DIRNDL DREAMIN’ IN AUSTRIA
The Essential Dirndl and Lederhosen Fashion
So, you’re going to Austria and want to make a fashion statement. Maybe take your new travel style back home. Maybe even throw a “Sound of Music” party. Then, you’ll need a Dirndl, and hubby, or the current potential prospect, will need some Lederhosen. What exactly is a Dirndl? If you’ve seen Maria in the movie of the von Trapp family swirling around on a mountaintop meadow among the Edelweiss, you pretty much have an idea. A Dirndl is not a dress, but an outfit, the traditional garb of the Alpine farmland from Bavaria in German to the Austrian Tyrol. Basically, a skirt, bodice, a blouse and of course an apron. But the modern fashion version of the costume has evolved from the simple work dress of the milk farm to stylish variations of fabrics, colors and elaborate embroidery. As a clothing style, the Dirndl is fun, feminine and flirty.
Dirndl 101 - The Basics
The main parts which make up a Dirndl are a wide skirt attached to a “Leiberl” fitted bodice, an apron (usually with a hidden pocket) and a short blouse. The skirt usually starts at the waist or a bit lower, and of . various lengths, depending on current fashion trends. The bodice used to be a separate, but since the 1930s is now commonly sewn to the skirt and comes in many styles: with a high or low, round or square neckline. It can be fastened with buttons, hooks, or ribbons. The Dirndl blouse is generally very short, ending above the waist, with long, short or puffed sleeves, and usually made of white cotton or linen. The blouse accentuates the style with delicately hand-embroidered pieces, or with extravagant ruffles and lace, or just the simple ones with straight sleeves.
Lastly, is the apron. This was originally worn to protect the dress underneath, but now purely decorative. There are aprons for every-day wear and others for festive occasions which are usually of a more elegant fabric. And beware the knot. Which side you tie it on sends a coded message. Are you “available” or knot. There are different Dirndl styles for different occasions, and certain styles can denote particular region. And With the a recent “Renaissance” in the traditional costume as fashion statement, it is possible to experiment cross cultural influences, or even punk or goth, which makes for a curious esthetic.
Lederhosen
Of course, for the boys is the Lederhosen, which means leather pants, but describes a style which encompasses the working farm stayle of detailed leather, with the traditional style in shorts or knee legth, but also a more stylish suit style with jackets of leather trim or piping, which come from the upper class Jaeger loden, hunting wear, now transofrem into smart fashion.
Where to buy a Dirndl in Austria?
Looking to start your own quest for the perfect outfit. You can find sections of both in some department stores and clothing stores, but for the full experience, go to shop that specializes. The Dirndl and Lederhosen are back in demand as a retro fashion and there are plenty of manufacturers and dedicated stores to make Maria Von Trapp go running back to the Mother Superior. Here are some stores in Salzburg, Vienna and the Lake District.
SALZBURG
Goessl
Browse the Dirndl Museum at the Goessl Gwandhaus in Salzburg, then go to the shop next door to pick out your own style. Goessl also has Dirndl for the Tyrolean style wedding. Goessl
Lanz
The company widely credited with making the Dirndl an international success during the first years of the Salzburg Festival, now features innovative modern Dirndl and has very cute designs for kids. Lanztrachten
Jahn-Markl
Salzburg’s oldest purveyor of leather goods and traditional costumes is almost institution. With a client list that reads like the society pages in a glamour magazine. Jahn-Markl is the place for the guy to order a hand made Lederhosen. Jahn-Markl
Heimatwerk
Each Austrian province has its own Heimatwerk, an association dedicated to collecting and preserving traditional arts, crafts, and costumes. If you want to learn more about the Dirndl and how to “correctly” assemble an entire outfit, this is the place to go. Heimatwerk
THE LAKE DISTRICT
Rastl
Located in Bad Aussee, Styria, Rastl is one of the original Dirndl makers in the countryside. They are the traditional Ausseer Dirndl, perhaps the best example of a regional style. Rastltracht
Tostmann
The proud owner of 365 Dirndl, Gexi Tostmann is the Austrian authority on traditional Dirndl and their history. The company is known for beautiful fabrics, minute attention to detail and simple, elegant designs. They also feature a collection of wedding and children’s Dirndl.
Tostmann
VIENNA
Lena Hoschek
Lena Hoschek creates rockabilly inspired vintage fashion for the feminine silhouette, but is also a big Dirndl fan. She learned how to make them from her own grandmother and has considerable success with her own designs that combine traditional patterns with just the right amount of 50s fashion elements. Lenahoschek
Loden Plankl
Vienna’s oldest specialty shop for Lederhosen and Dirndl "loden" clothing. Established in 1830, this is charming old-world shop with a variety off the rack selections and custom. Plankl
Showin’ Off Your Dirndl
Whether you just want to wear your new outfit, check out the competition. or just want to experience this unique Austrian tradition first-hand, here a some Austrian events where Dirndl and Lederhosen are practically required attire.
Traditional Festivals
Maibaum Fest May 1
This is the traditional May Day, raising of the Maypole, which can take place in nearly any village in the Alpine region, usually accompanied by many folkloric traditions and dances, and general holiday fare. May 1st, with several locations in Salzburg, including Aigen, the Stiegl brewery, the Open Air Museum in Grossgmain.
Ausseer Kirtag - September 1-2
Many Viennese flock to this popular summer fair out in the rural Altaussee, where folks go to meet friends, enjoy local music, dancing, and to show off their latest Dirndl style.
Narzissenfest - June 2
This is Austria’s largest flower festival is held each year in Bad Aussee and on Lake Grundlsee, the first weekend of June. Highlights feature a parade of floats made up entirely of white daffodils. And Dirndl is de riguer.
Traditional Balls
Almdudler Trachtenpärchen Ball Sept
This big party held at Vienna City Hall around the first week of September is sponsored by the Austrian soft drink producer Almdudler, especially for the traditional costume with a Dirndl and Lederhosen Dress code.
Jaegerball - January-February
This is one of the most popular traditional balls in Vienna during the carnival season, held at at the end of January of beginning of February depending on the calendar at the Vienna Imperial Palace. This is an upscale charity event for Viennese high society and more formal than the Almdudler Ball, so dress in your
Salzburger Festspielball - September
The inaugural trad ball will be held in 2012 on September 1, with the first installment of what is likely destined to become a Salzburg tradition. Aside from dancing and an opening ceremony with debutantes in Dirndl, the event will feature a gala dinner and concert. © Bargain
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See Also:
VIENNA’S
IMPERIAL HUNTING STORE
