Woman’s Folk Costume | Lest, Slovakia

Description

Origin: Slovakia | Velky Krtis region | Lest village
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Includes: blouse, vest, wrap shawl, skirt, apron, kerchief
Condition: good; slight fading to pink apron; perspiration stains on wrap shawl; kerchief has stains and holes; other minor signs of age/wear; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
Vest – across front: 17″ between underarms
Vest – length: 12.25″
Blouse – sleeves: 21.5″ from collar to cuff
Skirt – waist: 32″ around (can be tied tighter)
Skirt – length: 29″
Apron – length: 26.5″
Wrap shawl: 103″ long
Kerchief: 31″ x 30.5″
Additional Notes: A cheerful folk costume from the village of Lest, Velky Lom, Dolny Tisovnik, or another village in this area with a shared 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. Made from a variety of fabrics with beautiful hand embroidery on the blouse sleeves and apron waistband. Further embellished with different types of ribbons and trim.