Old home country Regalia...history and inspiration from the Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany

(Source of regalia pictures)   

I love embroidery, patterns and coin embellishments on outfits, and did a little google research of authentic Oberpfaelzer Trachten (traditional clothing). Even though I like the contemporary Trachten sold in specialty stores, the originals are truly fascinating. These online picture finds are a true inspiration and my own interpretation will definitely find a way into my handmade clothing in one way or another.
The Oberplaelzer forest was once considered part of the Bohemian forest  before the borders between the Czech Republic and Bavaria (Germany) were divided by the Iron curtain, Bavaria and Bohemia are said to have had common tribal heritage way back in history when migrations and wars redefined the tribal lands on a regular basis.
I love the Bohemianism as it had become a free-thinking lifestyle and fashion trend all throughout the world. The Oberpfalz has a very distinct dialect and landscape, a fairytale land of hills, forests, rough edges and rich history. One of Bohemia's larger cities Cheb (in German Eger) is perhaps an hour drive away and the charm of their former spa and healing water resort architecture is still a sight to see. Even though Czecia had been a socialistic country for many years, the Kaffeehaus charm (coffee houses, cafes, restaurants) had survived with their typical ornate and artful design and I was fascinated to visit the country in the early Nineties when the Iron curtain had been removed, but the country still had not opened yet completely to Western modernization and capitalism which will always change the face of towns and villages.

above:
Festtagsmieder, um 1850, vermutl. Regensburg...special occasions bustier, approx. 1850, most likely Regensburg area (capital of Oberpfalz region, located at the Danube, Northeast Bavaria)

 

Festlicher Seidenschalk/Ärmelmieder, um 1850/60, vermutlich Regensburg...wow, this has to be one of my favorites, a silken sleeve-top in shrug style, cut like a bustier with sleeves added, approx. 1850/60 and possibly worn in Regensburg.

Festliches Miederleibchen, um 1820/30; 

Fundort Beratzhausen

Special occasion bustier shirt, found in Beratzhausen, approx. from 1820/30

Going to continue with 

http://www.br-online.de/bayerisches-fernsehen/abendschau/kult-ums-gwand-DID1195677546437179/index.xml