The 2008 Oktoberfest in Bavaria featured its own "wardrobe malfunction" of sorts, as it's becoming increasingly easy to purchase lederhosen and dirndl dresses throughout Munich at a fraction of the former cost.
Unlike traditional garments, these less-expensive duds are made in China, Eastern Europe, or India, or anywhere that charges less for labor and uses cheaper (and certainly not authentic) fabrics and leather. In essence, a massive market for cheap, tacky versions of traditional Bavarian attire has popped up region-wide.
Heavily discounted imports have driven prices down so low that many Bavarian tailors have faced bankruptcy. Today, the number of regional, traditional tailors has been whittled down to fewer than 100 who are still in business.
Are authentic folk costumes worth saving?
via Ashley Thompson, Intelligent Travel
Photo: Shutterfool
Unlike traditional garments, these less-expensive duds are made in China, Eastern Europe, or India, or anywhere that charges less for labor and uses cheaper (and certainly not authentic) fabrics and leather. In essence, a massive market for cheap, tacky versions of traditional Bavarian attire has popped up region-wide.
Heavily discounted imports have driven prices down so low that many Bavarian tailors have faced bankruptcy. Today, the number of regional, traditional tailors has been whittled down to fewer than 100 who are still in business.
Are authentic folk costumes worth saving?
via Ashley Thompson, Intelligent Travel
Photo: Shutterfool
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Marilyn Terrell.
1. everyone can see if its a fake or not
and 2. real Lederhosen are indestructable. When you're grown up, you need a maximum of 2 Lederhosen for the rest of your life.
(What about traditional Chinese costumes? All made in China these days!)
*If you're so smart, why aren't you wearing Lederhosen?*
If there were only expensively tailored costumes, hardly anyone would wear them anymore, I suppose.
Es ist die Wirtschaft, Dummkopf!
(It's the economy, stupid!)