Fashion & Mobile

Depot Stories

Who doesn’t like to take a peek behind the scenes, into a museum’s storage?

Industrially produced everyday and leisure clothing, garments sewn in ateliers or by hobby seamstresses, fashion posters and magazines, as well as vehicles from the 1960s to the 1980s, offered a glimpse into life in the GDR and the collection of the Industriemuseum.

At the center of the exhibition was the "König Collection." Ursula Hauptmann-König (1923–2013), a master seamstress from Freital, created wardrobe pieces for her clients, friends, and herself in a uniquely personal style. Creativity, impressively high craftsmanship, and elegance, combined with a generous dose of imagination and individuality, distinguished her work. A trademark were her elaborately sewn or embroidered appliqués. Her wanderlust and love of art history are also reflected in her clothing. Who else, but she, would think of sewing a coat with an appliqué of the Statue of Liberty when guests from the USA were coming?

For this exhibition, the Industriemuseum Chemnitz selected almost exclusively objects from its own collection, providing insights into depot holdings never before shown to the public.