Many know the feeling: when close friends leave town, you suddenly find yourself in a long-distance relationship. Bridging the distance while maintaining an emotional connection is a balancing act that takes time and energy. But, as soon as you’re back in the same place, you pick up right where you left off, as if no time had passed. The new Lacoste × Zalando campaign captures this feeling perfectly with Berlin as a meeting place where shared moments over a weekend turn into genuine closeness. Lacoste and Zalando provide the fashion inspiration for this reunion — sporty, elegant looks such as sweaters, coats, and sneakers in warm tones ranging from flour to maroon or date brown — while we supply culinary tips with French flair, inspired by the heritage of the brand founded in 1933. La Côte in Schillerkiez makes a fitting start with subdued lighting and a terrazzo-style bar. Cocktails such as the “Fizzy White Negroni” or “Café Salé” are served, accompanied by oysters or yellowtail with tomato dashi and yuzu kosho. The next day, Körnerpark awaits. The neo-baroque park not far from Sonnenallee, with its orangery, gallery, and café, is perfect for a short stroll and relaxed get-together.

In the evening, celebrate the friends’ reunion in Wilmersdorf at Bostich, which feels like a bistro straight out of the 11th arrondissement. White tablecloths and woven chairs set the tone, complemented by French classics such as moules à la crème, tartare de boeuf, a fine selection of wines, and plenty of lively background chatter. The morning after begins at La Maison over coffee and croissants on the linden-lined street. Watch the hustle and bustle of Kreuzberg along the Landwehr Canal and lose all sense of time. Perhaps a final detour to Canal before you part ways? An éclair is a sweet finale to your time together before going your separate ways. But luckily, we know, “we’ll always have Berlin.”

Text: Sophie Doering / Photos: Daniel Faró, Savannah van der Niet, Lacoste x Zalando

Lacoste × Zalando campaign

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Walk into the Stapelstein store in Mitte and for a second you might think you’ve stumbled into a minimalist tech temple. White walls, clean lines, a big glowing screen – it all feels like you’re about to pick up the latest iPhone. But instead, you’ll find something far more playful: colorful elements that invite you to move, build and create. The space is calm, airy and at the same time surprisingly vibrant – the conceptual backdrop for a brand that’s all about movement and imagination. Stapelstein is rethinking play for all ages. Designed by Stephan Schenk in 2015, the elements are as simple as they are smart. One element gets you balancing, two invite some movement, six and you’ve got yourself a stool. Made from lightweight, durable material and available in every shade of the rainbow, they’re a hit with kids – and secretly with adults too. Over 800,000 families have already joined the fun, stacking, hopping and spinning around with these minimalist shapes. The Cee Cee team even used them at the Berlin Coffee Festival – as stools for the panel talks, high seats for the cupping table and colorful highlights in the kids’ corner. Proof that good design can bring people together, no matter their age or size. At the Mitte store you can explore the full range – from travel-friendly minis to the oversized “Grow” elements that adults can comfortably sit on. Kids are encouraged to play, and if you find yourself reaching for an element too, you’re in good company. Because sometimes, the best design just makes you want to move.

Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Anastasia Komarova, Sophie Doering, Stapelstein

Stapelstein, Alte Schönhauser Str.3, 10119 Berlin–Mitte; map

@stapelstein.original