BangBangBerlin.com - THE WORD ON BERLIN'S FASHION, ARTS AND CLUB SCENE

Fish and Whips: Review and Ticket Giveaway

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

Last night I had the pleasure of visiting Comedy Club Kookaburra for an evening of burlesque and cabaret entertainment titled Fish and Whips.Sometimes in life you just have to accept that there are people who are naturally more charismatic, funnier, more verbally talented (like Stephen Fry etc.) This is the case for Fish Whips founder Jack Woodhead who beamed on stage last night in a beautifully ornate hat with feathers and pearls and other kind of sparkly objects that sent all the fagpies (gay man who likes anything shiny) in the audience eyes into a flitter. The line up went as follows, Starting with Julia Chalfin, a beautiful young lady from New York singing Soprano, she enters the stage glistening from head to toe in what I imagine to be Swarovski jewellery, and a black dress which, like her earrings and other accessories, sparkled in the stage lights. Her piece consisted of her singing Mozart, Puccini and other opera classics and likening them to pop culture tracks such as Madonna, Wham and more in a hilarious take on how music over the years is basically the same. She appears later to sing a song like a southern American about being unable to say no to men and then her and host Jack Woodhead perform the final song together, a classical piece which wowed the audience with her unbelievable voice and ability of not having to use a micraphone. Then Jack Woodhead sat at the piano and played a song, which I can only describe as a song about catching STDs and STIs, it was hilarious and the audience was gagging with laughter. What followed next was unexpected, having been to Fish and Whips once before I did not imagine that peoples minds would be read, the internationally acclaimed mind reading Duo Sonambul took to the stage, where they picked two ladies from the audience, gave them keys on a chain and made the chains move with their minds and then told them to write down the name of a famous person, to which the names, of course, was correct. I left still wondering how it was done as it was obvious the ladies from the audience were not in on the trick. I am a sucker for magic, illusion and anything which messes with the mind so that was a real highlight for me. Next to perform was Greg the Hangman. A young man dressed smartly comes out with what looks like a cross between a UFO and a tin drum, he sits and puts the drum on his lap and Jack Woodhead takes to the piano where they do the most interesting rendition of Hey, Big Spender from musical Sweet Charity that I have ever heard, the instrument he is playing, we are told afterwards, is called a hang drum and is a very rare swiss instrument with an absolutely beautiful sound, the instrument was invented only 12 years ago and here is a link to what the instrument sounds like. The winners of the last Burlesque competition joined the line up, Les Femmes Brachiales, two beautiful young ladies Coco Clownesse and Rosie Riot who have a real talent for classic burlesque styles, both did a seperate pieces during the evening and then came together at the end of the night to do a performance. Les Femmes Brachiales really knew how to use facial expression and slight of hand to perfect quite a dark take on classic burlesque where they end up fighting over fruit which resembles their breasts and bleeding from their mouths after a fight where they end up ripping eachothers clothes off and spanking eachother, all in gorgeous nipple tassles and corsets and other burlesque essentials. I had a really entertaining evening and after the show finished it's host Jack Woodhead told me about the Fish and Whips Burlesque contest this summer which is a 4 day event from July 11th - July 14th, which is a gargantuan event with the judges being Lady Lou, LaLaVox and Beatrix Von Bourbon, so to warm you up for that event we at BangBangBerlin would like to give two of you lucky titty tassling tasties two tickets to see the next Fish and Whips... All you have to do is email Jackee@bangbangberlin.com and tell me why you deserve the tickets, the most origional answer wins. Unfortunately I can not accept bribes. Fish and Whips is every 3rd Tuesday and saturday of the month, Tuesday - 8:30pm Saturday - 11:45pm Comedy Club Kookaburra Schonhauser Allee 184 Nearest Ubahn: Rosa Luxemburg Platz / Senefelderplatz (U2)

SOJEANS: Your one-stop shop for all your Denim needs!

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

Whether skinny, boyfriend, bootleg, flared, coloured, drainpipe, stonewash or ripped - SOJEANShas every kind of denim you jean- jeanie fans can think of, and then some more (1500 styles more to be exact). They have all the cool hipster brands from 7 for all Mankind to Cheap Monday to Joe's to classic brands such as Levi's, Lee and Wrangler - over 75 brands in total, for both men and women. This online store are about denim and nothing else. Call me old fashioned but I like a company who focus on one thing and do it well! And if you need a certain special pair of jeans in a hurry, they do a 24 hour express delivery service, and normal delivery is free, international and will be with you in 3 days. I came across SOJEANS when I developed a sudden and serious urge for coral-pink jeans and couldn't find them in the usual high street stores - I logged on and am now the owner of some beautiful oh-so-eye-catching and perfect-for-spring, pink jeans by Joe's. Happy days!

