Berlin Vintage
Berlin has been on my vintage must-see list for a some time now and joining The Hive blog conference meant that I could indulge in some vintage wanderings in my free time. I missed the traditional Sunday rummage in Berlin’s neighbourhood flea markets as the conference was a weekend affair. So instead I decided to look into 3 very different vintage stores, a thrift department store, a feminine vintage meets second-hand store in Fredrichshain and a friendly vintage store in the residential area of Treptow. Big thanks to Antje of Etsy Germany and Jana of Plique for their expert directions and suggestions. Here’s what I discovered…
HUMANA
Humana was described to me as a thift department store but when I arrived I discovered it was more than this! Set in a majestic soviet block the building had over 4 floors of second-hand clothing. Think of a giant Oxfam or Enable Ireland. What struck me was how organised it was and how un-hipster like. There were lots of normal folk rummaging for bargains from textiles to baby clothes and also a great selection of vintage, mainly 20th century and from the 1950s onwards. There are 12 stores across Berlin and prices range from 5 Euro upwards. Bargains to be had!
Humana, Frankfurter Tor 3, 10243 Berlin
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Humana, Frankfurter Tor 3, 10243 Berlin
Berliner Modeinstitut is set half way down a colourful street a short walk from Humana. The shopfront itself was delightful with 19th century wooden carvings and lots of painted murals and flowers dotted along the walls. Inside was painted bright pink with pretty props all around the store and a mix of vintage, second-hand and vintage reproductions. The owner (pictured above) was very friendly and I thought it was a lovely spot to pick up a bargain or something quirky. Prices range from 20 euro upwards.
Berliner Modeinstitut, Samariterstr. 8, 10247 Berlin-Friedrichshain
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A little off the beaten track Vintage Berlin sits on the corner of Karl-Kunger Strasse in the residential area of Treptow-Kreuzkolln. The simple exterior is as welcoming as the shop-owner who told me tales of the area when it was East Berlin and how it has changed today. Inside there is a very nicely edited selection of vintage- particularly 1940s and 1950s pieces which are beautifully restored and really unique finds. I found a beautiful 1940s dress with Chinese print which fits like a glove. It’s well worth the walk down to this neighbourhood to find a hidden gem or two. Prices range from 60 euro upwards.
Vintage Berlin, Karl Kunger-Strasse 54, 12435 Berlin, Treptow, Kreuzkolln.
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All photographs by Ruth Griffin on Canon EOS 600D