29 April 2024
Putting Berlin on the Map: COSH! Launches Conscious Shopping Guide in the German Capital
- City guide
- Press
A true oasis of conscious consumption emerges amid the trendy streets of Berlin Mitte, where concept stores, chic cafes, and fashion brands race to keep up with ever-shifting trends. In a district known for its fast fashion and high street giants, it’s remarkable to find ethical fashion thriving alongside greenwashing and discount madness. But Berlin’s Mitte district holds several delightful surprises. COSH! unveils five remarkable, trailblazing, and eco-conscious stores rewriting the rules of fashion, all while contributing to a more sustainable way of enjoying style.
Merz b. Schwanen: Vintage Vibes Meet Sustainability
Merz b. Schwanen offers a unique shopping experience that seamlessly blends history and sustainability. As you step into their shop, the vintage interior immediately transports you to a bygone era. Founded by Gitta and Peter Plotnicki, the brand’s journey began when they stumbled upon a vintage worker’s shirt from 1911 at a flea market. This discovery led them on a quest to find the manufacturer, ultimately unearthing one of the last remaining textile producers in Southern Germany.
Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their materials, which include organic cotton, recycled cotton, viscose, silk, cashmere, and mulesing-free merino wool. Merz b. Schwanen offers two distinct lines, “GOOD ORIGINALS” and “GOOD BASICS”, produced under fair working conditions in Germany and Portugal. Their collection features timeless styles for both men and women, and you’ll also find exclusive offerings in their Berlin-Mitte store, such as finely-knit socks, room sprays, candles, soaps, and bags.
Remesalt: Where Queer Aesthetics and Craftsmanship Collide
Remesalt is a haven for those seeking unique, gender-neutral fashion with a queer aesthetic. Founder Francisco’s dedication to his craft is palpable in every piece he creates. The store boasts clean lines, striking patterns, and artful prints that redefine fashion in Berlin-Mitte. Francisco personally produces most of the pieces locally, and he’s more than happy to share the stories behind his creations in his beautiful atelier.
Stokx: Sustainable Fashion with Australian Roots
Stokx Patterns, with its Australian roots and Berlin-based identity, has been a stalwart in Berlin’s fashion scene since the late 90s. Their commitment to sustainability shines through their choice of materials, primarily deadstock fabrics sourced from Italy. Specialising in cotton and Cordura fabrics, every design is rigorously tested for shrinkage, wearability, and ease of care. Stokx embodies the philosophy of “function, design, and beauty in movement,” creating practical clothes without compromising style.
Natascha von Hirschhausen: Redefining Fashion Sustainability
Natascha von Hirschhausen is a true visionary in the world of sustainable fashion. Her dedication to sustainability goes beyond just using premium materials like peace silk or recycled cashmere. She has transformed her workshop into a waste-free sanctuary where local artisans bring her meticulously crafted designs to life. Her collection features gender-neutral, timeless designs, exclusive bridalwear, and empowering business attire. What sets Natascha apart is her remarkable achievement of generating less than 1% fabric waste, starkly contrasting the wasteful practices prevalent in the conventional fashion industry.
Slow Friday: Your Eco-Fashion Paradise
Slow Friday, founded in 2019 by Hannah and Hendrik, is a must-visit for eco-conscious shoppers seeking clothing that aligns with their values. The store houses a thoughtfully curated selection of 12 fair fashion brands, each chosen based on rigorous social and ecological criteria. Whether you prioritise certified products, natural fibres, or recycled materials, Slow Friday offers a diverse range of sustainable options from brands like ARMEDANGELS, JAN ‘N JUNE, LOVJOI, Recolution, and MELAWEAR. In response to the changing retail landscape brought on by the pandemic, Slow Friday now also offers their sustainable collections online, making eco-friendly fashion more accessible to all.
These five stores enrich the retail landscape through sustainable practices, providing a delightful and mindful shopping experience for their customers and employees. If you’re eager to discover more sustainable stores in Berlin, check out our shopping guide for a comprehensive list of the city’s many hidden gems