College Live at Prince Charles this Saturday!

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

By Mike T West This Saturday Kreuzberg will be host to the nostalgic ones and zeroes of French nu-disco wunderkinder, College, or David Grellier as his Mum calls him. Founder of the retro-futurist record label Valerie, College is stepping over for a wee mini-tour of Deutschland in support of last year's second album proper, Northern Council. Greatly influenced by American pop-culture and the neon shine of 80s LA, College has been David's conduit to synthesize into my music the emotions of my childhood. Nerd alert! Oh and before I forget you may have heard his track A Real Hero which featured on the soundtrack of Drive - The Best Film of 2011 Fact No Returns No big deal. Support comes from Achterbahn D'Amour, Joel Alter DJ Hummus so if it's cinematic clicks beats you're after then head to Prince Charles, Prinzenstr. 85 from twenty hundred hours.

BOY LONDON: CAMP

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

This weekend a fashion classic and hot potato topic will be arriving to Berlin, The gang from BOY LONDON and LONG X Clothing will be joining forces with the lovely guys from CAMP! to create a fashion forward party BOY LONDON: CAMP. Starting off with CAMP, we are all, I am sure, aware of the party. It has moved to a new location, the Prince Charles at Moritzplatz, These guys share their talent in finding creative and open minded artists to work with and really create a great environment to party in. BOY LONDON, at one time a household name among the underground party scene and then was but a rarity in small boutiques around the world, it's home being the boutique called Sick, I certainly recall it there many years ago, and also in a SUPER fashion forward boutique in Tokyo called Dog. In a recent turns of events, the juices at BOY LONDON and Long X clothing have merged together to what now is a sensational revival of a killer brand, with Rihanna head to toe in their creations and more and more people wanting it, there is going to be a bright future for these boys. no pun intended. But what better way to start off their world domination than Berlin... for a one night extravaganza. The line up is sickening, Firstly Fonteyn (Nuke them all, Computer Blue) will be spinning tracks, killer ones I may add. I should remind you also that this man provided the soundtrack to my club youth in london he is definately not one to miss. Also the atmosphere creators and performance troop WET NAILS will be showing up in some killer looks and making sure everyone is having a great time. Italo Elite are going to be travelling from Amsterdam just for the event, The delightful Dickey Doo from the infamous House of Venus will be spinning tracks, One of Berlin's glistening starlettes Yasmin Gate will be doing a very special performance and also Electrosexual vs Faster disco will be added to the list of many involved. I shall finish off by saying this party is not one to be missed. Friday 30th March Prince Charles Prinzenstrasse 85F. 11pm - 8am

Gutterslut

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

Oh do I have news for you! The heavenly world of the very popular underground party from London Gutterslut will be stepping foot on German soil tonight when it throws Gutterslut in Berlin! Gutterslut started in 2007 and it has been likened to parties like Taboo and The Blitz by the top publications in the industry (i-D, The Guardian, Time out, etc). The party creates a debaucherously haven for all the freaks and trannies and party queens and beauty princes and any other sub-topics of fabulousness. (I can speak from experience having been to Gutterslut in the past!) Some of the biggest names in underground and forward thinking music such as my personal favourite Hannah Holland (Batty Bass), Severino (Horse Meat Disco) and club legend Princess Julia and many many more have all helped to provide a high standard in the best sounds for Gutterslut. This party really is a legendary party with iconic men women and trannies behind it who play a part in being the backbone of the creative and artistic scene in London. Now take a deep breath as I run you through the SLAMMING line up that will take me the next half an hour to write down... Starting with legendary artist Makode Linde who will be DJing his renown eclectic taste in music which always screams FUN! Berlin's favorite Queen the gorgeous Gloria Viagra, Alexander Parade (Trailer Trash) and then there is of course the GutterSlut Djs... Ralf, Per QX, DJ D'Johnny, Miss Crystal MC, Nic Fisher and many, many, many more. Remember ladyboys and girls... This is a one night extravaganza... Make the most of it!! The Gutterslut circus will be rolling into town tonight at Lovelite (Simplonstrasse. 38) from 11pm - 7am.

