The latest article from the German Culture site is a step back in time, but it still has an influence on German fashion today:


'FRUGAL FASHIONISTA' CHIC BEHIND THE BERLIN WALL

Fashion, and almost anything else involving originality, was inseparable from politics in divided Germany's Eastern side, with its 'one style fits all' mentality covering virtually everything from buildings to cars.

A world of individuality, and escape from every day grayness, came through a sewing machine, needle, thread and "Sybille", a culture and fashion magazine featuring 'Avant-Garde' photographs and patterns. "GDR Chic" was born, and even hospital supplies found a place in the designs.


http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art177279.asp


And the week's word is: ERBSENZAEHLER - a Pea Counter - which is used to describe someone who is pedantic, obsessed with detail and perhaps even a control freak. So not exactly the most affectionate of descriptions.





germanculture.bellaonline.com has many articles covering a variety of topics, and a forum:

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=247

So hope to hear from you with any questions or comments you might have, either in the forum or via email message.



Francine McKenna,
German Culture Editor


http://germanculture.bellaonline.com