Dear ladies,

Hunting means a social event, in the first place and without reservation, even if its social value can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. The decisive factor is not the actual hunting experience, but ritualized hunting programme as a whole. As a social event hunting is a subject of a range of conventional social rules, both very specific rules and traditions of hunting. In both cases, sufficient instructions can be found easily. Greatly neglected or at least a bit accented theme in our environment is the question of suitable clothing and style of clothing during a hunt. It is not any minor issue. Dress makes not only the man, but also to the hunter. Moreover, the basic awareness that hunting is associated with prestige and nobility has not vanished.

Social event requires appropriate clothes, even if the hunt takes place in the nature, woods or in the country. However, specific - clothing style in this case is based on customs and traditions, aristocratic roots of hunting, the conservative context, the respect among hunters and hunted beasts and not least on general harmony with nature and favour to rural life.

Petra Sternbergová

Hunting as a social event

CLOTHING AND STYLE

Hunting means a social event, in the first place and without reservation, even if its social value can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. The decisive factor is not the actual hunting experience, but ritualized hunting programme as a whole. As a social event hunting is a subject of a range of conventional social rules, both very specific rules and traditions of hunting. In both cases, sufficient instructions can be found easily. Greatly neglected or at least a bit accented theme in our environment is the question of suitable clothing and style of clothing during a hunt. It is not any minor issue. Dress makes not only the man, but also to the hunter. Moreover, the basic awareness that hunting is associated with prestige and nobility has not vanished.

Social event requires appropriate clothes, even if the hunt takes place in the nature, woods or in the country. However, specific - clothing style in this case is based on customs and traditions, aristocratic roots of hunting, the conservative context, the respect among hunters and hunted beasts and not least on general harmony with nature and favour to rural life.

THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH, Mr and Mrs Andrews, 1748 - 49

In historic times hunting activities were intended for the aristocracy and competent personnel. Hunting clothes of aristocracy across Europe during development did not differ much from other formal clothing, it might have been more practical, sometimes was full of colours, other times inclined to natural shades. Personnel often had uniforms in the selected colours. Hunting was mainly a social event, in addition priority. Appropriate clothing was an expression of prestige and served to representation. A major milestone is the 19th century which brought gradual democratization of hunting.

Unfortunately, in domestic conditions over the past decade despite the Central Europe and Alpine tradition, took place distinctive style simplification towards the average and uniformity of hunting clothing, which in addition to individuality and creativity also lacks acceptable women's equivalent.

Compared to historical patterns and foreign examples domestic offer is usually too poor and unimpressive. Hunting does not have to be a fashion show, but it is the best opportunity to show the appropriate clothing style, taste and elegance. What is respected for golf or horse riding, as well as for Harley and skiing, should be at least equally respected for hunting. Hunting clothing deserves revival and diversification - preferably back to the roots and stylistic borrowings from abroad. To the nature of hunting style of clothing has always belonged the fact, that as a result of aristocratic migration its development was international, across Europe.

FILIP STERNBERG, Scene from coursing, around the year 1920

Hunts, or coursing on horses with dogs, based on French and British traditions were and are quite exclusive entertainment, that is decorative, very challenging and conservative as well, which is reflected in appropriate clothes. Across Europe despite some variations, unique and unmistakable style was preserved.

For the hunt or for every hunting activity is required distinctive hunting clothes. Avoid inappropriate elements and compromises, especially everything which is military, work and sporty. At the same time we distinguish between utilitarian hunting clothes to the country, and formal hunting clothes for at least a ceremonial part of the hunt and feast. While utilitarian clothing is represented in the domestic offer relatively brightly, formal hunting clothes is still unfortunately an underestimated article.

MAX LIEBERMANN, Hunter in the dunes, 1913

Today's hunting clothing styles are inherited from the 19th century. The dominant factor of representation was suppressed, clothing is gaining practical character and is decorated in natural colours (green, gray, brown). At the same time the nature of the hunt is changing. Social hunt is completed largely by individual styles.

Who is interested and is disappointed with the common domestic offer, can easily find everything desired right behind the borders of Germany or Austria. This is especially true in the case of women's equivalent. Domestic offer is in this segment unfortunately inadequate. Smart hunting suits, blouses, waistcoats, hats, shoes and hunting accessories for lady can be at this moment bought only abroad, if the lady does not use individual offers of dressmaking salons. The newest and so welcomed act in this direction, as you can evaluate yourself, is a business activity Hunting Dress Code.

Hunting clothing is a bridge between conservative elegance and passion for nature, forest and countryside. In the ground, it provides the necessary comfort hand in hand with social fashions, at the same time serves as an inspiration and the promise of hunting experience, or simply wandering in the woods and rural scenery. It is the evidence about our lifestyle and world view, our desires, dreams and wishes.