Vests and jackets and shawls, oh my! (Czech folk costumes, Musaion)

As I mentioned previously, the Musaion in Prague had quite an extensive collection of Czech folk costumes (see my earlier posts here, here, and here).  In this post I'll include photos of individual garments and accessories from the Musaion collection.  (You can click on the photos to enlarge them, if desired. My apologies for the poor quality of some of the photos -- what with low lighting and reflections from the glass, it's hard to get good photos in museums, at times.)

Interesting to see prairie points as an embellishment on this apron, particularly in plaid and patterned fabrics.

Wow -- this is quite a vest!  Just look at the detailed stitching patterns on the flat orange shapes, not to mention all the dimensionality of the cut yarn embellishment.  I don't know what the shapes are meant to represent, but they look like bearded faces to me. 

There were quite a few embroidered shawls with lace, to be worn over the head and shoulders as seen above. 

I love the design of this belt -- I wish I could see how it would look in situ, with the relevant folk costume.  It reminds me of belly dance belts, with the loops of chain and metal charms. 

I don't know whether these examples of metallic trim were made by hand or machine, but they are certainly intricate. 

Here are a couple more vests, including a closeup that shows the metallic trim on the collar and colorful embroidery around the armscye.  (Wait, is it still called an armscye if there isn't a sleeve?)

The museum included a display of children's clothing, including this embroidered top. 

I love this jacket!  I am so intrigued by the asymmetrical lapel, the embellishment details on the lapel and cuff, and the way the sleeve is pieced.  And then to see that it was made in 1898 -- it's such a timeless garment, and in great condition.  I would wear it in a heartbeat.  (Alas, I think the museum would frown on me taking it to wear to work.)

This vest is also full of delightful details.  I love the soutache embellishment, the brass buttons, the shape of the pocket flaps, and the overlapping vents in the back.

This concludes my exploration of the Czech folk costumes at the Musaion.  I hope you find them as inspiring as I do -- my head is full of garment design ideas!

Next up:  Malá Strana and Hradčany