I. Clothing in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein's traditional costume is known locally as "Tracht" and is still common on many local traditional festivals and celebrations. Tracht usually includes different styles for men and women.
Men's Tracht usually includes tweed trousers, short tops, belts, long socks, and leather shoes. The style and color of the top usually varies from region to region. Some areas have dark blue tops, others black or gray. The male Tracht also includes a hat with feather ornaments.
A women's Tracht usually includes a tight top and long skirt. The top is tight with floral motifs or embroidered decorations. Long skirts are usually semicircular or round, with pleated or wavy lace decorations. Women also wear a hat decorated with flowers or feathers.
Although the tracht is a traditional dress in Liechtenstein, it is now usually worn only on special occasions and festivals. Modern Liechtenstein residents usually wear modern European fashion, just like people in other Western countries.
Although modern Liechtensteiners wear modern European fashion, there are still some local clothing and textile brands that promote local traditional textile craftsmanship and clothing styles.
For example, a local brand called "Naepflin" produces high-quality hand-embroidered items such as hand-embroidered traditional handkerchiefs, napkins and other textiles. These products are often hand-woven with local, high-quality yarns, demonstrating traditional craftsmanship skills and aesthetic values.
In addition, a brand in Liechtenstein called "Liechtenstein Mode" specializes in the production of local traditional clothing and accessories, such as tops, long skirts, hats, belts, etc. These products are often made with high-quality local fabrics and handicrafts that reflect Liechtenstein's culture and traditions.
Liechtenstein's traditional costumes are an important part of its cultural heritage and folk art. While the effects of modernization have changed local clothing and fashion, Liechtenstein is still working to preserve and promote its traditional clothing and handicrafts.
In addition to traditional clothing and handicrafts, Liechtenstein has a number of local fashion brands and designers who create unique fashion pieces inspired by the local culture and environment.
For example, designer Bettina Rickenbacher is in Liechten
Stern founded her own fashion house, and her designs are inspired by the natural landscape and local architecture of the mountains of Liechtenstein. Her designs often use environmentally friendly materials and focus on sustainability, reflecting the Liechtensteiners' concern for the natural environment.
In addition, Liechtenstein has a number of jewelry and watch brands such as Hans Schwarzkopf and H. Moser & Cie, these brands are known for their high quality, exquisite craftsmanship and unique design style.
In short, Liechtenstein's fashion and design industry, although small, has its own unique features that reflect the local people's appreciation and respect for culture, traditions and the environment.
Second, fabric material selection
Traditional clothing in Liechtenstein is usually made by local craftsmen or garment craftsmen using local fabrics and materials. These fabrics and materials are generally natural, durable, and eco-friendly and suitable for outdoor clothing and traditional clothing.
For example, traditional Liechtenstein garments are often made from tweed, which is woven from natural wool and rovings to keep it warm, durable and windproof. In addition, traditional clothing often uses linen, cotton and silk fabrics, as well as materials such as leather, fur and feathers.
In the modern fashion industry, Liechtenstein's fashion brands and designers also often use natural fabrics and materials, as well as environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. For example, they may use eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo fiber, linen, renewable wood fiber, and recycled fiber. In addition, since Liechtenstein is a mountainous country and outdoor sports and mountaineering are important recreational activities for locals, technical fabrics suitable for outdoor activities, such as high-tech fabrics and waterproof materials, are also popular.
In short, Liechtenstein's garments are often chosen with a focus on naturalness, environmental protection, durability and functionality, reflecting the concern and respect of the local people for nature and the environment.
Third, the fabric consideration
Choice of fabric: In traditional clothing, tweed fabric is one of the most common materials. This fabric is woven from natural wool and roving yarn to keep it warm, windproof and durable.
In addition, linen, cotton and silk fabrics are also commonly used. In modern fashion, brands and designers in Liechtenstein often choose environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo fiber, linen, recycled fiber, etc., as well as technical fabrics such as high-tech fabrics and waterproofing materials to suit activities such as outdoor sports and mountaineering.
Durability and eco-friendliness of materials: Liechtenstein's environment and natural resources are precious, so the locals pay great attention to environmental protection and sustainability. When choosing fabrics and materials, they often choose materials that are durable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly to minimize their environmental impact.
Style and design: Liechtenstein's clothing often reflects local traditions and culture, so when it comes to the choice of fabrics and materials, it is common to consider characteristics appropriate to the local climate, environment and cultural traditions. For example, traditional clothing often uses warm fabrics, while modern fashion brands focus more on outdoor sports and functionality.
Production Techniques and Crafts: Liechtenstein is a country with a rich tradition of craftsmanship, and local craftsmen and garment makers often use traditional production techniques such as weaving, weaving and sewing. In the modern fashion industry, brands and designers in Liechtenstein often pay attention to the details of craftsmanship and production processes to create unique fashion brands and high-quality products.
Fourth, the production process
The Liechtenstein garment making process usually consists of the following steps:
Design: Designers propose design schemes and ideas according to brand positioning and market demand. This stage usually includes the choice of materials and fabrics, as well as the design of clothing styles, colors, and accessories.
