Woman’s Folk Costume | Velky Lom, Slovakia

Description

Origin: Slovakia | Velky Krtis region | Velky Lom village
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Includes: blouse, vest, wrap shawl, skirt, apron, kerchief
Condition: good; minor losses to embroidery on blouse sleeves; missing one neck tie string; staining to wrap shawl and kerchief; slight damages to apron waistband fabric; other minor signs of age/wear; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Vest – across front: 17.5″ between underarms
   Vest – length: 12.5″
   Blouse – sleeves: 25″ from collar to cuff
   Skirt – waist: up to 35″ around (can be tied tighter)
   Skirt – length: 30.5″
   Apron – length: 27
   Wrap shawl: 84″ long
   Kerchief: approximately 29″ square
Additional Notes: A bright and cheerful folk costume from the village of Velky Lom or one of its neighbors with a similar folk dress tradition. Costumes from this region of Slovakia are highly sought after for their vibrant colors and unique styles of embroidery and ornamentation. Where in some villages costumes remain relatively consistent and formulaic, the villages around Velky Lom exhibit an incredible diversity of styles and colors with many elements and accessories. Based on the colors, this ensemble would have likely been worn for festive occasions and holidays by a young woman during the early years of her marriage or by an unmarried girl (without the kerchief). The blouse is made from a beautiful semi-sheer patterned batiste cotton and is decorated with hand embroidery over tulle near the shoulders. The pleated pink wool skirt is stunning and in remarkably good condition. Each of the garments is embellished with different types of ribbons and trim resulting in a striking ensemble showcasing the skills of the maker.