An exhibition exploring the complex relationship between fashion and traditional folk costumes titled ‘Dressing Swedish: From Hazelius to Salander,’ is all set to open at the Nordic Heritage Museum, in Washington, US, on September 12, 2013.

According to an official statement by the museum, the exhibit would include displays featuring costumes, both traditional and re-created by contemporary designers, along with new urban dress from Sámi and Swedish designers.

The exhibition aims to tackle the notion of what it means to ‘dress Swedish’ and how it has developed over time.

The exhibit would include pieces from the Nordic Heritage Museum permanent collection, such as Swedish folk costumes, Ballard bunads and textile artefacts. 

In addition, the Swedish community members will also showcase outfits reflecting individual and contemporary ways of dressing Swedish, while Swedish designer Svenska Skolan from Seattle’s Swedish School for children will showcase Pippi Longstocking costumes. 

The exhibition was originally produced for House of Sweden, Washington D.C. by co-curators Dr. Charlotte Hylten-Cavallius, Multicultural Society, Tumba, and Dr. Lizette Gradén, Nordic Heritage Museum, Seattle, with support from Multicultural Society, Svenska Institutet, Kulturrådet.

The Nordic Heritage Museum is the only museum in the United States that represents the cultural heritage of all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. 

It aims at sharing Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds by exhibiting art and objects, preserving collections, providing educational and cultural experiences and serving as a community gathering place.