Denim: A Black Market Mini (History)

Another mini knowledge drop in tribute to our new Black Market minis. 

To protect the youth in 1960s and 70s East Berlin from western capitalist influences, the Socialist Unity Party tried to introduce a socialist clothing culture in East Germany. Jeans were considered as capitalist influence and jeans-wearers were enemies of the state. The entrance to dance halls forbade the so-called “riveted pants” and pupils wearing jeans were sent home from school. But international fashion could not be stopped at the iron curtain — despite all efforts, it was western trends that were most en vogue in the East.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that jeans became suitable for daily use. Even in East Germany, it was then no longer offensive to wear jeans in everyday life. But the blue pants stayed scarce — production could never satisfy demand. So the regime of the GDR decided in 1978 to import one million pairs of Levi’s jeans to please the needs of the people. They were sold in selected universities and companies (even in the Ministry of State Security).