"Scandinavian Folklore" by Laila Durán

Scandinavian Folklore vol. I -  Laila Durán

If you have an interest in the old Scandinavian folk costumes these are books to relish. Laila Durán has made three big books generously illustrated with fantastic pictures of old folk costumes. More than 2000 pictures in total. Most of the costumes are photographed in time appropriate settings, or outdoors, often in stunning locations.

Scandinavian Folklore vol. I -  Laila Durán

Texts are in English, Norwegian and Swedish. You can see more pictures from  "Scandinavian Folklore vol I" at Durán Publishing here.

Scandinavian Folklore vol. II -  Laila Durán

It is great to see all the colourful garments, If you think that Scandinavians dressed grey and dull you will have to reconsider. 

Scandinavian Folklore vol. II -  Laila Durán

You can see more pictures from "Scandinavian Folklore vol. II" at Durán Publishing here.

Scandinavian Folklore vol. III -  Laila Durán

Looking at all these costumes I can but marvel at the skills needed to make them. They all are stunning proof of the time, skill and effort that was invested in their making.

Scandinavian Folklore vol. III -  Laila Durán

These were garments that were passed on from one generation to the next. I am glad that so many of them are left and that there are people that still learn the skills to keep the tradition going. You can read more about "Scandinavian Folklore vol. I-III" at Durán Publishing here.

Two more books from Durán Publishing:

Broderte bunader - published in 2014

"Broderte bunader" was released in 2014 by Durán Publishing in cooperation with Norsk Folkemuseum. Text in Norwegian only.

Broderte bunader - published in 2014

"For the first time the embroidered bunads of the 1900s is put into their historical context. The book explains why and how the first embroidered bunads were designed at the turn of the century, and the emergence of a new look, and way to use them in the interwar period. Using hundreds of photos and illustrations the book features the development of the festive bunads and introduces the people who created them." 
More examples from "Broderte bunader" can be found at Durán Publishing here.

Populære Bunader - Laila Durán

"Populære Bunader" - text in Norwegian and English.

"With focus on the festive bunads made in the early 1900s, photographer and author Laila Durán presents more than thirty bunads from all over the country. The book is intended as an introduction to some of the most popular bunads in Norway. There are 100 colourful photographs and short historical summaries from areas in which folk costumes developed in an unbroken tradition to become bunads. Also included are embroidered bunads, the designs for which were inspired by old garments and objects."

I find all of the books in this post interesting and inspiring. They are not  about how to make these garments, they contain no patterns or instructions but they visually present this cultural legacy in the nicest way possible.

All five of these books can be found on this years book sale at www.bokus.com.