It’s not a secret that Berlin fashion is one of a kind. Our streets are not accustomed to chic ladies in simple black dresses with a few expensive accessories to highlight their style and men who carry around their fedoras as they do in Paris, we rather like our style more gender non-conforming, unconventional, eco-friendly, and from time to time, serving a cause. Black isn’t necessarily a funeral color and we put on those pajamas at work on purpose. Berliners also don’t like to walk around like billboards. We don’t like showing off big brands and logos plastered on our clothes and we like to support local businesses that reflect us. This is why we chose these fresh Berlin fashion brands and shops to get you ready for this summer.
Papesse Apparel
Dress comfy, yes. Dress boring, no.
Genderless, seasonless, sweatshop-free and made of recycled material is the belief behind Papesse Apparel. You can find anything from handmade leggings to biker shorts and recycled tops that all look very joyous and comfy! Our favorite is the Scrunchies Against Forced Marriage line. The profits go to the Berlin-based charity, Papatya, which helps young women who face forced marriages, as well as LGBTQI+ people who are threatened by their families because of who they are.
photos: Papesse Apparel
Adrian Weiss
Comfortable Clothing for all Genders and Sizes
Established by Emrah Neins in 2017, the label Adrian Weiss is making mostly one-of-a-kind items and upcycling material. As he puts it: “As a trans person myself, I know about the importance of comfortable and gender-affirming clothes, knowing the struggle of fitting neither in women’s or men’s department. With the clothes I’m making, I want people of any gender, age, and body size to feel comfortable and confident about their bodies and the way they wanna express their identities.”
photos: Sarah Süßmilch
photos: Dr. Adas Engel
Moussi Bang
Escape Reality and Create your own unreal Character
Moussi Bang is a Berlin-based clothes designer, creating gender-neutral and handmade pieces, aiming to promote diversity and eccentricity around us. Designed for all genders, you can find anything from a black transparent dress to wax kimono, shorts, and harness. The brand wants to create a gender-free style that stands out for everybody.
photos: Daniel Willis
Melisa Minca
Upcycling Reclaimed Materials since 2018
Specializing in upcycling, reworking pre-loved items, custom tailoring, and ethical production, Melisa Minca serves as a bridge between ethical fashion and contemporary design. With her summer 2021 collection, MM is for eccentric individuals who want to express themselves, but at the same time avoid environmental pollution and human exploitation.
photos: Melisa Minca
Tropicalia Agency
Born to Dialogue with two Distinct Universes: Rio De Janeiro & Berlin
The Freshness of renewal, spontaneity, lightness, from the coast to the city, Tropicalia Agency is a project that aims to promote representation of Brazilian designs in Europe. With their luxury bikinis and beachwear, they offer authentic patterns and styles from Brazil while empowering Brazilian designers in Europe to have a wider platform in fashion. They currently have a pop-up store at Bikini Berlin.
photos: Pedro Napolinário
