Esther Perbandt is Berlin’s number one avant-garde designer and with her label operating way over 10 years now she leads one of the most established fashion brands in Berlin. The sophisticated, androgynous style of her designs is unique – worldwide – and has gained her a fanbase that includes not only international avant-garde lovers but also the local creatives from the worlds of theater, cinema, art and music.
In anticipation for her next big show that will happen in the coming week at the impressive Volksbühne theater we met with Esther to speak with her about her favorite places in Berlin. If you want to be part of the big celebration of her 13th collection on January 17th you should join us for drinks (kindly supplied by World Class and Belsazar Vermouth) at the official after show party that starts at 21h in the Sternenfoyer of Volksbühne.
Volksbühne
“I’ve always felt magically drawn to this place. This theater has so many interesting stories to tell, so much history in its walls. I actually shot my graduate collection here, so it was of course a great honor to do my 10 year anniversary show here a few years ago. It was also a first for the Volksbühne then, they have never done anything with a fashion designer before on stage. Over the years I’ve also seen countless theater pieces here, I can warmly recommend it, especially the ones from Castorf!”
Volksbühne, Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
photo: iHeartBerlin
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Helmut Newton Foundation
“I love seeing classic fashion photography, it’s very inspiring. I think the Helmut Newton Foundation is the best address for this kind of photography.”
Helmut Newton Foundation, Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg
Open Tue-Sun 11-18h, Thu until 20h
photo: Helmut Newton Foundation
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Buchstabenmuseum
“I’m a fan of typography and letter signs. In my shop I have an illuminated E that was a gift from my first boyfriend. And I have collected more and more E signs over the years. So, naturally the Buchstabenmuseum which archives all kinds of typography signs is one of my favorite places.”
Buchstabenmuseum, Stadtbahnbogen 424, 10557 Berlin-Tiergarten
Open Fri-Sat 13-17h
photo: Buchstabenmuseum
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Kopps
“Kopps is one of my favorite restaurants in Mitte. I like the concept, that it’s fully vegan, sourcing locally and healthy ingredients.”
Kopps, Linienstr. 94, 10115 Berlin-Mitte
Open Mon-Fri 18-24h, Sat-Sun 09:30-16h & 17:30-24h, Tel: +49 30 43209775
photo: Ilhami Terzi
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Superfood & Organic Liquids
“For a year now I try to eat mostly vegan and raw and this of course limits my options for food a bit. But gladly there is this amazing place called Superfood & Organic Liquids quite close to our studio in Mitte. They have really delicious and healthy dished and snacks that we often pick up for lunch.”
Superfood & Organic Liquids, Weinbergsweg 23, 10119 Berlin-Mitte
Monday-Friday: 8:00-20:00, Saturday: 9:00-20:00, Sunday: 10:00-18:00
photo: Superfoods & Organic Liquids
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Cordobar
“This wine bar is really amazing and also a bit legendary for Berlin, not just because of the great wine selection but also the food they serve that is truly exquisite! It’s definitely my favorite bar in Berlin.”
Cordobar, Große Hamburger Str. 32, 10115 Berlin-Mitte
Open Tue-Sat 19-02h
photo: Cordobar
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Kino Central
“When it comes to going to the movies I really like the small cinemas in Berlin, my favorite being the Kino Central at Hackescher Markt. This quirky little backyard where time stood still is just so authentic and I like walking through it to find my way to the cinema. The selection is also really good, as they mostly play international award-winning festival films rather than mainstream blockbusters, and often also in its original version.”
Kino Central, Rosenthaler Str. 39, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
photo: mybigview
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Paul Knopf
“This little button shop in Kreuzberg is another one of these old authentic Berlin places and the owner is a real character. I like to come here to get inspired and to buy buttons for samples and special pieces. It’s like a little treasure trove for buttons.”
Paul Knopf, Zossener Str. 10, 10961 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Open Tue & Fri 9-18h, Wed & Thu 14-18h
photo: Julia Heuse
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Herr von Eden
“Bent is almost like a brother to me. I’v always admired his label Herr von Eden. He really just has his own style and stays true to that regardless of the trends of fashion. His shop at Alte Schönhauser is really worth a visit.”
Herr von Eden, Alte Schönhauser Str. 14, 10119 Berlin-Mitte
Open Mon-Sat 11-20h
Esther Perbandt Store
“I really have to mention my own store at Almstadtstraße here as well because I spend so much time here. This street used to be called Grenadierstraße and it was the center of the Scheunenviertel. In every cellar entry there was a little tailor who tried to make a living there. My great-great-grandmother came here, at the time with short hair and a cigarette in her mouth, to get new dresses for her little fashion boutique in the West of Germany.”
Esther Perbandt, Almstadtstr. 3, 10119 Berlin
Open: Mon-Sat; 12h – 19h, phone: +49(0)30 88 53 67 91
photo: Esther Perbandt
