Ramen is the perfect lockdown food: culinarily far removed from Berlin and yet warming, hearty and (if you like) vegan. And while the city offers countless killer ramen dishes to take away, if you do fancy trying your hand at making it yourself you’ll find everything you need at MyConbini, the online shop for all things Japanese. Founder and self-described Japan fan Fabian Weingart modelled the Berlin-based website on the country’s all-hours convenience stores (konbini) that bring together a variety of everyday groceries in one place. Fabian’s thoughtfully-curated selection includes staples like Kewpie mayonnaise and bonito flakes as well as tofu, soy sauce and umeboshi, with sake and Japanese whisky for liquid accompaniment. Stylish ceramics and high-quality chopsticks complete the experience. Amongst this huge range of products are high-quality ingredients for homemade ramen: organic vegan or meat-based broth, roasted sesame seeds, seaweed, miso paste and, yes, noodles. The latter come frozen directly from Japan – perfect for a special ramen night in.

Text: Eva Biringer / Photos: Luka Marshall Johnson

MyConbini delivers throughout Germany.

@myconbinishop

We hear a lot about sustainability and fairness in fashion, but how can you really be sure your clothes are ethically made? Browsing the garments at Givn, you are left with no doubt. The fashion label’s co-founder and CEO Moritz Biel and his team have made it their goal to make the fashion world better. Key to this is transparency: the brand’s website explains all the production methods and sourcing of the raw materials and even has pictures of the production sites (in Poland, among others). Givn’s sourcing doesn’t end with organic cotton – although they do use that – but also features fabrics specifically picked for their reduced water footprint. 

Founded in 2010 under the name Stoffbruch, the label commissioned our agency Cee Cee Creative in 2019 to rename and rebrand the business to help reach overseas markets. The new name Givn reflects the label’s goal: that sustainability and fairness should be a given. And while these concepts have yet to become the norm, Givn is making big strides forward, selling fashion in numerous outlets at home and abroad. To discover how you can make your look a little more sustainable and fair, check out the styles online and at the flagship store in Friedrichshain when conditions allow. As for the garments themselves, the philosophy is one of understated essentials, with well-designed fits and cuts made with select materials whose quality you can feel. The Aria pullover and the Tyler half-zip sweater are two of our favourite styles. If you are already looking ahead to warmer months, Givn’s collection of floral prints and light jackets are ideal additions for your spring wardrobe.

Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Givn & Nicolas Oswald

Givn is offering click and collect from their Berlin store

Wühlischstr.15 10245 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
Mon–Fri 12–19h, Sat 11–18h

@givn_berlin