Fashion and the Socialist clothing culture in official GDR publications during the 1950s and 1960s

The search for national autonomy and a distinct cultural identity during the construction of a socialist society in the GDR in the 1950s and 60s was seen as one way of creating a distance to capitalist society and lead to the discovery of fashion as a potential purveyor of ideology. Fashion's relevance for the whole of society meant that the term "socialist clothing culture" became very prominent in discussions and debates related to cultural politics. The numerous contributions to the subject of fashion officially published during this period reflect the intensive argument surrounding this social phenomenon. Its use as a propaganda tool and an aid in establishing a socialist way of life and suitable role models was entirely in the interest of the GDR government.