Phony Lederhosen at Oktoberfest?
By: Ashley Thompson
The 175th Munich Oktoberfest draws to a close this Sunday, after a 16-day celebration in which six million or so visitors pack into 14 tents, cheerily clinking and chugging over 1.5 million gallons of beer, and noshing on wursts, obatzda (fatty, spiced cheese), and steckerlfisch (fish on a stick — what I can only assume is markedly different than our child-friendly fish stick concoction.)
It’s a time where Bavarian tradition rules, celebrations are jovial, and worries are tossed to the other side of the Alps. Right?
Not so true. The 2008 Oktoberfest 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 the traditional garments, these less-expensive duds are made in China, in 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.
“Sacrilege!” is what Bavarian purists call it. Hans Lehrer, a member of Munich’s Isargau folk costume society, told Der Spiegl Online, “Folk costumes should be made where they’re worn. I’ve got a problem with imported folk dress because heritage refers to one’s homeland.”
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 less than 100 who are still in business.
There are those who argue that paying top dollar for lederhosen or a dirndl that’s worn only once a year is far too much, and oftentimes, tourists are simply looking for an affordable memento from Oktoberfest to take back home. Lederhosen made by a home-grown Bavarian tailor cost about 600 euros (830 dollars), as opposed to less than 200 dollars for the faux suspendered shorts.
What do you think? Do you think the extra cost is worth it to have the real deal, or would you stick with a “cheaper is better” mentality, especially in the age of crushing conversion rates?
Photo: Shutterfool via the IT Flckr pool
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip
- Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada
- Paid Content
Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada - This couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountainsThis couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountains