Translated and adapted with permission from an article on Guideslow, with photos by Nicola di Stefano
Several towns in Molise still preserve important vestiges of their past, revealing a fascinating history; a history of styles and fashions. These include some wonderful traditional costumes that, fortunately, can still be admired today, especially in the mountainous villages, some of which were customary to wear them until a few decades ago on special occasions.
Looking at these wonderful models, it’s easy to see how times have changed when it comes to clothing, and how the choice of clothing, in the past, wasn’t just a matter of taste but encompassed several distinctive elements. Jackets, trousers, waistcoats, and hats, for example, made up the men’s clothing, which didn’t differ greatly between men of different ages and social classes.
Women’s clothing, on the other hand, is striking in its designs, animated by bright colors and numerous accessories, selected primarily based on age and social status. A young woman, for example, wore light robes that jealously concealed her supple feminine curves. Once engaged, her clothes were enriched with accessories such as scissors or a knife (given by her betrothed), symbols of domestic skill and purity.
The most elaborate dresses were intended for married women. They were accustomed to adorning themselves with precious jewels, which were placed on their chests or on colorful headdresses. Widows, finally, wore very simple dresses, in dark or sober colors, without excessive accessories. From the simplest to the most elaborate, these dresses are incredibly beautiful, rich in details capable of revealing a great deal about their wearer as well as being an expression of centuries-old local traditions.