Nationella_dräkten
Nationella dräkten
Historic Swedish national costume
Nationella dräkten (Swedish: [natɧʊˈnɛ̌lːa ˈdrɛ̌kːtɛn], "the national costume") is a historic Swedish costume, designed by King Gustav III and introduced in 1778. It was designed for the nobility and the middle class with the intention of limiting rising consumption and import of luxury within fashion, which was considered a drain on the economy and detrimental to society because of ensuing poverty. A masculine and a feminine costume were designed. The woman's version of the costume was to have a lasting effect, modified several times later, as the official costume of the Royal Court.