Innovation In Tradition: Exploring Swedish Folk Costumes

Swedish folkdräkter, or folk costumes, traditionally worn by rural peasants, developed distinct regional styles.

Around 1850, as city fashions came in, the folk clothing began to fade away. Ironically, during an era of increased national romanticism, wealthy city dwellers would dress in folk costumes. Reproductions of the costumes can still reflect regional pride.

This exhibition from ASI’s permanent collections and displayed in conjunction with The Weather Diaries, illustrates types of Swedish folk dress from traditional to children’s costumes and modern interpretations.