Woman’s Folk Costume | Zdiar, Slovakia

Description

Origin: Slovakia | Spis region | Zdiar
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Includes: blouse, dress (vest with attached skirt), apron, headband, kerchief, red ribbon waist sash, red ribbon bow
Condition: very good; minor losses/wear to embroidery on apron; faint staining to kerchief and red ribbons; light general wear and renovations; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
  Vest – across front: 18″ between underarms
  Dress – waist: 30″ around
  Dress – length: 39.5″
  Skirt – length: 25″
  Apron – length: 27″ including lace
  Waist sash: 2″ wide x 75″ long
Additional Notes: The village of Zdiar is tucked far up in the Tatra Mountains near the Polish border and has been a popular winter travel destination for decades. Costumes from this village are much harder to find today than from some of the nearby villages due to the constant stream of tourists that delighted in the bright colors and exotic look of the local dress and often purchased pieces to take home. This costume includes original, old elements of the regional dress predating WWII with some post-war additions documenting the continued use of traditional clothing in the village. The apron shows this particularly well as it features modern ribbon trim sewn on to the original antique embroidery, which was replaced entirely by applique in the post-war era. The sequins on the vest were also likely added later to further embellish the metallic silver trim. Skirts in Zdiar were made of many different fabrics, this one being of fine pink wool often seen in girl’s and young women’s costumes used for dancing and festive occasions.