Worthersee. Better than Ever

The coming of spring is one of my favourite times of year, and I find myself falling in love with the city all over again.  The packed outdoor cafés, the opening of beer gardens, and sitting in the park for long sunny afternoons.  I also begin to think about getting away from it all, exploring something new, and re-communing with nature.

Wörthersee was a beloved spot for German stars in the 60′s, thereafter, as the politics intensified, the stars aged, and the lake, although no less beautiful, quietly fell into the background, being surpassed by travel to far flung destinations.  In recent years Wörthersee has made a comeback, becoming a top destination for winter and summer outdoor enthusiasts as well Europe’s elite jetsetters. Read the rest of this entry »

40 Galleries, 40 Openings, 3 Days, 3 Nights

The excitement of Berlin’s Gallery Weekend is already filling the art scene with a buzz.  Which openings to go to, which New British Artists have rented out venues to throw lavish parties, and which up and comers will break onto the scene. All of the 40 galleries officially taking place are established giants on the Berlin art scene.  It’s almost impossible to choose one over another, but we’ve given it our best.

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Calypso. A vintage shoe gem in Berlin

If you are a shoe lover then put on your ruby red slippers (you know you have a pair or something like it) click them twice and say ‘there’s no place like Calypso‘, because this vintage shoe store down town Mitte, is your Kansas. Shoes cover every square inch of the room, hanging from the walls like art works, lovingly scrubbed up by the shops owner, Rosemarie, whose rocking shoe fetish is all too apparent.

Shoes from every decade spanning 60 years can be found inside and just about every style you can think of including comfortable shoes, high heels, army boots and fetish shoes. The designer range isn’t that extensive although you can find the odd gem, but what’s special here is the range of designs on offer from platforms to court shoes, knee high, PVC boots to steel toe caps. This shop is a lesson in shoe design over the centuries and Rosemarie knows them all. Her knowledge of her shoes is thorough and she’s very quick to help should you require some assistance, snapping off in an instant when the desired size and style is communicated. It’s no surprise then, that film and theatre companies often call upon her to help dress the cast according to their remit when in town. The prices range from around 50 Euro for a really nice pair up to about 250 or more if the shoe is really unique as Rosemarie explained to BANGBANGBERLIN when we interviewed her below. If you never really know someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, then at Calypso you can walk thousands of stories from hundreds of lives; with your feet looking fabulous and interesting throughout.

Calypso – Vintage Shoe Shop from prinzengold on Vimeo

Calypso is 15 minutes in your ruby red slippers from the Lux 11 Hotel in Mitte.

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Category: Berlin

Contributing writer: Bang Bang Berlin

Venice. The Real Thing

It’s hard to think about relaxing in Italy without envisioning the epicurean delights the country offers. If you’re not seasoned in the miniscule differences between the tourists joints and the real thing, it’s easy to walk away wondering what all the fuss is about and feeling like you just unloaded your wallet for a reheated pizza and discount grocery store wine.

In a city like Venice, which often feels like it’s surrendered itself to tourists, the real thing is can be even harder to find. Luckily we got the scoop from a Venetian about where to go for traditional eats at prices even the locals will pay. Read the rest of this entry »

Pauls Boutique. Vintage clothing in Berlin

It was the first real sunny day of the year when me and the BANGBANGBERLIN crew rolled up outside Paul’s Boutique on Oderberger Strasse to interview Frank – the owner – about his life’s passion, vintage clothing. I choose my words carefully and passion can be the only way the describe the voluminous collection of vintage wear on offer in Paul’s Boutique which has become something of an institution for fashion lovers from all over Berlin, and beyond. The shop comprises of 4 different buildings, 3 of which sit side by side on Oderberger Strasse 47 in Prenzlauer Berg and the fourth is on Tor Strasse in Mitte (all within 15 mins walk from the Lux 11 Hotel in Mitte). We went along to Pberg to discover the Aladdin’s cave of treats on offer.

Aside from the clothing, Frank is also a collector of film memorabilia and every spare inch of the shop is covered with Star Wars figures and the like arranged by himself, who, having grown up in East Berlin never had the opportunity to own such an abundance of toys as a child. This all adds to the wonderfully quirky atmosphere; next to Chewie you’ll find an array of urban street wear with all the high street labels such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok and some real old Skool designs such as the classic Nike Air Max for around 25 to 30 Euros. A few doors down is the designer boutique which got me all in a fluster when I discovered a pair of virtually unworn Stella McCartney heels for 60 Euro. The list goes on, Prada brogues for 50 Euro, Manolo’s (slightly scuffed but who cares for 50 Euro) and designer jackets inclusive of Versace, Gucci, Hugo Boss and Ralf Lauren in both men and women’s for unbelievable bargains! It’s not the greatest place for a party dress but you can get everything else including a Burberry Trench for around 70 Euros.

The most beautiful thing about this shop though by far, is the ethos behind it; when we interviewed Frank (below) he told BANGBANGBERLIN that he set up so that kids who couldn’t afford designer fashion could have designer fashion. Frank, we salute you!

Pauls Boutique from prinzengold on Vimeo

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Category: Berlin

Contributing writer: Alexandra Stone for Bang Bang Berlin