Features and opinions on a range of topics from politics to technology. Sometimes the features are serious, sometimes they are fun. Check them out.
Woke up to snow in Berlin today. Does this mean it’s time to put the bike in the basement? I am going to try to delay the moment as long as I can. Dutch brand Maium makes outerwear for biking in challenging weather. The oversize coats can extend over the bike to protect hands and legs while riding.
It had to happen sooner or later. Trying to be relevant at the time being edgy, the silk threads will hit the fan. Balenciaga, the French Fashion House learned the hard way. The Bondage Teddy Doll Toddler campaign crashed the same as if a German Leader singing Beyonce at a karaoke bar. The fall out continues, at present everyone is “reevaluating” their relationship with the brand.
Looking over the images, I wonder what happened to the filters. Certainly one person at the multi billion luxury clothier could see a yellow light. Yet, for some reason I have a feeling they coward, preferring to be another deaf person in the room of blind people. You have to understand, the fashion business is allergic to the truth. One contrary word to group think, banishment!
Gemma Gvasalia has a done a seven year job of transitioning the fabled label to the top of fashion league. Making collections tailored fit for Instagram. Getting big names not only sitting front row but also in the runway shows. Coveted $750 worn High Tops trainers fly out the store. The $1,300 mini bag has become a must have. Any wonder why no one challenges his opinions? Yet, even the Georgian born designer learned, “live by the Gram, you can die on the Gram.”
Eating a slice of Humble Pie never killed anyone. The statements coming from Balenciaga have been the same as a screeching bird with two broken wings. First, scrubbing its Instagram account with the exception of a statement posting. Then saying the production company was responsible for the content. Launching a million dollar lawsuit against the creative team. Throwing a borrowed bucket of gasoline on a fire does not extinguish the flame. Owe up the mistake. In a few days the world will move on to the next social media outrage.
As far as I am concerned, “yes” the pictures are in poor taste. But then again, I would never pay $750 for a pair of worn High Tops.
Winter finally arrived in Berlin. The first light snow hit the street.
Coming up on Before Tacky Podcast a discussion about the state of retail in the fashion world. With store closes how will chains survive?
Galeries Lafayette Berlin is having a bit of a celebration and all are invited, Festival of Wines. Harvest season ended recently, that means a lot of bottles to open. The French department in Berlin’s Mitte district is holding a festival. A great selection of reds, whites and sparkling were placed on the basement floor. Having a weakness for Bordeaux, I got two bottles.
If you happen to be in the German Capital City this October, drop by to get a bottle or two. The Festival ends October 31st.
Today, there was a national holiday in Germany. The weather has changed to fall with trees adding splendid colors. Venturing to the forest an hour outside of Berlin, to Brandenberg, mushroom hunting is a popular past time. This month the fungi were few and far between in comparison to past years.
Furthermore, the most noticeable aspect of being in the forest, clean air.
More from the InnoTrans 2022 event of mobility and transportation. The move to digital experience has accelerated. The trend of big companies and governments embracing start ups and smaller companies to help solve key problems facing transportation. One Berlin based start up is teaming up with DBahn for a car hailing service as part of monthly metro pass.
Autonomous automobiles were talked about, but I am not convinced. Right now this technology is in its infancy with many questions.
As I have written, I am in favour of anything that can get me around a city in less time.
VDL bus (Below) set the tone of a Star Trek Spaceship. Captain Picard could be at the helm.
Soon, there will be more charging stations on the streets. I liked the Digital screen and minimal look of EM Card.
Traveling Los Angeles could get easier in the future with these two modes of transportation.
Skoda showed off a long train. I am sure there is enough space for all during rush hour. A Spanish tech company Zeleros told me their hyper loop concept will be operation in 2030.
Zipping around Paris for fashion Week will be easier on this rolling stock. Berlin Seating interior. I know this Milan Metro Line 1 interior all too well, during Milan Fashion Week it is my de-facto limo.
I attended my first InnoTrans event in Berlin. Why would I go to a mass transit trade fair? As a person who uses public transport in every city I visit for either business or pleasure getting around is crucial. I am not a high profile magazine editor wearing Prada. During fashion weeks I jump on and off buses, trams and metro networks all day.
InnoTrans is the largest mobility event in Europe occurring every two years. After Covid, there was a great deal enthusiasm to reconnect. I knew no one. Twenty-nine massive halls with exhibitors from around the world discussing mass transit. Ask me about the brake mechanics of a tram, not a clue! But there was a shift to mobility, design and customer experience. Manufacturers and operators are transitioning to to connected and digital spheres. Metro screens guide riders to transfers or local spots. Transport apps better coordinate travel plans. Regional trains have vertical bike holders as well as battery rechargers for commuters.
Overall, it was fascinating participating in InnoTrans, a learning curve, but well worth it.
Sitting in the KonCar Tram felt similar to a living room experience instead of the cattle car feel of mass transit.
Pod Car-Hopefully, in 2024 these will be on the street
These interactive displays have to potential to engage users in many ways.
Buzzing around in the air similar to the iconic 1960’s cartoon THE JETSONS.
What are some of the highlights from InnoTrans 2022? A lot. I will post more soon.
Exhibits that struck a cord with me at the transportation fair.
Grammer Seating, LG Lighting, Vienna Metro, VDL Bus, Koncar Tram.
Folsom Street Berlin came back this year. The leather Cirque du Soleil did not disappoint this year with looks or lack of at times. It was all in the spirit of fun at Europe’s largest leather festival.
Check out the Podcast Series Men Reloaded.