Silvia Fedorová, Radoslava Janáčová
In cooperation with the Slovak Institute in Vienna, ÚĽUV opened to the public in December 2021 a unique exhibition entitled “Slovak Folk Costumes – Creative Synergies” (Slowakische Trachten – Kreative Synergien) at the Schloss Hof castle. The project aims to show the wealth of popular expression in traditional clothing and items of clothing from the collections of the Museum of Folk Art Production (MĽUV), to present its documentation and collection activities and to work with folk producers and designers. ÚĽUV’s mission is to link the past with the present, traditional craft with modern design and aesthetics. Contemporary works by designers inspired in their work by folk clothing or using traditional techniques were represented by clothing from the “Rings in Water” competition, namely original designs by Vivien Babicová, Michaela Bednárová, Ľubica Poncik and Veronika and Matej Rabada. Together with the fashion show held during the grand opening of the exhibition, visitors could also gain a comprehensive picture of the rich visual diversity of traditional clothing, of the complicated textile techniques used, of how they remain a source of inspiration for many designers and producers and of their meaning for the future of fashion.