A lot of shock news from Berlin, next stop Frankfurt. Check out my take on the events.
Tag: berlin
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Chaos in Berlin
Stay tuned for my report on the chaos of 2 Fashion Weeks in Germany. What is happening? I had my problems with the organisers and some PR teams in Berlin about Fashion Week. I am not shocked about the exchanges on Social Media. A reality show delight! My reaction! See Below!
Statement Sunglasses Feature preview. We had a bit of fun trying on shades. Which do you like? Produced at Schonhelden Optic Berlin.
Stay Tuned for more.
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Ikea after Lockdown
I had to pop over to IKEA for a few home items. Getting inside the store today, similar to waiting to get on a ride at Disneyland. Crowd Control in the New Normal.
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Berlin Reopening April 30th
Still a lack of shoppers at local malls and stores. The air of uncertainty continues to affect buyers after reopening 8 days ago.
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Shopping after Lockdown
Berlin partially lifted the lockdown. On Saturday I decided to go go to the KuDamm, the city’s main shopping area, to see the results of the reopening. The department store KaDeWe had it fist day of sale on the 25th. I ventured in, curious. Shopping in the “New Normal” written for an episode of “Black Mirror”. As with other stores I checked last week, people stayed away.
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Berlin Reopening-Friday
The city has eased the lockdown but shoppers are staying away from malls. Demand has dissolved. The “New Normal” for the short term means less consumption.
What makes it hard to buy? The constant reminders of the Coronavirus. A Mood killer!
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Shopping, Post Lockdown
Berlin partially lifted the lockdown form the Coronavirus Crisis. Stores up to 800 meters may open. But the limits are as follows: A limited number of people allowed for 20 meters. Sounds easy, but Soviet Union 1975, people standing in line waiting to get in a store.
I wanted to see it for myself. As one of the first major cities to reopen, the German capital could represent life with Covid-19. A living petri dish of the “New Normal”.
Keep Distance
Shopping experience in a Post Lockdown world means distance.
I went to a denim shop in the city center for a pair of jeans. The sales person, a friend, was sitting outside as I came up. I entered the store with a mask in my hand, but he wearing his. There was tape on the floor to mark the 2 meter space in front of sales desk. Funny, the store felt a bit bare. I asked what happened. The previous collection was sent back to the head office. It did not sell. The carry over pieces are available until the Spring looks arrive.
I asked about business. A mixed reaction. He preferred people stay at home, not window shop. Better to call ahead for a pair of pants. It is safer. But the lack of buyers concerned him. If the lack of customers continued he feared the store would close in a matter of months. I got a pair of new jeans for the spring.
Tumble Weeds
I walked around the shopping area, all the boutique shops looked empty. A street once filled with people, tumble weeds could have rolled across. A few stores marked down items at 70%. Few takers.
A bit strange walking into a sore filled with salespeople wearing masks and warning signs of a virus. Even asking a staff member 2 meters aways felt awkward. Next time I think Whats App.
The Mitte mega mall, Alex, had more employees than customers. To enter, shoppers have to go through line control. Once shopping was about connivence, now, drudgery. Opened for business but no shows. The public stayed away on the first opened day after 5 weeks in lockdown.
Stay Tuned for more.
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Ivanman Masks
Ivan of Ivanman 
The Pieces 
Mask Collection 
Mask on the Face 
Ivan at the sewing machine
The fashion world continues to respond to the world’s needs during this time of crisis.
Fashion Designer Ivan from fashion brand Ivanman decided to convert his Atelier to face mask production. Refashioned from industry materials, the pieces are colourful and expressive.
As the Coronavirus Lockdown exit strategies come in focus. Face masks maybe required accessories for leaving the home. This collection is designed and handmade in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
The Sewing Machine 
Materials 
Black Face Mask
I bought two face masks, one orange, the other pink.
For more information on Ivanman check his website.
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Berlin’s New Normal
My second feature on the “NEW NORMAL” in Berlin. Normally bustling plazas and streets, now eerie silence. At Easter the city is usually teeming with tourists. This season all resembles a set from the television series “Black Mirror”. While riding around on my bike taking pictures, I could only shake my head.