In late 2017, Croatian School “Kardinal Stepinac” decided to undertake a major project to renew its collection of Croatian folk costumes for our children, from kindergarten age through 8th grade. The goal of our project was to purchase regionally versatile costumes from a suitable artisan in the Republic of Croatia. Our students learn dances and kolos from all four folklore regions of the Republic of Croatia (Alpine, Pannonian, Dinaric and Adriatic). Our idea was therefore to replace our existing worn-out costumes, each of which suited only a single region. We would buy basic, regionally neutral costumes along with matching accessories (scarves, shawls, caps, hats, jewelry, belts, aprons, socks, etc.) that turn them into the costume of any one of these Croatian folklore regions. Sets configured this way keep the garments in harmony with the dance being performed and properly represent several of Croatia’s folklore regions. By buying these costumes in the Republic of Croatia rather than in the USA, we also wanted to support small artisans in the Republic of Croatia.
The project itself consisted of several phases: drawing up sketches of the desired costumes and accessories, selecting a contractor in the Republic of Croatia to make samples, the school’s evaluation of the samples, and finally the production of all the ordered sets and their delivery to the USA.
After long and diligent work on this project, we are delighted to announce that our new folk costumes arrived in Chicago in January 2019! Many thanks to all our members who worked tirelessly on this project, and special thanks to the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, whose financial support made this project possible.
