Ulla is the founder, designer, and maker behind Beverly Berlin. She sews everything in her atelier in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Germany’s strict ethical workplace laws guarantee fair working conditions and a living wage. Some accessories are made in cooperation with WERGO, a sheltered workshop in Berlin, that employs people with disabilities. Ulla is in close contact with the workshop and visits regularly.
For Beverly Berlin’s creations, only second-hand garments are used. Ullas focus lies mainly on men’s shirts, ties and moving blankets. Whenever it is possible, she transparently shares the textile composition, but due to the intractability, it is not always clear. The shirts are mainly from cotton, ties are from polyester or silk and the moving blankets are a durable material made from textile waste.
Most of the material is donated directly to her. Others she finds at Textilhafen Berlin, a material pool for second-hand clothes run by a charity organisation. Using already existing materials and giving discharged clothes a second life is reducing the environmental footprint, the use of water and chemicals.
The e‑commerce packaging is made from recycled cardboard. Orders are sent with a climate-neutral shipping partner. Ullas mission is to produce as less plastic waste as possible.
Beverly Berlin’s garments are made from second-hand items, giving them a second life. They are mainly recyclable momo-material.
Everything is handmade in Berlin, with a small number of accessories manufactured in a sheltered workshop and the material sourced in the same city. That is a very short production chain and as local as it gets.
Some of the ties that Ulla uses for her accessories are made from silk, some straps are made from leather belts. Since the materials are second-hand, we cannot see a direct impact on animals.
Due to their handmade nature, the one-offs are of great quality that can last a lifetime. The timeless designs are colourful and outstanding and don’t follow any season. Ulla offers free repairs for her items to prolong the longevity of each garment.
The small, female-led company’s website is full of information about Upcycling. Ulla has a personal approach and shares her story and passion. She is committed to transparently sharing all the information and will give even more on demand. Each garment made from second-hand clothes is full of stories, but it is not always possible to track them down.
Conclusion
Beverly Berlin is a small, independent, local brand that offers unique upcycled fashion items. The designs stick out of the crowd, showing off their original character and planet-friendly approach.
Make sure to give Ulla a call when planning to go to Kreuzberg. It is totally worth paying her a visit! You might find a new dress or jacket for yourself or a unique gift for someone else.
