Trouva canvasses the creative capital to reveal the ultimate guide to Berlin shopping for the independently-minded
July 2018: From Brighton to Berlin, the UK’s much-loved online platform for independent shopping working with 450 bricks-and-mortar shops, Trouva.com, is this month taking its first step internationally – launching in the creative capital of cool, Berlin.
To celebrate the launch, the home of unique products has canvassed their community of Berlin’s shopkeepers and boutiques to reveal the top five must-visit neighbourhoods for the best shopping.
From clean-cut minimalism to bold, patterned decor, read on to discover the design hotspots where you’ll find everything from cutting-edge homewares to sustainable fashion that will have people asking ‘where did you buy that?’.
Launching with 20 new independents, including the Scandinavian fashion boutique Maerz, iconic menswear boutique (and shopfront) A.D. Deertz and TYPE HYPE, serving coffee from their in-store cafe alongside their typographic homewares, Brits can now discover Trouva’s growing community of Berlin based bricks-and-mortar boutiques here.
Lucy Ward, Creative Brand Director at Trouva, said: “At Trouva we eat, sleep and breathe independent boutiques, so it’s been incredibly exciting exploring Berlin’s neighbourhoods to find the best shops that we know our customers will love. There are so many incredible new products which we’ve never seen before. Now customers can bring the best of Berlin into their homes via Trouva.”
1. Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is best known for its wealth of independent businesses, vintage stores and music venues. This is one of Berlin’s trendiest districts, and boutique Moeon – a sustainable and eco-conscious fashion store – fits right in.
Boasting a range of carefully considered items that includes women’s fashion, beauty and skincare from brands like Veja and Baserange, Moeon is the place to shop for any modern woman wanting to make ethical fashion choices.
2. Mitte
The beating heart of Berlin, Mitte is unmissable as the home of Berlin’s most memorable and infamous art galleries and attractions such as the Unter den Linden, leading up to the Brandenburg Gate. Independent stores are dotted throughout the neighbourhood, including the iconic The Amazing Crocodile Design Store.
A destination for cutting-edge homewares, The Amazing Crocodile Design Store is a homage to the best and boldest design from across Europe. The shop space is like no other; with vibrant colours and patterns at every turn, inspired by the Memphis movement. There’s always something new with the founder Jana organising in-store exhibitions to showcase up-and-coming designers from all over Europe.
3. Friedrichshain
East from Mitte lies Berlin’s alternative neighbourhood, Friedrichshain. With an undercurrent of punk culture and a vivid political history, the graffiti on the neighbourhood’s walls tells a story that can’t be ignored. Hailed as Berlin’s art hub and home to the infamous East Side Gallery, Friedrichshain also hosts a range of indie boutiques.
Founded by English-German couple Will and Ilka, lifestyle shop Victoria Met Albert fused two cultures and is renowned for sourcing a mix of contemporary and retro inspired interior goods.
Will and Ilka, founders of Victoria Met Albert, said: “Our store takes inspiration from across Europe and now, with Trouva, we can share our selection of carefully curated products with those beyond our local community. We want our products to be loved far and wide, and now people globally can shop the best that Berlin has to offer.”
4. Neukoelln
Second only to Kreuzberg as one of trendiest districts in Berlin, Neukoelln’s lively atmosphere and abundance of music and art events make the progressive neighbourhood a hidden gem in Berlin.
For plant lovers, Golden! is the perfect stop for stylish interior staples with a botanical touch. Founded by mother-daughter duo, Golden! puts quality and sustainability first, focusing on products that aim to enrich an owner’s home without harming the environment. Pottery, bowls and bedding are a few of the carefully curated items that can be found here.
5. Prenzlauer-Berg
Prenzlauer-Berg offers a tranquil space to roam the city. Lined with bare-bricked coffee houses and green spaces, the northern quarter is a must-see for those wanting to enjoy a peaceful pace in this sprawling city. The area has also become a hub for independent boutiques including the eclectic Das Goodshaus and Biscuit China, a boutique focusing on celebrating the versatility of ceramics and the beauty of handmade objects, through a collection of artisanal glassware and ceramics sourced by the founder Karoline.
Karoline, founder of Biscuit China, said: “Graphic design and art have been important elements of my life for years so I combined that with my love for ceramics, and founded Biscuit China. I used to collect a ceramic object every time I travelled and now my customers can do the same, from their own home at just a click of a button.”