Toast and Jam

Toast and Jam is Bread and Butter's little sister if you will, this was the tradeshows first year, it is a vintage affair which takes place opposite B&B, however in a far smaller venue one more reminiscent of a town hall, though this just adds to the kitsch and more authentic feel to the tradeshow. If featured around 20 or so stalls featuring vintage clothes and finds, their was many a bargain to be had.

Bread and Butter: High Voltage

I attended the four tradeshows whilst in Berlin, the biggest and most prestigious being Bread and Butter. I went to the opening party High Voltage. The party and tradeshow took place in the historic Berlin-Tempelhof, the old aiport for the city.

The B&B opening party began with the amazing FuerzaBruta show, which i could not put into words myself so i shall steal this quote from variety: 'A highly theatrical ferocioulsy stimulating. An evening of jaw-dropping sensation FuerzaBruta with its magical effects making for an eye-popping adventure.' it was truely a 4D visual spectacular.

Then after that 2ManyDJ's came to the stage to spin the decks for the rest of the night! It was a brilliant evening filled with dancing, complentary drinks and excitement for the following day!

At the enternace to High Voltage their was a Bread and Butter photobooth, so here is me Vicky and Alice looking ridiculous posing away, however a nice souvenir to keep of the tradeshow!

The Jewish Memorial/Museum

In 2005, Germany finished completion of the Jewish Memorial, a monument to all of the murdered Jews, it features 2,700 concrete slabs of different heights, widths and depths scattered across a square. With steps in the middle which lead to the memorial museum. It was unveiled on the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2. You can walk through the slabs in any direction as their is no specific route or information to follow. The memorial is situated by the Brandenburg Gate and is between East and West Berlin.

The Memorial below, was very insigntful, reading stories from the war was very harrowing and upsetting, but interesting at the same time. It offers lots of in-depth information and a chronolgical ordering of events that surrounded the war, with lots of displays and posters. I would definetly recommend anyone to visit.

Reichstag

The Reichstag is the old government building in Berlin, just a short walk from our hotel, we booked a trip to the dome, and we travelled up in the lift, then walked around the spiral slope to the top of the dome. Unfortunately the weather was not in our favour, so the view looks quite bleak, however was lovely to see the landscape of the city. I think the structure of the dome, is very striking, especially from the center:



Berlin Fashion Week: Sebastian Ellrich

Whilst in Berlin, i attended German designer, Sebastian Ellrichs' second Fashion Show as part of Berlin Fashion Week. The collection was first shown by an ecclectic installation, which took you on a journey through several rooms with exposed concrete walls and flooring, these translated the clothes into different situations, such as a rainshower, dinner party and a roller skater, ripping up Sebastian Ellrich photographs. It showcased the versatility and functionality as well as the sharp tailoring and juxtaposition of fabrics.

The collection entitled 'Just One Of Those Days' features a distinctive colour palette of muted greys and yellows fused with jet black. The collection featured women and menswear, combining structured tailoring with some loose fitting silhouettes, the diversity of the collection meant it gave a nod to the Sports Luxe with the fully waterproof yellow hooded cape, whilst still producing elegant and effortless chic evening wear. Sebastian Ellrich showed in the Young Designers section at Premium tradeshow and is getting lots of buzz around Berlin and throughout Europe, this is definetly a designer from the creative capital to watch.

(All images taken by me)

Image available at Sebastian Ellrich, as well as the photoshoot, press and full collection, check it out.

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg gate is one of the most historic landmarks in Berlin. It used to be one of the gates used to enter Berlin. Located in Unter den Linden, Linden being a type of tree which run down both sides of the street as you enter through the gate. It was comissioned as a sign of peace by King Frederick William the 2nd, although it suffered major structural damage in world war 2, it was restored in 2002.

In 1989 when the Berlin wall fell, the gate represented freedom to the residents of Berlin, who gathered there to celebrate. In the decemeber the west german chancellor crossed through the bridge to greet Hans Modrow the east German prime minister. In 2009 the Brandenburg Gate held a major celebration of the 20th year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.

Tascheles

Tascheles is an art centre on Oranienburger Straße in the district of Mitte. The building is several stories high and features wall-to-wall graffiti. It had previously housed a Department store, Nazi prison, Cinema and Nightclub however is now the home to many srtists in residents who create astounding colourful murals, graffiti and scultpures.

(All images taken by me)