A few years ago, I shared the story of how I bought my first “Dirndl.” Since my family is not from Bavaria, I wanted something different from a traditional Dirndl. Instead, I hoped to find something that would reflect the region my family came from in Germany, while still maintaining a recognizable German style. I looked at a LOT of pictures of traditional German Clothing. When I came across Gregor Hohenberg’s book, “Traditional Couture”, my jaw dropped. The photographs in this amazing book are stunning, and show that there is so much more to German Fashion history than Lederhosen.
Order Traditional Couture: Folkloric High Fashion in Germany —>HERE
Traditional Couture: Folkloric Heritage Costumes
Not Just Pictures of Traditional German Clothing
Miesbacher Tracht
The complete title of Hohenberg’s compilation is Traditional Couture: Folkloric High Fashion in Germany. The Berlin photographer spent five years traveling around Germany, photographing people in the traditional attire of their region, much in the same way he would normally photograph fashion models in Couture. These traditional clothes are, in a sense, the original couture, hand-made clothing made from high-quality fabrics with a skill that transcends the everyday. Beading, lace, pleats, and elaborate headdresses show off the talents of long-gone seamstresses. These are clothes sewn to last a lifetime and beyond.
Mönchguter Tracht from Rügen off the Pomeranian Coast.
One thing I found interesting is how traditional clothing was designed to communicate non-verbally. By looking at a dress, you could tell not only where a person was from, but also their marital status. All of this information is coded into color, beading, and lace. Clothing reflected the region and environment, made with the materials available. You also see differences in Catholic and Protestant areas, Protestants tended to dress in darker, plainer clothes.
Today, these priceless pieces are worn with pride by people who inherited them. The Tracht is loved and carefully preserved through the generations, then taken out for and worn for special events and celebrations.
Oesterte-Tracht from the region of Schaumburg-Lippe
Traditional Couture- Traditional German Clothing from Across Germany!
Most of all, this is a book of fabulous photos. Each Regional Tracht is introduced with an explanation of what is being worn, down to the minute details. And then come the pictures.
Lush photos of the Tracht, worn by the owners, old and young, both men and women. There are close-ups of all parts of the costume, including beading, lace, and layers of linen and wool petticoats. The differences in traditional German clothing are astonishing!
It takes 26 feet of woolen fabric to create the Dachauer Tracht, which gives women a voluptuous look. The Monchguter Tracht from Rügen was primarily black, with a black bonnet that reflected the Reformation and chaste lifestyle. Then there is the showstopping St Georgener Tracht crown, worn by virgins on special holidays from their Confirmation until Marriage. This astonishing piece, which weighed up to 6 pounds, is covered with beads and mirrors.
St Georgener Tracht
Honestly, this book is eye candy for anyone who loves traditional German clothing, costumes, and history. These lovely photos are a great reminder that Germany is a diverse country with a wide range of styles from top to bottom. All are beautiful. And we don’t all wear a Dirndl and Lederhosen. Thanks to Gregor Hohenberg, who captured all of these wearable works of art to preserve them for future generations.
Buy Traditional Couture; Folkloric High Fashion in Germany Here
This large coffee table book filled with Traditional German Clothing is available new and used from Amazon.
Traditional Couture: Folkloric Heritage Costumes
Looking for that perfect Dirndl?
Check out the amazing selection at Rare Dirndl! Erika Neumayer creates Dirndls in all sizes, all made in America. You’ll also find custom Dirndls, and even BRIDAL Dirndls!
