Berlin Summer Market @ Neue Heimat

As the giveaway clothing layers suggest, the 'Summer' part of this week's must-go market was more operative than literal, with Berlin's weather certainly feelin' a tad fresher of late. Nonetheless, the lacking heat was more than compensated for by the sunny vibes at Neue Heimat's latest market offering. A two week special (it's on next Wednesday too), the event purveyed a dreamy display of design, fashion, food and beats.

A wholesome and diverse crop of the city's freshest firms in the worlds of fashion, product and interior design permeated Neue Heimat's expansive walls. Featuring THE SHIT SHOP, German Garment, HOWL by Maria Glück, Perlensäue, Twisted Talents and way more, the splendiferous selection of well-crafted goodies was just a bit tantalising.  

After navigating the labyrinth of expertly designed wares, you could then treat yourself to a first-class coiffure at resident hair salon Persona non Grata, a spot of beard grooming by top barber Rock-A-Ticky, some talon maintenance via THE SHIT SHOP's pop-up nail studio. A tattoo you say? They had that covered too.

As is characteristic of these kinda markets, the food and bev line-up - if a little pricey by Berlin standards - was very handsome indeed. From fine fish dishes courtesy of Glut & Späne, to froyo vans and artisan cakes (salted caramel banana cake say wha), there was a lotta good food for thought. 

To round-up, definitely worth catching it if you can. Check its second and final installment next Wednesday 27th August, 6pm - midnight.

Opening // Village Market @ Neue Heimat

I love a good market, especially if it involves first-rate street food and creative quirks. Naturally, then, it was with open arms that I welcomed in Berlin's latest gastronomical get-together: Village Market. Handily housed within Friedrichshain's RAW-Gelände, a mere hop (literally, in my case) from my flat, the fresh weekly event sees street food, art and music collab to create vibrant community vibes in an idyllic setting.

Neue Heimat is a vast, multi-faceted space comprising of huge graffiti-clad open areas and crafty, cosy nooks; an ideal little mix. While buzzing with bodies, the venue never felt overcrowded, instead oozing the friendly 'village' character indicated in the market's name - but with room to breathe too, which is always nice. In many ways, the atmosphere was a kinda microcosm of the city itself: a spirited and diverse fusion of people, food and creativity, side by side in a perfectly imperfect environment.

  

The cuisine offering was a little overwhelming - in a good way, obviously. Like Markthalle Neun, it's definitely a situation in which you find yourself wishing for more stomachs (or you could just go every weekend and work your way through the stalls, which is probably more feasible). A hello good pie, perhaps? Jones' artisanal ice creams and cookies, lovingly made with "pretty hands"? How about a visit to the Taco Kween? And I haven't even touched upon the damn good drinks selection. 

Tempting as it may have been, the gastronomy certainly wasn't Village Market's only appeal. Sweet stages throughout the venue treat your eyes and ears to live musicians and DJ sets, while the largest undercover space presented a mini expo of cool contemporary art. Teamed with a serious dose of Summer sun, it made for a pretty impeccable afternoon out. See ya next Sunday (and the Sunday after that). 

Design domingo

While on my Matadero jaunt this Sunday, I unwittingly (and all too happily) hit upon actual design dreamland. The Mercado Central de Diseño, housed in the design wing of my fave interdisciplinary creative complex, is a two-day monthly event which showcases national talent within the design field. 

Firstly, I really should big up Matadero in itself, as I don't think I've previously mentioned it on the blog. This former abattoir (plain talk: slaughterhouse) and livestock market, designed in the early 20th century by rated Spanish architect Luis Bellido, is today a stunning and vast creative breeding ground containing superabundant artistic disciplines: dance, music, performing + visual arts, fashion, literature, design, architecture, philosophy and cinema. 

The grand Plaza Matadero often accommodates open-air art installations, as well as providing the serene setting for Matadero's outdoor bar/eating area. There's even a bicicleta rental facility, if ya fancy freewheeling around the site in style. It's an all-round enchanting spot, with the building's previous life lending it both an eerie and remarkable character. Nothin' but praise.

Yesterday's design convention totally reflected the Matadero team's commitment to curating and cultivating a space of contemporary creation, where culturally minded and design-loving folk can connect, reflect and participate. One-off stalls suffused the capacious, industrial-interiored Central de Diseño, all (wo)manned by passionate designers and makers selling their innovative wares. From fashion to furniture to art works, I could've effortlessly blown my mythical €€€€s on the diverse line-up of lustworthy goods.

Here's a compilation of my STANDouts:

ALMUDENA BONILLA

BE KIND

BE-MUDE

DELEITE DESIGN

ÉNOLA

ESTUDIO BUENOS DÍAS

GENTL

JUMPER IT!

LEBREL

MS MUSTARD

RUGHARA CONCEPT STORE

SANZ i VILA

VIDAS DE PAPEL