Heidi Mosier: seamstress for the centuries

Many Historic City News readers agree that one of the highlights of each year’s Menéndez Noche de Gala is the exquisite period clothing gracing both volunteers and guests.

The woman responsible for many of the pieces in the parade of 16th century finery is St. Augustine resident Heidi Mosier. For almost thirty years, Mosier has been a resident of the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area.

Mosier was born in Appen, Germany; however, she has lived in this country since her marriage to a United States serviceman at the age of 22 years-old.

Her first experience making period clothing in St. Augustine came from an opportunity with the Oldest Wooden School House museum. Mosier says that she originally started sewing; just to make her own clothes.

For nearly twenty years, Mosier made period-correct, eighteenth century clothing for the State of Florida at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum.

Low cut, 18th century blouses with round necklines and bell-shaped skirts that exaggerate the hips, create an optical illusion that women find slimming.

Mosier is still considered the “go to person” for Spanish, British, and 18th century Menorcan special events or historical reenactments. Those clients who seek Mosier’s services do so for her unique expertise.

The majority of clients yield complete creative control to Mosier, who makes several executive decisions as to what will fit each client’s body the best. Nevertheless, the client’s input is very much instrumental in the color palette and patterns Mosier uses for their clothing, which are always impeccable in every detail with fabric material from European countries and the Middle East as well as her annual buying visits to New York City.

Mosier’s expertise is not limited to clothing, but includes period correct hats and jewelry to match her custom outfits.

Her love of history and her years of research on the details and styles which distinguishes one century of clothing from the next is part of what makes her work so unique.

An expert on mannerisms, Mosier also enlightens each client as to the appropriate way to behave, posture, and walk in period clothing.

The Menéndez Noche de Gala, Saturday, February 26th, known as one of St. Augustine’s premier events, celebrates the birthday of the city’s founder, don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.

In its fourteenth year, taking place in the elegant Lightner Museum, the Noche de Gala attracts many local lovers of history and art, preservationists, and dignitaries from cities central to St. Augustine’s long standing Spanish tradition and heritage.

Tickets are $185 per person or $160 per person for members of the Heritage Fund.

For more information or to make reservations, call (904) 209-4226.

A limited supply of period-appropriate clothing is available for rental for those planning to attend by calling Mosier who can be reached at (904) 829-8309.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by City of St. Augustine