Vice Pictures - Romani Style

The Clothes Issue

By Mikko Matias Ryhänen

The Finnish Romani are credited as some of the most flamboyant dressers in the world, and it’s one of the last places where the women still dress the old way. I went to people’s homes to photograph them in their traditional clothes, and I got a crash course in Romani dress codes!

Starting with the girls: your aim is to cover up, including body shape, arms and legs. Your top shouldn’t be transparent, the dress should be loose, and no emphasizing the body. This dress works as a symbol for the rite of passage, it usually hits between 16 and 20, and once you’ve crossed that line, you can’t go back. It means you promise to behave.

Don’t assume you get a free ride just for being a guy either. You’re not allowed to wear jeans, and bright colours are taboo—you should go for dark blue and black. Male arms and legs are big no-nos as well. Cardigans are the traditional choice, but I’m told blazers are blowing up all over Finland right now.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MIKKO MATIAS RYHÄNEN