ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — The Empty Box Co. had much to celebrate this past holiday season as its handmade garment boxes were featured during the Christmas episode of the popular British drama series Downton Abbey, reports Foster-Stephens, the company’s North American distributor.
Handmade textile preservation boxes have become The Empty Box Co.’s specialty after it revived Edwardian hat and dress boxes 26 years ago, according to Foster-Stephens. The boxes help keep special garments such as wedding dresses and Christening gowns “protected and preserved for years to come.”
“The company knew the Downton series [was] filming with a selection of boxes but [was] surprised and delighted to see them on the screen on the Christmas Day special in the U.K.,” says Foster-Stephens.
“I was very relieved, because Downton had bought 29 boxes from us and yet none appeared in the autumn series,” says Giselle Hulme, The Empty Box Co. marketing director. “Our last chance was the Christmas special and sure enough, they were placed elegantly at the bottom of a beautiful staircase, and being carried about by the maid, Ivy, containing all of Rose’s ‘coming out’ dresses.”
“We are delighted to be distributing these fine boxes and happy to see them showcased on a popular series like Downton Abbey, as well as the PBS show Mr. Selfridge,” says Foster-Stephens President Nancy Jones.
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