In a 17th century canal house in the center of Amsterdam on the Herengracht Canal you will find the Dutch Costume Museum, an organization built to display the stories, crafts, and techniques of Dutch cultural heritage. I didn’t know much about Dutch costume, but was pleasantly surprised with what I found. As I would learn, the country’s traditional dress is heavily layered, full of lace bonnets and aprons, and covered in embroidery. The permanent collection covers the 12 provinces of Holland over 7 rooms. Costumes vary by region in reference to occupation, age, and functionality, but there were a lot of similarities. Women’s jewelry is prominent and the colors are vibrant. I even spotted some costumes that appeared to have some Asian design influences, which I would later learn was due to fisherman bringing home fashions from trips abroad. I saw this referenced in kimono like shapes and Indian Chintz fabrics.
With an abundance of delicate lace and colorful intricate designs, I found traditional costume to be in direct contrast with modern Dutch fashion. We spent a week in and around the capital and I would generalize modern Dutch fashion as… muted. The city’s overall color story was a palette of browns, tans, and a little navy for good measure. As I explored the collections room by room, I pondered where had all the color gone. Were there not any contemporary designers using the historical folk costume as a reference? I couldn’t help but think that the subdued color story had to something to do with the weather…
Amongst the impressive collection, the Dutch Costume Museum houses a small cafe, shop, and a portrait studio where you can have your photo taken dressed in the traditional costume of Volendam, a fisherman’s village. I didn’t have my photo taken, but I did leave with an education of Dutch cultural history of costume. That and a beautiful glossy exhibition catalogue to add to my fashion library.
PHOTOS BY ADB