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Lena Hoschek dirndl |
Readers, I've just returned from the most wonderful trip! My mom and I took a 17 day vacation in Europe. We started in Prague for three days and then took a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. I'd never been to Europe before, and many people told me how inspirational I would find it. It certainly was, though I couldn't anticipate in what way. I didn't plan on any fabric or trim shops visits, or even anything vaguely fashion-related. My goal was just to experience the trip and see what came of it.
The most significant thing that came of it, fashion-wise, was a deep and sudden love affair with the dirndl: the traditional costume of Austria and Germany. You probably already know this, but just in case: the dirndl is an ensemble which consists of a low-cut full-skirted dress with a snugly fitted bodice, an apron, and an underblouse that ends just below the bustline. Adorable jackets, flowered headbands, and hats may be added!
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Julia Trentini dirndl |
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Julia Trentini dirndl |
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Lena Hoschek dirndls and jackets |
I first spotted a dirndl in Passau, Germany, when our tour guide was wearing one. I'd seen this type of costume in person before, but never on a day that wasn't October 31st, and not in such pretty fabrics. I was intrigued, but not yet smitten. I loved the corseted waistline and the little blouse she wore, but was somewhat turned off by the dowdy above-ankle length of her skirt and the overall costume-y effect of a tour guide wearing a folk costume. But then a curious thing happened. As I walked through Passau, I saw dirndls everywhere: on girls walking in the street, in shop windows, on mannequins on the sidewalks. They came in a lovely array of colors, patterns, and lengths (I immediately gravitated toward the "midi" dirndl, a very '50s just-below-knee length.)
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Mannequin outside a Pollinger dirndl shop |
I walked into a shop, determined to leave with a dirndl in hand, having developed a sudden and overwhelming need to possess one. I wanted one to study and admire and learn from. However, I was also deeply embarrassed by being an American tourist buying a traditional folk costume on a vacation, as well as being stymied by a language barrier. Could I pretend I was buying it as a gift? Not if I wanted it to fit, unfortunately. I conducted the whole shopping trip as if I were doing something illegal and didn't want to get caught. I quickly chose one I liked, a adorable deep blue and pink gingham design, and tried it on without bothering to take off my capri pants or sneakers. The first one didn't fit right (too big in the bust and waist), so I was forced to communicate with the salesgirl. She was equally dismayed by the roominess in the bodice, and brought me a smaller size. I zipped it up and it was like magic. The snug bodice did supernatural things to my décolletage, the little white blouse looked adorable peeking out of the neckline (much like a classic '50s shelf bust dress, I might add), and the gingham apron was perfect. It would be mine, readers. And then, almost as quickly as I had come in, I left, dirndl in hand!
Once back on board the ship, I started some real research on the current state of the dirndl. I discovered an entire world of amazing dresses by a slew of talented designers. I fell in love with the likes of Julia Trentini, Gossl, Lena Hoschek (whose more mainstream retro designs I already knew and loved), and Sportalm.
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Gossl Dirndl |
I learned about the incredible beauty of a well-designed dirndl, the traditions and techniques that go into making one, and that a designer one can run you up to 1,500 Euros (and that's not even including the blouse!). I started pinning madly.
Follow Gretchen "Gertie"'s board Dirndls on Pinterest.
I'm not sure what's come over me, but I have fallen head over heels for dirndls: the dresses, the aprons, the fabrics, the jaunty feathered hats, the fitted little jackets, the fact that there are special dirndl bras to enhance that magical décolletage. Perhaps it is my German heritage coming out. Or the fact that there is a retro femininity to the whole look. Or maybe the whole world of dirndls is just something special and anyone who loves pretty handmade things would appreciate them in some way.
What is certain is that I will have a lot more to say on this subject, readers. I can't wait to share more dirndl love with you!
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Julia Trentini Dirndl |