When you enter the shop, with its original vintage interior, you immediately notice that there is a long history behind the Merz b. Schwanen brand. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can browse through the high-quality basics, experience tradition, and breathe in the Berlin zeitgeist. Not only heritage lovers will love it here, Merz b. Schwanen has a lot to offer in terms of sustainability as well.
The brand’s story is fascinating: when the two founders, Gitta and Peter Plotnicki, came across a beautiful, original worker’s shirt from 1911 at a flea market, they set out to find the manufacturer. In the south of Germany, they discovered one of the region’s last remaining textile producers with a small factory housing dismantled circular knitting machines (loopwheelers). They rebuilt everything and relaunched Merz b. Schwanen in 2011 with basics inspired by original designs of the 20s to 80s and made with sustainable materials.
The two lines “GOOD ORIGINALS” and “GOOD BASICS” are manufactured under fair conditions in Germany and Portugal. The sustainable fabrics are made of organic cotton, viscose, silk, cashmere, recycled cotton, and “mulesing-free” merino wool. The collection offers carry-over styles for men and women, complemented by a few seasonal designs. Recently they launched a sneaker made of organic cotton and natural rubber in collaboration with the established Slovakian brand NOVESTA. Exclusively available in the shop in Berlin-Mitte are finely-knit socks, room sprays, candles, soaps, and bags that complement their product range.
