SLOVAK Zahorie Ladies Folk Costume Cotton Velvet Ladies Vest w STAYS, Claret Color , Back More Ornate Than Front, Sequins & fashion Metallic Trim

A rather old ladies folk vest from the Zahorie region of Slovakia.

The vest is made of claret or burgundy colored cotton velvet with thick cotton (??) lining. There are STAYS in the garment construction ( my first time for a Eastern European garment with stays!) and they are stiff, likely metal. The vest is meant to close with a ribbon or cord threaded trough metal eyelets in the front.

The decorative touches include metallic trim , sequins, beading , red edging and black cotton lace. The back is much more ornate than the front.

MEASUREMENTS:

Shoulders 18"
Bust 37" ( there is some play here, because the front closes with a ribbon or fashion cord, it does not have to be exactly pulled edge to edge)
Length in back 12 1/2"

CONDITION OF VEST: Red edging fraying in the front, example next to last photo. Also in the front, near the neck, about 2" of metallic trim are detached. Sequin loss, most pronounced in the front on the "straps", right arm (last photo) much more so than the left. Some sequins missing in the back. Age consistent soiling inside.

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