The humble dirndl, with its bodice, white blouse, apron and full skirt, is celebrated in Austrian exhibition
- The dirndl dress is to Austria ‘what the kilt is to Scotland or the kimono is to Japan’, says the curator of an exhibition about its journey to the catwalk
- Initially a cheap, practical dress, it became a favourite of ladies of the imperial court in 19th century Austria. Today a custom-made one can cost US$1,200
The humble Alpine dirndl dress, with its distinctive white blouse, full skirt and apron, has won new fans among Austrians and foreign fashion-lovers in recent years.
Its folksy appeal has made the dirndl and other traditional outfits a key part of Austria’s clothing industry, about 70 per cent of whose output is exported, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
Even British style icon Vivienne Westwood, better known for her provocative punk designs, has been charmed by the dirndl, which also features a close-fitting bodice.
Now the enduring garment is the star of a new exhibition which traces its journey through the years from the countryside to the catwalk.
The show is being held in the Austrian spa town of Bad Ischl, the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elisabeth, known popularly as Sissi.