'Come and Knock on Their Door': celebrate caftans with the International Order of Mrs. Roper

Get ready to embrace the eccentricity and style of Mrs. Roper, the beloved character from the popular '70s sitcom Three's Company. Mrs. Roper, played by the talented actress Audra Lindley, captured the hearts of viewers with her vivacious personality and flamboyant wardrobe. Lindley's character, Helen, ― a landlord with her husband Stanley to Jack, Janet and Chrissy (or Terri or Cindy) ― was known for her unapologetic love for caftans, flowing tunic'-like garments of many vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Mrs. Roper's fashion choices showcased her individuality and fearlessness, making her an instant cult figure.

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Stella Von Schmid, Savannah resident and avid fan of the show. has organized the local chapter of the International Order of Mrs. Roper, a gathering that celebrates the iconic character and her inimitable fashion choices.

"The internet can be a wonderful place. I had no intention of creating or organizing a club, but Mrs. Roper found me during one of those moments when you go down a rabbit hole researching a subject," explained Von Schmid. "I created my own line of caftans and, in the search of more patterns and variations of the caftan, I landed on Mrs. Roper. I grew up watching Three’s Company. Although back then many of the jokes went way over my head, the show was happy, and John Ritter’s physical comedy was fresh. The girls and their fashion were great but in this rabbit hole I fell through, I found a Mrs. Roper Club in Georgia. I asked myself, 'What is this?!'  And apparently in North Georgia back in 2010, people would dress up and go to parties all Mrs. Roper-themed. I said to myself, 'this would be great in Savannah.'"

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Von Schmid said that the comfort and elegance of caftans make sense in her adopted South. "From the beach to dinner, you can dress up and down and its genderless comfort. Now, I watch the reruns of the show and understand that Mrs. Roper was sex-starved, yet comfortable with her sexuality. She was cute and Stanley was a fool. She was sassy and bold, and her outfits were so inspiring for me someone from rural Pennsylvania who had never seen anyone dress like it.”

The popularity of caftans has endured over the years, and in recent years, have seen a resurgence in the fashion world. One reason for this revival is the increasing awareness of climate change and the rising temperatures worldwide. Caftans, with their loose and breathable fabrics, have become a popular choice for people seeking comfort and style in the heat.

Recognizing the cultural significance and widespread appeal of Mrs. Roper's fashion sense, Von Schmid sought to bring together through the Savannah chapter of the Order like-minded individuals who appreciate the character's unique style and her spirit of self-expression.

“Many adults find it hard to connect with other like minds and the fact that life can be so demanding for so many, I think this is a great excuse to come out grab a mocktail or cocktail and just have a good time... celebrate life," said Von Schmid. "We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy the time with us. After the lockdown, I honestly crave a full calendar of events."

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To foster a sense of community and celebration, the Savannah Chapter of the International Order of Mrs. Roper will hold its next meeting August 4 at First Friday in Starland, embracing the city's artistic and creative spirit.

The gathering promises to be a delightful experience, filled with nostalgia, camaraderie and, of course, an array of caftans. Participants can look forward to engaging discussions, activities, and the opportunity to connect with fellow Mrs. Roper enthusiasts. Attendees are encouraged to showcase their own interpretations of Mrs. Roper's iconic style by donning their favorite caftans.

The Savannah Chapter of the International Order of Mrs. Roper warmly invites everyone aged 21 and older to join, said Von Schmid. "Whether you are a long-time fan of Three's Company or simply drawn to Mrs. Roper's vibrant fashion, this gathering welcomes individuals from all walks of life."

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah ga chapter international order of mrs roper threes company caftans