Fashioning Socialism: Clothing, Politics and Consumer Culture in East Germany [Paperback]

Judd Stitziel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2005

This is the first history of communist fashion in East Germany. Using clothing as a lens to read society, the author unveils wider tensions between the regime and the population and within the regime itself. In telling the surprising--and often bizarre--story of communist haute couture, fashion shows, seasonal clearance sales, the textile and garment industries, and everyday consumer practices, this book explores the paradoxical causes, forms, and consequences of East Germany's attempt to create a communist consumer culture during the Cold War. In attempting to compete with capitalism on the West's terms, East Germany unwittingly bred disgruntled consumers--consumers who ultimately tore down the Wall.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Stitziel's great accomplishment in this well-researched book is to offer a multi-dimensional analysis that treats fashion as both a cultural phenomenon and a productive concern. He intertwines this cultural and political history with a fascinating discussion of what the textile-and-garment industry produced and which wares did (and did not) sell. A most impressive achievement.' Donna Harsch, Carnegie Mellon University

'This excellent book explains how and why East German citizens came to judge their standard of living using the capitalist criteria of individual consumption while taking for granted subsidized social consumption. This is genuinely original work, exceptionally well written and fascinating.' Jonathan Steinberg, University of Pennsylvania

'A highly original analysis of the making of a socialist consumer culture, and of how the attempt to forge a socialist personality and modernity with new consumer desires, values, and habits ultimately failed.' Alon Confino, University of Virginia

About the Author

Judd Stitziel has taught at Cornell and Wesleyan Universities. He is currently an independent scholar based in Washington, DC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Berg Publishers (September 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845202821
• ISBN-13: 978-1845202828
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,879,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, January 5, 2007

By 

James D. Crabtree "Doc Crabtree" (Fort Leavenworth, Kansas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fashioning Socialism: Clothing, Politics and Consumer Culture in East Germany (Paperback)

Some of the styles in this book were obviously western-inspired, with their own twist. Very amusing book, although it could have done with some background info.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, January 18, 2006

By 

David from Washington (Washington D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fashioning Socialism: Clothing, Politics and Consumer Culture in East Germany (Hardcover)

Judd Stitziel has written a fine book. Well researched and put together. This work is very interesting, informative and revealing.....much like the fashion itself.