Gustav III:s dräktreform En fallstudie om nationella dräkten

Abstract

This study focuses on Gustav III:s costume reform in 1778 with a case study of two preserved costumes in Västergötlands museum. It gives a background to how the costume looked in the 18th century with a connection to the society. During the time of the costume reform there were a lot of problems with smuggling of textiles in Sweden which the reform intended to reduce. The preserved costumes in the case study were measured and drawn up. These drawings were then compared to the patterning of the national costume. The men’s costume was accurate in comparison but the female costume differed in many ways. Because of the differences in the female costume it is constructed as a modified version. Instead of following the patterning of the national costume the female costumes usually followed the fashion instead. The nobility and the middle class were encouraged by the court to wear the new national costume but after Gustav III:s death the use declined and officially concluded in 1823. The case study gives example of two different usages of the national costume with the male costume following the direction as it was worn by a nobleman. The female costume however was lent as a bridal gown in Toarps parish. With the case study and a literary study combined this essay gives an example of how preserved costumes can expand the knowledge of the 18th century costume. By analysing the costumes there usage and their alterations has given an insight to how highly valued costumes once were.