Spotted, ruffled, and brightly colored, the gal in a flamenco dress is a walking fiesta. It is no surprise then that the frock was born at the April Fair of Seville. In 1847, Queen Isabel II granted use of the town’s rural outskirts for use as fairgrounds, and every year since, the Feria de Abril brought out the singing, dancing, party side of Sevillanos everywhere. What began as a livestock fair has evolved into a boisterous celebration of Andalusian style, culture, and costume.
The flamenco dress grew out of the simple smock with a two or three flounced skirt, traditionally worn by the wives and women of peasant livestock dealers. These women were mostly gypsies and poor folk, and so fashion flare was fettered by the size of the purse if not by expanse of the imagination. They accentuated their best show of style with embroidered shawls, large earrings, and flowers in the hair.
From humble beginnings, the flamenco dress has come to represent Spanish style as Spain’s national costume.
Theses images are from the beautiful collection of designer Angeles Verano.
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