Indonesian-born, Berlin-based designer Don Aretino does fashion differently. His locally-made garments are creative and experimental, each telling a story – about same-sex desire, religion and social constructs. And because stories are best told in person, Don is now bringing together a men’s/unisex collection for his first ever pop-up, running throughout August at Schöneberg gallery and showroom The Ballery. Available to browse and buy are small runs of ready-to-wear garments including tops, bottoms and accessories such as handbags, masks and hats. The pieces are made from fabrics sourced in the city and each is bold and unique, revealing Don’s background as a costume and set designer. If you are after original looks that turn heads and challenge the norm with their stylistic twists, you will find just what you are looking for here. Take a look at the Don Aretino Instagram for the latest styles. (Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Ryan Tandya & Tomas Eyzaguirre)

Don Aretino pop-up at The Ballery, Nollendorfstr.11–12 10777 Berlin–Schöneberg; map
01.08.2020–31.08.2020, Sat & Sun 13–17h & by appointment.
Opening night 01.08.2020, 17–19
@don_aretino
@the_ballery

Awaiting you at Leseglück, the bright and cozy bookshop on Kreuzberg’s Ohlauer Straße, is the friendly smile of co-owner Eleni Efthimiou and the rich, tempting smell of coffee. The shop’s name translates as “joy in reading”, perfectly capturing its atmosphere, with space for browsing and reading and helpful advice on hand so you can find a book for every occasion. Eleni’s dream of having her own bookshop was realized in 2007 when she met co-founder Susan Pfannstiel by chance. When they first opened the shop their focus was on contemporary fiction and German and English novels, but as the neighborhood became more family orientated, demand for children’s and young people’s literature grew. In addition to keeping young readers supplied, Eleni has been holding regular readings and literary events including at Festsaal Kreuzberg (hosting the likes of entertainer Rocko Schamoni) and Fahimi Bar at Kotti (with Thorsten Nagelschmidt’s “Nagel mit Köpfen”). Most recently she has been offering her book recommendations over the airwaves on Radioeins. (Text: Nike Wilhelms / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Leseglück, Ohlauer Str.37, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Mon–Sat 10–18h
@buchhandlung_leseglück