Photography
Styling
1988
Georgina Nicholls
Mar 1, 2025
Overview
"Stirb nicht im Warteraum der Zukunft" – Don't die in the waiting room of the future –
East Berlin quickly grew a large alternative scene starting in the 1970's, in opposition to the Stassi and oppressive government. Punks lead a defiant subculture that demanded action, and rebellion.
East Berlin punks used fashion and makeup to reclaim their identity and voice. The fashion at the time included: leather, ripped material, safety pins, studs, scrapped materials, paint, patches, eyeliner, chains, spikes
The youth in east Berlin lived under constant surveillance and strict censorship, leaving them bored, restless, and deeply disillusioned. Alcohol rapidly gained popularity as citizens tried to escape the suffocating weight of everyday oppression.
