Welcome to Ellis Island Vintage, a unique collection of historic ethnic clothing from the homes of our ancestors.
Our mission is to preserve traditional forms of clothing worn throughout the rural regions of Europe by making them available to discerning collectors worldwide. By focusing exclusively on this niche of fashion history, we are able to provide unsurpassed customer service in the field of traditional European dress. Our selection of vintage and antique garments has been personally selected and sourced from remote villages, antique markets, and fine collections on both sides of the Atlantic. Every item we sell is guaranteed authentic and is presented with accurate historical information based on 20 years of experience and ethnographic research.
You will also find a wide range of specialized reference books and postcards related to ethnic fashion, folk jewelry, and traditional textiles from around the world. We invite you to browse our selection and join the growing number of museums, fashion designers, private collectors, textile enthusiasts, and cultural institutions already investing in these one-of-a-kind treasures.
Newest Arrivals

Folk Costumes from Kupinec | 1986
$50.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Kupinca Translation: Folk Costumes from Kupinec Author: Ivanka Bakrac Language(s): Croatian, German, French, and English Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1986 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 92 pages plus several pages of fold-out patterns Book Condition: Good - light wear to cover Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

Folk Costumes of Konavala – Cilipi | 1986
$50.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Konavala - Cilipi Translation: Folk Costumes from Konavle - Cilipi Author: Katica Benc-Boskovic Language(s): Croatian, German, French, and English Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1986 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 136 pages plus several pages of fold-out patterns Book Condition: Good - light wear Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

Folk Costumes from Baranja – Topolje | 1986
$50.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Baranje - Topolje Translation: Folk Costumes from Baranja - Topolje Author: Ivica Sestan Language(s): Croatian, German, French, and English Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1986 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 92 pages plus several pages of fold-out patterns Book Condition: Good - light wear to cover Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

Folk Costumes from Zumberak | 1988
$50.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Zumberka - Stojdraga Translation: Folk Costumes from Zumberak - Stojdraga Author: Aleksandra Muraj Language(s): Croatian, German, French, and English Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1988 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 154 pages plus several pages of fold-out patterns Book Condition: Very Good - minimal wear Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

Folk Costumes from the Dubrovnik Coast – Doli | 1987
$50.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Dubrovackog Primorja - Doli Translation: Folk Costumes from the Dubrovnik Coast - Doli Author: Katica Benc-Boskovic Language(s): Croatian, German, French, and English Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1987 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 136 pages plus several pages of fold-out patterns Book Condition: Very Good - light wear Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

Folk Costumes from Split | 1988
$50.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Splita Translation: Folk Costumes from Split Author: Ivan Sestan Language(s): Croatian, German, French, and English Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1988 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 136 pages plus several pages of fold-out patterns Book Condition: Very Good Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

Folk Costumes from Otok | 1987
$50.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Vinkovackog Kraja - Otok Translation: Folk Costumes from Otok Author: Ivan Sestan Language(s): Croatian, German, French, and English Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1987 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 152 pages plus several pages of fold-out patterns Book Condition: Good - light wear Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

Folk Costumes of Medimurja – Oporovec | 1985
$35.00Book Title: Narodna Nosnja Medimurja - Oporovec Translation: Folk Costumes of Medimurja - Oporovec Author: Katica Benc-Boskovic Language(s): Croatian Published: Zagreb, Croatia - 1985 Format & Size: Softcover - 6.75" x 9.5" Pages: 30 Book Condition: Good - owner's name inside front cover Description: Part of an extensive series detailing the regional folk costumes of Croatia. Each volume presents the history and function of the specific region's ethnic dress and is complete with historic archival photos, photos of individual costume elements, details of embroidery and other decorations, jewelry and other accessories, and more. There are also several pages of patterns at the end of the book to be used in the reconstruction of these traditional costumes for both men and women. The series is an excellent resource for folk dance groups, Croatian community centers, theaters, choirs, ethnic costume collectors and anyone interested in European ethnic fashion. Each volume was published in limited numbers (between 700-2,000 copies each). If you are not familiar with this book series and would like photos of sample pages, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to upload more images.

The Cultural Heritage of the Polish-Slovak Borderlands | 2022
$85.00Book Title: The Cultural Heritage of the Polish-Slovak Borderlands Author: ed. Mariola Tymochowicz Language(s): English Published: Wroclaw, Poland - 2022 Format & Size: Softcover - 8.25" x 11.75" Pages: 160 Book Condition: Like New Description: Interesting book presenting an overview of the ethnic groups living along both sides of the border between Poland and Slovakia in the Carpathian Mountain region. Includes chapters by various authors from both countries and is illustrated with black/white photos showing the region, people, architecture, and local culture. A unique reference for your library.