Cutting: According to the design scheme and template, the fabric is cut according to size and style. This process requires great precision and meticulousness to ensure that the size and style of the garment meet the design requirements.
Sewing: According to the cut fabric, the sewing work begins. The sewing process requires very skilled skill and patience, especially when dealing with intricate details and decorations.
Decoration: After the garment is sewn, it is usually necessary to do some decorative and delicate handicraft work, such as embroidery, embroidery, beads, friezes, etc., to increase the beauty and uniqueness of the garment.
Styling and finishing: After the garment is sewn and decorated, it also needs to be shaped and tidied up. This process usually includes work such as steam ironing, pleating, neatness, and folding to ensure that the quality and appearance of the garment meet the requirements.
In general, the process of making Liechtenstein garments is very detail-oriented and handiwork, often going through multiple processes and links to ensure the quality and aesthetics of the final product. At the same time, local traditional handicrafts and techniques have also been passed on and carried forward in the production process.
V. Liechtenstein Myths and Legends
Liechtenstein's creation myth: According to legend, Liechtenstein takes its name from a knight named Lichtenstein. The knight was sent to build a fortress on the banks of the Rhine during the Middle Ages, but he found it sparsely populated and without water or farmland around. So he prayed to God and saw a mysterious light. He followed the light to a cave with a clear spring and some wild beasts. He established his domain here and became the founder of Liechtenstein.
The legend of the goddess Rhine: On the coat of arms of Liechtenstein there is a goddess with a hammer and scissors, which is the image of the goddess Rheintöchter. According to legend, the goddess Rhine is the patron saint of the Rhine, who protects treasure and gold at the bottom of the river. In the German opera Wagner's The Ring of the Nibelungs, the goddess Rhine is robbed of treasure and gold by the traitor Alberrich, triggering a bitter battle.
Legend of Villenloch Castle: One of the most famous attractions in Liechtenstein is Schloss Vaduz, built in the 12th century as the official residence of the Liechtenstein royal family.
According to legend, the castle was once occupied by a demon until a brave knight drove the demon out of the castle with a cross. The story also became an element of the flag of Liechtenstein, which featured a red devil with a cross.
Ancient zodiac stories: In Liechtenstein, there are some ancient zodiac stories, which often feature animals as protagonists and tell fables about life, morality, and humanity. For example, there is a story about locusts that eat all the plants at first, but eventually realize their mistakes and help people replant new crops.
The legend of the Regensburg family: The Regensburg family is the ancestor of the Liechtenstein royal family, and their family legend is closely linked to the history of Liechtenstein. According to legend, the ancestor of the Regensburg family was a German knight named Hartmann, who arrived in Liechtenstein in the early 12th century and became a local lord. Over time, the Regensburg family grew to become rulers of Liechtenstein, and the family name was used as the name of the capital of Liechtenstein.
Christmas Legend: Christmas is a very important holiday in Liechtenstein where various events and celebrations are held. According to legend, before Christmas, Santa Claus would come to Liechtenstein and leave presents by people's fires. In addition, the local people have some traditional Christmas customs, such as lighting candles, singing Christmas songs and so on.
Bridge of the Soul: In Mauren, Liechtenstein, there is an ancient stone bridge known as the Bridge of Souls, which is said to have been built by local magicians. It is said that local residents used to perform ceremonies on this bridge to pray for the protection and blessing of the gods. Although the bridge is no longer in use, it still attracts many tourists.
Dragon on Mount Kole: Mount Kole is one of the highest peaks in Liechtenstein and one of the most popular mountaineering resorts in the country. Legend has it that the mountain was once inhabited by a vicious dragon that would attack travelers and livestock. To protect people and livestock, brave knights go to the mountains to fight the dragon and eventually defeat it. It is said that the body of the dragon remained on the mountain and became the symbol of Mount Kolai.
Elven's Forest: In a small village in Liechtenstein, there is a place known as the "Elf's Forest". This place is believed to be a colony for elves, and many believe that it is a mysterious place to connect with the forces of nature. Here, one can find some strange rocks and trees, as well as some mysterious symbols and markings.
Treasures on the Magic Island: In Liechtenstein, there is a small island called Magic Island, which is said to contain some ancient treasures. It is said that these treasures once belonged to the local nobility and royal family, and were later buried on the magic island. Although many people have tried to find these treasures, they still seem to be waiting to be discovered on this mysterious island.
These legends and stories enrich Liechtenstein's cultural and historical background, adding a mysterious and alluring touch to this small country. They also attract more and more tourists to explore and discover the mysteries of this small country.
Reference: Liechtenstein: The Mini Kingdom (author: Jia Xiaoyan, publisher: World Knowledge Press, publication time: 2006)
The Miracle of Liechtenstein (author: Ling Han, publisher: Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House, publication time: 2016)
The Story of Liechtenstein (by Lürgen Frick, Publisher: Shanghai Translation Press, published: 2019)
The World's Smallest Kingdom – Liechtenstein (Author: Chen Shuang, Publisher: Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House, Published: 2018)
Liechtenstein Investment Guide (Authors: Zhao Zongfeng and Shi Xiaoqiang, Publisher: China Fortune Press, Published: 2018)