Friday, January 14, 2011

Traditional costumes on the catwalk

I love this. Fashion designer Ricardo Ramos is bringing traditional costumes from Staphorst on the catwalk. He obtained 'kraplappen', 'stipwerk' and other typical clothing from this small Dutch village at a local auction and turned them into spectacular new robes.

Photos by Andreia Martins

Ramos was attracted by the colorful flower patterns on a black background. The costumes date from almost two centuries ago. The fact that they're still worn in everyday life in Staphorst fascinates him. By taking them on stage the fashion designer wants to contribute to the conservation of cultural heritage.

Women at the auction (photo by de Stentor)

Ramos named his collection Fashion in Motion: Reconstructing Klederdracht F/W 11-12. On January 19, 2011 De León by Ricardo Ramos will present it during the Berlin Fashion Week at the Instituto Cervantes in Berlin. What I love about it, is that it's a perfect fusion of old values and contemporary art. Here is some more to enjoy.