Folk Costumes of Czechoslovakia | ca. 1955
$110.00Book Title: Ceskoslovenske Lidove Kroje Translation: Folk Costumes of Czechoslovakia Author: Blazena Sotkova Language(s): Czech Published: Prague, Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia) - ca. 1955 Format & Size: Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket - 8.5" x 12" Pages: 226 + fold-out map Book Condition: Very Good Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good Description: Scarce book published in Prague about the folk costumes of Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Rep. & Slovakia - including Moravia). 138 large photo reproductions of the folk dress from across the country, with full annotations in Czech. Sample regions and villages: Tekov, Dobra Niva, Detva, Sajba, Zvolensko, Polomka, Rejdova, Pohorele, Horehronie, Strba, Zdiar, Cicmany, Bosa, Trnava, Podluzacko, Hornacko, Veselko, Rohatecho, Straznice, Kolobouk, Kyjov, Kunovicko, Vlcnov, Slovacko, Valasi, Jablunko, Hana, Policce, Litomysle, Hronova, Turnova, Stredocecko, Tabor, Blata, Doudlebsko, Plzen, Chodsko, and more. Each region is described and there is a 60-page overview of Czech/Slovak costumes. The book comes complete with the original large removable, fold-out map that shows the regional costumes distributed geographically on the map.

Furrier Folk Art in Slovakia | 1981
$175.00Book Title: Ludove Kozusnistvo na Slovensku Translation: Furrier Folk Art in Slovakia Author: Jarmila Plickova-Patkova Language(s): Slovak with summaries in English, Russian and German Published: Bratislava, Slovakia - 1981 Format & Size: Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket - 8.5" x 7.75" Pages: 450 pages Book Condition: Very Good Condition Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good Condition - minimal wear Description: Scarce book about traditional furrier art in Slovakia as it relates to traditional styles of dress and folk costume. Looks at the history and development of the craft through out Slovakia and presents regional styles, construction and ornamentation techniques and designs, master craftsmen, stylistic variations, and much more. Heavily illustrated with black/white photos and color images of actual sheepskin clothing (vests, coats, etc.) as well as furriers at work and the tools of their trade. A stunning publication and a fundamental work for anyone interested in the history of leather and sheepskin clothing in Eastern Europe.

Folk Jewelry in Slovakia | 1972
$85.00Book Title: Ludove Sperky na Slovensku Translation: Folk Jewelry in Slovakia Author: Helena Johnova Language(s): Slovak Published: Bratislava, Slovakia - 1972 Format & Size: Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket - 8.25" x 8" Pages: 244 pages Book Condition: Very Good Condition - former owner's name/address label on first page Dust Jacket Condition: Good Condition - light wear and small tears Description: Stunning book all about traditional Slovak folk jewelry. A comprehensive look at the various types of jewelry worn with folk costumes throughout Slovakia. Looks at belt buckles, rings, shepherd pin's, bracelets, clasps, necklaces, hair combs, chains, and more. Hundreds of color and black/white photos with detailed text and informative captions. A seldom covered topic, presented in an informative, illustrated book.

Highlander Folk Costumes from Istebna, Jaworzynka, Koniakow | 2005
$35.00Book Title: Stroj Ludowy Gorali Istebnej, Jaworzynki, Koniakowa Translation: Folk Costumes of the Highlanders from Istebna, Jaworzynka, Koniakow Author: Malgorzata Kieres Language(s): Polish Published: Cieszyn, Poland - 2005 Format & Size: Softcover - 6" x 8.75" Pages: 72 Book Condition: Very Good Description: Excellent small book about the traditional costumes of these mountain towns/villages. Explores the history, importance, and changes to the costumes of Istebna, Jaworzynka, and Koniakow in the Polish Carpathian Mountains. Over 150 color and black-white photos of individual costume elements and embroidery as well as people wearing complete costumes. Current and historic photos. Great resource for this region of Poland.

Swiss Folk Costumes | 1978
$50.00Book Title: Trachten der Schweiz Translation: Swiss Folk Costumes Author: Lotti Schurch Language(s): French Published: Bern, Switzerland - 1984 Format & Size: Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket - 9" x 11.5" Pages: 234 Book Condition: Very Good Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good - light wear Description: Beautiful book about the regional folk costumes of Switzerland. Each page is illustrated with color photos of men, women and children in the local dress. A great resource on Swiss costumes.

Folk Ornamentation of Zavod | 2019
$80.00Book Title: Sigillum Zavodiense - Ludova Ornamentika Translation: The Seal of Zavod - Folk Ornamentation Author: Peter Vrablec Language(s): Slovak Published: Zavod, Slovakia - 2019 Format & Size: Hardcover - 8.5" x 12" Pages: 150 Book Condition: Like New Description: Beautiful book presenting traditional designs from the village of Zavod (similar to those of Sekule and Moravsky Svaty Jan). The author examines the designs from domestic textiles (curtains, bed covers, funeral cloths), folk costumes (caps, aprons, shawls), and wooden objects (furniture, carvings, cemetary crosses). Most of the items are from the author's personal collection, which he has amassed while serving many years as the village's mayor. A beautiful catalog of traditional motifs.

Folk Costumes of Norway | 1995
$80.00Book Title: Folk Costumes of Norway Author: Heidi Fossnes Language(s): English Published: Norway - 1995 Format & Size: Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket - 9.5" x 12.25" Pages: 126 Book Condition: Very Good Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good - minimal scuffing and surface wear Description: Beautiful, large book about the traditional folk costumes of Norway. Each region has its own bunad or festive dress and this book presents the different regional varieties in stunning color photos. A fabulous book for anyone interested in European folk costume and Norwegian culture. The book is written in English plus each photograph has a short caption in French, English and German. Longer captions are provided at the back of the book and are in English only. Highly recommended!