HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE
THOSE OF US who grew up with a trunk full of dress-up clothes know the magic that an article of clothing can hold . In an instant , you ’ re no longer yourself , transformed into a medieval princess holding court or a swashbuckling pirate on the high seas . And then we grow up . We close the trunk and begin to dress for the job at hand .
What if that job of dressing up is to bring joy not only to yourself — but also to others ?
Vicki Bonnington is the living embodiment of the aphorism , “ Clothes make a statement . Costumes tell a story .” Walking into the former litigator ’ s third-floor expansive storage space in downtown Pittsfield is like entering a portal into another world , a Narnia of fashion where the wardrobe is the wonderland . Clothes in every shade , texture , length , and size fill the space . The walls are lined with an array of accessories — an impressive crown section , hats for every day of the year , and sentimental touches like the handmade crocheted hangers gifted to Bonnington as a child by her grandmother each Christmas .
Tabitha Rasmussen , Bonnington ’ s project manager and assistant , has curated and organized the space into what it is today . Bonnington ’ s “ personal MacGyver ,” Rasmussen is also a seamstress , integral to the care and upkeep of Bonnington ’ s collection . “ We have fun here ,” says Rasmussen .
Bonnington is the driving force behind Berkshire County ’ s popular fashion fundraiser . She is like a fashion fairy godmother , a youthful sprite dressed in dusty rose who hasn ’ t stopped playing dress-up since the first Young Edwardian dress she donned during the Beatle-mania days . Often labeled a “ fashionista ” by the local press , that term doesn ’ t resonate with Bonnington , whose personal style isn ’ t about trends or labels — it ’ s about who she becomes when wearing it .
As we talk , we explore both her closet
and the racks of clothing hand-picked for BerkChique !. More than once , the conversation veers off on a tangent , and Bonnington is off searching from room to room for the garment in question , a visual prop for the story she is telling . From the “ defenseless ” hand-painted slip dress she “ rescued ” from a Filene ’ s Basement 30 years ago , to a stunning Victor Costa gown whose look-alike Bonnington gifted to a past BerkChique ! Cinderella , Bonnington has collected a textile scrapbook where every article is a piece of her own story .
Her exuberance for clothes spills over into her personality , animating this largerthan-life character that draws you in . “ You would be surprised at how happy it makes other people ,” she says . “ I do love clothing , and I love crazy hats and outfits and all of that , but I get a lot of positive feedback from people .”
A staple of the local gala circuit , Bonnington has been told that her presence elevates every event she attends ,
HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE
baby animals
APRIL 13 through May 5
20 historic buildings • farm animals • Shaker artifacts • art exhibitions • gardens • hiking trails • cafe • shopping
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28 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday Spring 2024 2023