Wolfgang Mückstein caused controversy in white sneakers when he was sworn in, Angela Merkel added accents in group photos like “spots of color” and slim-fit suits make the wearer appear “more powerful”. “It’s easier to make politics with pictures than with words,” said 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 still have to avoid too much luxury.
Author Daniel Kalt describes the political fashion codes in his book “Bearing the State,” decoding messages from activewear to flashy dresses and dissecting fashion flaws. Critics saw the latter as the white sneakers worn by former Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein when he was sworn in in 2021. Can politicians wear sneakers?
“You can actually do anything,” says Kalt. “I found that with Wolfgang Mückstein especially interesting because it didn’t set a precedent. Joschka Fischer caused the big sneaker moment when he was sworn in as Hesse’s environment minister in 1985.” When Wolfgang Mückstein wears white sneakers, it is deliberately intended as a playful reference to Joschka Fischer: “Here we deliberately wanted to make a connection with someone who had gone before.”
Politicians would rather do without luxury brands
While Mückstein’s white sneakers certainly polarized politicians, politicians would have to make do without too much luxury. That would not send a good signal, especially in times of crisis. “If, as the head of the central bank in times of looming economic crises, you continue to live up to your preference for a luxury brand – and that is recognizable to everyone – then that is quite difficult.”
According to Daniel Kalt, Angela Merkel is a special case when it comes to clothing. As a politician, she even spoke resolutely against the ‘stylized’ in an interview. “During her chancellorship, she developed a very distinctive look for herself, almost a staff uniform.” She wore her similar suits in all possible colors. In group photos it was always clearly recognizable as a “color spot”.
Slimfit draws conclusions about lifestyle
While beer party boss Dominik Wlazny polarized in leather jackets and thus embodied the rebel, representatives of the “Slim Fit Troupe” made 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 waiving of ties and narrowing of the silhouette looks more youthful. On the other hand, it’s a silhouette you have to be able to afford.” From this, conclusions can also be drawn about lifestyle. “One seems to be more efficient.”
You can see the entire interview with Daniel Kalt in the video above.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
