Historical Costume worn by Friesach’s Townswomen
Reading Time: 1:20 min
The costume of the Friesach townswomen’s group is one of the oldest traditional women’s costumes in Austria and reflects the long history of the town of Friesach.
Costumes from the Provincial Museum and the Löffler family provided the model for the historically informed first revival, as evidenced by oil paintings and watercolours by the costume painters Prof. Leopold Resch (Villach) and Prof. Albert Zahlbruckner (Klagenfurt).
The richly quilted silk garments, the predominantly white tulle aprons, and the Bundhaube differ markedly from other women’s costumes, particularly the Bodenhaube or Bänderhut costumes of Carinthia.
Two-Stage Revival of the Friesach Women’s Costume
First Revival (1969)
Under the direction of Gertrud Pesendorfer and Dr Franz Koschier, the Friesach women’s costume was revived in 1969. This revival was based on historical models, including original garments from the Provincial Museum and the Löffler family, as well as visual sources such as oil paintings and watercolours by the costume painters Prof. Leopold Resch (Villach) and Prof. Albert Zahlbruckner (Klagenfurt).
Leopold Resch and Albert Zahlbruckner were active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were historical costume painters who documented the regional dress traditions of Carinthia and Austria.
Second Revival and Adaptation (1970)
In 1970, a further development was undertaken by the chairwoman Hauser. This revival was limited to a more modest but more affordable version of the costume, making it more accessible while preserving its essential character.
Friesach’s Historical Costume after the Second Revival
The costume includes quilted silk garments, which are worn without an apron and come in many different colours.
It also features a white insert cloth, a broad, round collar, and an embroidered Bundhaube with a white base.
The combination of its materials, colours, and traditional details gives the costume a look that is both traditional and modern at the same time.