Wu, Wang, Lim, Lam – what would the American fashion world be without these designers of Asian heritage? And what would the German fashion world be without the creative minds whose roots extend deep into other cultures? These are just some of the questions explored in a research project overseen by Olga Blumhardt, head of the Fashion Journalism & Media Communication program at the AMD Berlin, and Professor Antje Drinkuth, Dean of Fashion Design at the AMD. The result of the project is the recently released book, “Traces – Fashion & Migration” [Distanz], 208 smart and inspiring pages illuminating the eponymous subject. Topics range from German fashion photography to international design, explored in academic texts and journalistic formats. Many renowned collaborators contributed to the project, from Christiane Arp, Editor in Chief of German Vogue, to Mario Lombardo, who designed the book, to the Federal Foreign Office, which funded the project. The book was even presented by the Minister of State for Europe, Michael Roth, at a release party complete with fashion show. In short: “Traces” is already leaving quite a few traces – and not just in the political arena. The book is at the very top of my reading list. After all, as global citizens in an increasingly connected world, it’s important to be well-dressed, and well-informed. (Text: Nina Trippel / Photos (clockwise from top): Sandra Semburg, Heji Shin, Devan Grimsrud)

Barbecue season is upon us at last, and along with the excitement comes the work. Planning for a summer feast to remember is serious business, so allow us to lend a hand with a tried and tested recommendation for your meat: Potsdamer SauenHain. The first Cee Cee barbecue of the summer was well equipped with their succulent sausages, savory spareribs, and the juiciest pork chops we’ve ever tasted — not to mention the pork shoulder that we spiced and pulled for lunch the day after, served with five spice and lemongrass on rice. However, earthy and subdued, it was the sausages that stole the show with their vibrant spices and a snappy skin. Two young farmers, Axel and Clemens, founded the business in 2015, caring for a flock of about 200 swine who roam 10 hectares of land, grazing freely on grains, grape pomace, hay and fruit. Order direct from their website, where you can pick and choose individual products or browse pre-selected boxes. We’re already looking forward to barbecue round two. (Text: Devan Grimsrud / Photos: Potsdamer SauenHain (top) / Devan Grimsrud)

Potsdamer SauenHain, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str.31, 14471 Potsdam; map

Consumption plays an undeniably important role in today’s society. At some point, each of us is confronted with the question of how to get rid of clutter or regretted purchases. It tends to be a lot harder to part with objects than to acquire them. In her new book “Das Stammeln der Wahrsagerin: Unglaubliche Geschichten hinter Kleinanzeigen”, Sarah Khan tells stories of letting go with wit and sensitivity. Since having renovated a former Brandenburg schoolhouse, Kahn has been obsessively studying classified ads on eBay Kleinanzeigen. Along the way, she’s encountered advertisers such as Mr Stein, who was giving away an old designer couch which he admitted he would have rather hacked up with an axe. Or the motivated Mrs Hauswald, who tried to secure her old-age pension by selling her collection of horse books. It’s fascinating to read what the things people buy, inherit or collect say about who they are, and to encounter the burst dreams that reveal themselves through these stories. (Text: Helen von der Höden)

Sarah Khan “Das Stammeln der Wahrsagerin. Unglaubliche Geschichten hinter Kleinanzeigen”, Suhrkamp / Insel Verlag (in German)