Bavarian designer Hildegard Bergbauer usually creates dirndl dresses for women, but she has recently branched out to other species like cats, dogs … and even horses!
She said she was inspired to create the outfits by watching stage shows as a youngster. ‘The animals appeared on stage with little handbags and hats,’ she added.
‘It was a sight that I’ll never forget and an experience that has shaped me. The idea has gone down really well. People think it’s a lot of fun.’
Link | More pics at Oddly Enough blog (Photo: Reuters/Alexandra Beier)
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
From the Upcoming
ueue, submitted by Marilyn Terrell.

