If you appreciate Berlin’s vintage scene but need a break from digging through endless boxes, then you might be interested in Tinker and Borrow, a vintage shop (and more) that opened last summer in Gesundbrunnen. I stopped in one day to browse and ended up chatting with the friendly owner, Sabrina. Maybe we just have shared taste, but I like the way the store feels: an aesthetic curation of vintage, handmade, and upcycled; a cozy ambiance that doesn’t feel pretentious or exclusive. Also cool: Tinker and Borrow is more than just a nice-looking store where you can buy pretty things. Sabrina places a big focus on community and knowledge sharing, and the store regularly hosts open events ranging from upcycling workshops to literary readings to knitting club meetups. It’s an eclectic mix, and that’s a good thing. It means there’s likely something perfect for you.
Luke Johnson has been living in Wedding since 2017 as a photographer and aspiring naturalist. He recently completed a master’s degree in natural resource management at the Humboldt University of Berlin and is currently seeking a job in nature conservation.
Text & Photos: Luke Johnson
Tinker and Borrow, Martin-Opitz-Str.21, 13357 Berlin–Gesundbrunnen; map
@tinkerandborrow
@luke________johnson
When you step into 15West on Giesebrechtstraße in Charlottenburg, you feel as though you’ve been transported to Paris or Milan. The reclaimed oak parquet flooring, earthy tones, floral armchairs, and three display cubes in the center — adorned with pastel tiles fired in a Bavarian workshop — create an ambiance unlike any other. Founder Marc Janssen has curated a space for exclusive niche fragrances at 15West, nestled in Berlin’s west, not far from Kurfürstendamm. Many of the meticulously selected fragrances cannot be found elsewhere in Berlin, and in some cases, in the whole of Germany. Hailing from the Netherlands, Marc Janssen’s deep-rooted passion for perfumes led him to explore perfumeries on his travels. The concept of his own “fragrance boutique” took shape 20 years ago, and in spring 2020, it materialized into reality — a haven for bespoke fragrance consultation from an unparalleled perfume connoisseur. 15West transcends your usual perfumeries; it’s about the immersive experience and the narratives behind each fragrance. Venturing off the beaten path, you’ll discover unique brands like Thomas de Monaco or Eternal Journey, whose perfumes are designed to be worn individually or layered. With Valentine’s Day approaching, 15West presents a distinctive opportunity to celebrate love and individuality. Here, you’re bound to find the perfect fragrance to quicken your heartbeat.
Text: Carsten Fischer / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Carsten Fischer has lived in Berlin since 1990 and is a buyer for several fashion stores in Berlin and Hamburg.
15West, Giesebrechtstr.15, 10629 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
Tue–Fri 11–18h, Sat 11–17h
@15_west_berlin
Janne Haland is an independent fashion studio with Danish and German roots based in Kreuzkölln. With almost a decade of experience, Janne Haland designs fabric patterns and illustrations — combining pop culture with traditional costume design. Improvising with small amounts of deadstock fabric she creates one-of-a-kind pieces. Her focuses are crafts and intuitive problem-solving for the human body. You won’t find gender or age limitations here. All those who enjoy color and appreciate quality craftsmanship are invited to sit down with Janne and bounce ideas off her to create a finished product that is unique to you. The quality and attention to detail Janne channels into each item is something I’ve never experienced before. Every piece tells a different and fantastic story that allows the wearer to become a part of Janne Haland’s unique world. It’s what keeps me coming back for more. Visit the online shop or knock on her studio door to travel down the rabbit hole and into the remarkable world of Janne Haland.
Dave Murrin is a DJ/producer from Dublin and co-owner of record label “Púca Sounds”. He also serves you (with love and passion) natural wines and the best negronis in town at Bar Sway.
Text: Dave Murrin / Photos: Gavin Kenny, Nele Haland, Toby Sheppard
Studio Janne Haland, Nansenstr.17, 12047, Berlin–Neukölln; map
@janne_haland_fashion
Allegedly, fewer and fewer people are reading these days. But Lukas and Marie Hoffmann tend to disagree. That’s why they started an Instagram account in 2021 and launched the first version of the Bookie app in August 2022. Bookie is an app that makes reading more social, facilitates book exchanges and offers an online alternative to traditional in-person book clubs. Bookie was established after Lukas and Marie asked themselves: what is the book market missing? Why do so many people believe literature isn’t for them? And, how can we change this way of thinking? The answer was Bookie — an accessible and inclusive reading community. It’s a virtual space where authors, creators, publishers and book lovers can come together. A space where it’s possible to exchange ideas, inspire each other to read (more) and discover excellent books that are impossible to put down. This is all thanks to the Bookie reading lists compiled from the recommendations of readers who are no strangers to the literary world. From Anne Sauer to Christoph Amend (a journalist), many share their favorite books on Bookie.
Coco Meurer opened her bookstore, literaturensohn, on Brunnenstraße in Berlin Mitte, in September 2023. The art director and marketing specialist designs CIs, communication strategies and campaigns for publishers and other companies.
Text: Coco Meurer / Photos: Bookie, Cottonbro
Bookie
@bookie.theapp
@literaturensohn
We’ve waited a long time for the opening of The Map Gallery, and now the moment has finally arrived. Why? It’s simple: when Mon Muellerschoen, Andrea von Goetz, and Peter Buchberger join forces, surprises are bound to happen. Exciting contemporary art pieces will now grace the walls between design masterpieces on Linienstraße. Renowned artists like Elisa Breyer, Philipp Fürhofer, Kura Kazunori, Magda Kracewicz, Anton Peitersen, Maria von Thurn und Taxis, Vincent Vandaele, Jorinde Voigt, and Björn Wallbaum Weltbrandt are among those featured. The inaugural exhibition brings together works exploring the theme of melancholy. Why melancholy in January? In Berlin? A time when the sun hides behind a gray sky, and cold days flood our insides with intensity, albeit brief, like a tsunami. What would the world be without darkness, doubt, and sadness? Artists uniquely transform these emotions into energy, creativity, and glimpses of the future. Drop by, let yourself be surprised, and discover works, objects, and furniture capable of embracing darkness throughout the year.
Anaïs Röschke, with a background in the art world, oversees the program at Laufen Space Berlin and executes various formats for the architecture and construction industry through her agency, The Art of Business.
Text: Anaïs Röschke / Photos: The Map Gallery
The Map Gallery, Linienstr.107, 10115 Berlin–Mitte; map
Wed–Sat 14–18h
@themapgallery_berlin