Interview with the author – slim fit, sneakers, traditional costume: fashion codes of politics

Wolfgang Mückstein caused discussions in white sneakers when he was sworn in, Angela Merkel set accents in group pictures as “color spots” and slim-fit suits make the wearer appear “more powerful”. “It’s easier to do politics with pictures than with words,” says Daniel Kalt, fashion journalist and author, in an interview with Jana Pasching. That is why the visual language of clothing is also a very popular means of communication in politics. Politicians should still avoid too much luxury.

Author Daniel Kalt describes the political fashion codes in his book “Bearing the State” and decodes messages from active wear to statement dresses and dissects fashion mistakes. As the latter, critics saw the white sneakers of ex-Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein when he was sworn in in 2021. Are politicians allowed to wear sneakers? “You can actually do anything,” says Kalt. “I found that with Wolfgang Mückstein particularly interesting because it didn’t set a precedent. Joschka Fischer caused the big sneaker moment when he was sworn in as Environment Minister of Hesse in 1985.” When Wolfgang Mückstein wears white sneakers, it is deliberately meant as a playful reference back to Joschka Fischer. “Here we wanted to consciously establish a connection with someone who had gone ahead.” That would not send a good signal, especially in times of crisis. “If you continue to live out your preference for a luxury brand in times of threatening economic crises as head of the central bank – and that is recognizable to everyone – then that is rather tricky.” According to Daniel Kalt, Angela Merkel is a special case when it comes to clothing. As a politician, she even spoke out in an interview firmly against the “styled”. “During the course of her chancellorship, she worked out a very distinctive look for herself, almost a staff uniform.” She wore her very similarly cut suits in all possible colors. It was always clearly recognizable as a “color spot” in group pictures.Slimfit draws conclusions about lifestyleWhile the head of the beer party, Dominik Wlazny, polarizes in leather jackets and thus embodies the rebellious, representatives of the “Slim-Fit squad” make a different statement: Sebastian Kurz and his comrades-in-arms stood above all for a generation change and rejuvenation. But former Chancellor Christian Kern also opted for the narrow suits. “The extensive renunciation of ties and narrowing of the silhouette looks more youthful. On the other hand, it is a silhouette that you have to be able to afford.” That also allows conclusions to be drawn about lifestyle. “You pretend to be more efficient.” You can see the entire interview with Daniel Kalt in the video above.
source site-11