Der Berliner Stil by Angelika Taschen
Published at L'Officiel Italia on 10th November 2013
When a new book, claiming to be “the ultimate insider’s guide to Berlin” launches, the scepticism is inevitable – especially among the Berliners. Angelika Taschen is the woman who dared writing “Der Berliner Stil” (Berlin’s style) together with fashion journalist Alexa von Heyden and fashion and streetstyle photographer Sandra Semburg. The result is a manual on how to dress as one of Berlin’s finest. Additionally she reveals her best venues for fashion, beauty, design and lifestyle. This includes top restaurants, like “Grill Royal” or “Borchardt”, not only every Berliner but by now even every tourist knows. But luckily there are also some new spots, like the great Italian restaurant “Sale e Tabacchi” in Kreuzberg, which are even for me, being born in Berlin, still to be discovered.
The city’s unprecedented and distinctive style is the result of different influences that arrive in this melting pot from within Germany and far beyond, says Taschen. Moreover, international fashion blogs and magazines serve as inspirational sources and lead to the very cosmopolitan style. What is most significant for this city, according to the author, is the “anti-chic”. Berlin is still a young city and constantly transforms with new projects like Bikini Berlin. This “unfinished” status is something the inhabitants include in their wardrobe. It might be a worn-out jeans, a used leather jacket or heavy boots. Berlin’s style is never too perfect. The Berliner prefers shopping at local designers or vintage shops rather than having the head-to-toe designer look. Of course locals also like high fashion, but limit themselves to one or two pieces that upgrade their outfit.
Yet the look depends considerably on the different districts. That is why not much of the “anti-chic” as present on the night of the book launch at the luxurious department store KaDeWe. Louis Vuitton bags, golden jewellery and high heels were omnipresent, one could easily tell the event was hosted in the western district; Charlottenburg. Still Sneakers and cotton jute bags were spotted. This is one of Berlin’s perks: It is one of the most tolerant cities in the world. You can go out looking super fancy or totally chilled to the same event without being judged by others.
With “Der Berliner Stil” Angelika Taschen managed to give an in-depth insiders look of the fashion and lifestyle of Berlin for everyone wanting to emerge in the city’s unique looks, style and flair.
The book is available in German online and the English version is intended to be published next year.