Photographer Corina Gertz has gained international recognition for her unique approach to documenting traditional folk costumes, known as "Trachten" in German culture. Her distinctive photographic style presents these handcrafted garments against stark black backgrounds, capturing them from behind to emphasize their intricate details and craftsmanship with the same reverence typically reserved for high fashion photography.
Originally trained in fashion design, Gertz transitioned into photography and developed her signature aesthetic that elevates traditional clothing to the level of haute couture. Her artistic vision transforms regional folk costumes into sophisticated visual art, highlighting the extraordinary skill and cultural heritage embedded in each handmade piece. The photographer's approach strips away distractions, allowing viewers to focus entirely on the garments' construction, embellishments, and historical significance.
Gertz travels worldwide in pursuit of authentic, handcrafted traditional clothing, seeking out pieces that represent genuine cultural heritage rather than mass-produced replicas. Her dedication to authenticity has led her to remote regions and communities where traditional craftsmanship is still preserved and practiced. This global quest has resulted in a diverse collection of images showcasing the remarkable variety of traditional dress from different cultures and geographic regions.
The photographer's work has resonated so strongly with audiences that people from around the world now actively reach out to her, requesting to be photographed wearing their own traditional clothing. This grassroots response demonstrates the universal appeal of her artistic approach and the deep connection people feel to their cultural heritage when it's presented with such dignity and artistic respect.
Gertz's photographic project represents more than just artistic documentation; it serves as a celebration of global cultural diversity and traditional craftsmanship in an increasingly homogenized world. By photographing these garments with the same technical excellence and aesthetic consideration given to luxury fashion, she challenges conventional hierarchies in the fashion and art worlds while preserving important cultural traditions for future generations.
