades of brown.....

Helpers.....

Da girls!
Da Volunteers!

In Fiesta clothing when last seen......

Last Fiesta Sunday everything downtown was cancelled so we met at Sylvia's in our assigned postcard skirts.  This photo taken at Sylvia's house was doctored to look like we were actually on the Plaza when the monument was still in tact.

Cowboys love girls in Fiesta Clothes.....

Whew!  That was HARD!
We have the most "attitude"!

No, WE have the most ATTITUDE!!
Thanks for the memories........
Thank you for following this enormous posting to the end.  If you have the energy or desire to see the entire collection, follow the link below to the very first posting 15 years ago with links at the end of each year to see the next year.  Or just keep the idea in mind for some night when you cannot sleep.....



God bless you and Que Viva ls Fiesta!

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It' time again for the latest additions to the Capshaw Collection of Fine Fiestawear! Cover shot featuring something new this year Panam...