The Rijksmuseum is exhibiting fourteen wedding dresses, both in black and in white, from its own collection in the costume showcase. This exhibit will be on view until the end of December. The dresses date from the period between 1760 and 1940.
On their wedding day, brides enjoy the opportunity of showing off an impressive and eye-catching dress that will long remain a subject of conversation among their wedding guests. And it’s been that way for centuries. Yet it would be wrong to believe that white wedding dresses have always been the standard. This colour, the very symbol of virginity, purity and innocence, only rose to prominence around 1820. Wedding dress designs, however, vary enormously. This not only reflected the bride’s personal taste, but it was also significantly influenced by the strict etiquette involved, by fashion and by tradition.
The exhibition also features the black wedding dress worn by Sophia Barbara Thonwahrt of Mannheim, evidence that it was not always customary for brides to wear white. This black wedding dress, which dates from 1885, was entirely in keeping with Baden-Wurttemberg tradition. Convention in this German state dictated that all women should wear black dresses to church, even on one of the most memorable days of their lives. Nevertheless, they were allowed to lighten up the black dress with white accessories, such as a veil, gloves and bouquet.
The exhibition was designed by renowned stylist/curator Maarten Spruyt.
