The National Wear of Dominica is a style of ladies dress which began appearing in the French West Indies towards the end of the 18th Century. It's design is believed to have originated from Southern France where the women at the time wore a similar outfit.
In Dominica as with several other former French colonies, the dress is considered a significant aspect of the country's colonial heritage and as such is the design on which this National Costume is based.
Usually worn only on special occasions, this Creole Wear consist of a long petticoat, the Jipe, a Foulard, a white borderie l-anglais blouse and a madras headdress.
In addition wearers of the National Wear adorn themselves with a substantial amount of jewellery including long necklaces and large gold earrings.
Amoung others, the Jipe was chosen for the following special occassions:
Carry the bride's second bouquet at a wedding,
carrying a baby to be baptized,
sunday mass and enrollment into various church groups,
at Carnival and other public holidays.
In Dominica as with several other former French colonies, the dress is considered a significant aspect of the country's colonial heritage and as such is the design on which this National Costume is based.
Usually worn only on special occasions, this Creole Wear consist of a long petticoat, the Jipe, a Foulard, a white borderie l-anglais blouse and a madras headdress.
In addition wearers of the National Wear adorn themselves with a substantial amount of jewellery including long necklaces and large gold earrings.
Amoung others, the Jipe was chosen for the following special occassions:
Carry the bride's second bouquet at a wedding,
carrying a baby to be baptized,
sunday mass and enrollment into various church groups,
at Carnival and other public holidays.
Blouse #B02, Petticoat #P02, Madras Skirt #02
Blouse #B06, Petticoat #P01, Madras skirt #M04
Blouse #B05, Petticoat #P01 and Madras Skirt #M01
The matador, when dressed for special occassions wore all of her prized pieces of jewellery. She would wear rings, huge earrings as light as a feather, chains, bracelets and broaches. She would also adorn her hair and headpiece with gold ornaments like hairpins and barrettes.
Blouse #B01, Petticoat #P01, Madras Skirt #M01
