AURA, photo: Dress Me Guide Me
The vintage and 2nd hand scene in Berlin is a very diverse world covering some rare vintage from golden times, contemporary high end brands as well as thrift stores where you can buy per kilo. The criteria which makes the difference between all those types is the selection of garments itself. While vintage is the label for clothes that were distinctive to a specific era that’s at least 10-15 years in the past, 2nd hand generally just describes clothes that have been worn by someone before. This could be anything ranging from 2000er high street pieces or last season’s designer stuff. Especially vintage stores pride themselves with the originality of their selection of pieces, that are mostly stand-outs, clean and in good condition. Just like well-curated 2nd hand shops they are usually done with a lot of love and passion, therefore vintage is usually more expensive than your average 2nd hand or thrift store.
Regardless of your personal preference, whether you buy 2nd hand or vintage as a political statement, to get trendy or luxurious brands for cheap or because you are searching for the pearl in a pile of random stuff to get that triumphant feeling of a precious discovery – Berlin’s got you covered!
Our guest contributor Emilie from Dress Me Guide Me selected some of the most awesome shops for you!
Read on…
by Guest Author | Charlottenburg, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Mitte, Neukölln, Prenzlauer Berg, Shops
When it comes to finding unique shops, restaurants and cafes, there’s no better place than Neukölln. The district has become a paradise of off-kilter vintage boutiques, with a focus on buying local and a refined aesthetic that keeps the chain stores and shopping malls at bay. The innovative spaces of Neukölln create the perfect balance between a unique shopping experience and a vibrant nightlife scene. The hip district welcomes you to stroll through the streets, enjoy the start of summer and perhaps stumble upon some new (or used) treasures. To help you navigate your way through all the different kiezes, we’ve put together a guide to lead you into our favorite spots. We’re introducing a selection of newly opened stores along with some old favorites. Check out our list after the jump. For more recommendations of the district please also see our first Neukölln guide with more places in it. Read on…
by Skylar | Bars, Cafés, Neukölln, Restaurants, Shops
When it comes to vintage fashion the options in Berlin are countless. There are many sources, big markets, kilogram shops and small boutiques. We have quite a few really good little stores with a nice, almost personal selection of clothes. But when it comes to the reflection of contemporary style and youth culture the options are getting fewer.
Calypt might very well be one of the rare vintage shops that closes this gap. The little store in Boddinstraße just opened a few months ago but has already managed to gather a little fan base of the young and fashionable in Neukölln. When you browse through the racks you can tell that the store owners select their pieces meticulously with love and care. For them every garment is unique and special that they hang into their shop.
Right on the wavelength of current trends in fashion they have a focus on the 90s, both for boys and girls. They cover various styles, but what stood out the most two me where two things: One is their selection of sports and active wear. With all the mesh tops, sports jerseys, shorts and neopren jackets you could totally style an editorial for any renowned style magazine and no-one would know it’s all vintage. And the second section that I think is interesting is the “club rack” which is a fun selection of some more crazy and daring pieces you could wear for your next night out in the techno nightclubs of Berlin.
Head over the jump to get your first impressions and the details of the store, but even better schedule a visit on your next trip to Neukölln.
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by Frank | Fashion, Neukölln, Shops
