The Bullock Texas State History Museum is currently showcasing an exhibit of Mexican dresses through the years.

Another fun expedition I experienced in Austin was visiting the Bullock Museum to see “Hilos de Tradición, Dresses of México. My friend who has precision radar for anything of beauty knew about this show and suggested we visit. Some of the clothing was exquisite. I left very inspired by the embroidery and layering.

One of the best pairings was the Vaqueros seen below. I did not photograph the two together, but they were displayed side by side making a handsome pair. While I love the dress with the wide-brimmed hat, the black fringed suit I would copy immediately and wear everywhere.

Ranch girl regalia.

From the front view, I love the outfit. The fringe sold me.

But the back view is even better with the crest.

Large papel picado-inspired screens broke up the room.

San Luis Potosí or St. Moritz?

This outfit on the left was surprising. This does not look to me as if it would be from México. It looks Austrian or perhaps Eastern European. The embroidered skirt is chalet-chic.

This diagram shows the layers involved in creating the final look. It was not at first apparent that a dress was beneath it all.

This Virgen de Guadalupe top and skirt was another favorite of mine. (I had several, it was too difficult to choose just one) Again, this looks European to me with its red embroidery.

The embroidery on this skirt is just what I want for some curtains. I had been looking for inspiration and here it is.

The delicate detail on the edge and the flower-like designs sparingly placed on the head piece are so charming. It looks like the loveliest cafe curtain or the decorative towels hung on the walls in Russian dachas.

Fiesta finery.

This stunner is perfect for a fiesta. The flowers are embroidered onto delicate black netting. As if this wasn’t an extraordinary amount of handwork, there are multiple layers (not visible in this photograph) embroidered underneath the top skirt. How long must it have taken to make this incredible dress?

The sheen of the thread would be enchanting in candlelight.

The neck trim was quite fine with small tight stitches.

The use of multiple bags would be handy to separate all of one’s necessities. Phone in one, glasses in another.

In this shot, one can see the butterflies embroidered onto the skirt at right.

The black skirt and shawl is another favorite. The black ground sets off the brightly colored stars. The stars again do not look Mexican to me, but I am all in favor of this Mexican design.

These images were the highlights. Some of the clothing was not as well executed. The show extends until February 2023. If you are in the Austin area, I highly recommend stopping on to the UT campus to see this small but special exhibit.

Casa V Interiors looks for inspiration to bring to your home in some unexpected places, even in dresses of México.