An interview with Hanni El Khatib

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

Tomorrow night, singer-songwriter Hanni El Khatib is performing his fusion of garage rock, blues and doo-wap at Berlin's Bassy Club.We sentAnastasia Lvy to find out about what the multi-instrumentalist and ex-skateboarder calls his knife-fight music Your albumWill the Guns Come Outis obviously influenced by 50s and 60s music and production. What did you listen to growing up? When I was younger I was into a whole load of stuff. My mum would play The Zombies, The Beatles or whatever. And when I started forming my own opinion on music, I really listened to all kinds of stuff, from hip hop to punk, metal... anything. I think its important to be open to a lot of things. Im open to everything musically. You just mentioned the Zombies and the Beatles, two very melodic pop bands. Your album is much more rock, and garage, and blues, soul. What were your influences on this style? Yes, I mean, as I got older, I listened to all these genres. I still really like music that has some sort of a pop feel to it. On tour, I listen to a lot of 50s music, and doo-wop, because there is some sort of catchy, danceability to it. You know, songs from the 50s that are about doing a dance or whatever. Theyre kind of repetitive and they have this very simple first chorus. I take a little bit of everything that I like and I try to spin a tune out in a way that feels good to me. Have you always sang? Ive always written songs. And written songs that mean something to me personally. Whos better to sing them than yourself? If they mean something to me I cant really have someone else to sing them. So yes, Ive always been singing. On your albumthere are three covers. One would think that on a first album you would have too many songs to put on. Why did you want to record these three covers? I like the idea of doing covers. I like the spirit of the jazz players, who all played the same songs, but very different. My versions of the songs are complete opposites to the originals. To me that was the writing part: I changed the melody, I restructured the arrangements The Heartbreak Hotel on my album couldnt be further away from the original. I like the idea of taking something that people are familiar with and just present it in a way that is unexpected or different. You have a song called Build/destroy/rebuild: can we apply this pattern to music? You have this whole heritage of songs, do you have to destroy what already exists to rebuild something new? This song applies to music, but also to philosophies, or ideas. I think at a certain point, you peak, and rather than go on a slow downhill, you might as well smash it all to bits and start all over again. You better start something new. You should end on a high note. You see a lot of examples everywhere: artists or musicians who are at their best, and then they just keep adding, and it kind of slips away. In the song you say Aint no future in the youth/No more culture than your crew. Do you think that the youth and its culture look at the past and not at the future anymore? Actually I think its a good think to look at the past. You kind of have to know where things come from to have a good grasp of it. And then, once you understand that, you can do whatever you want. People in general, they get all sorts of information spit up everyday, they check their phones, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, pass around informationits kind of like the game of telephone [Chinese whispers]: by the end you miss the whole point if you dont know where things come from. How do you compose music? There are many different ways. Sometimes a certain lyric or phrase sticks in my head, I write it down and then build a song off to that. Sometimes I come up with a melody, and Im like at a bar or with some friends, and I have to go right outside, and sing the melody into my phone. I rarely succeed when I sit down with a guitar and a piece of paper to write a song in fact that never happens. What inspires you when you write music? I think mostly stories of peoples lives. Travel and meeting more and more people, that kind of inspires me. I have so much fun doing it, I want to sustain it and I have to keep making music. I like to tell stories, thats why I write songs. You say you cant be my love unless youre crazy half the time. Are you crazy yourself? Yes, Im a little crazy. I mean, everyone is pretty crazy: some of the people youre around bring out some crazy sides, do some bizarre things Theyre not normally like that, and you cant explain why but In The Breakfast Clubone of the characters says : Everybodys bizarre, some people are just better at hiding it. Ah ah, yeah, exactly ! What do you feel towards life? Are you angry? Im quite calm I guess. I feel passionate about things, of course. Im opinionated. I have an idea of what I wanna do and pursue. When I make music I try to create a mood and an atmosphere rather than a straightforward song. Its more about a whole spirit than a perfect performance, you know. What does it mean for you to be on stage, performing? Playing live for me is just the place where I can be the most free, and not worry about any sort of constraints or limitations. When you play a good live show you instantly know. And I think its important to let yourself go and play the show and forget about all the people. I try to forget about the audience, not let it distract me. Yes? But can't it be something stimulating, an audience? In fact, sometimes its really distracting. There are some places that arent meant for shows, but you have to do it anyway, like say you have to do a TV perfomance for examplethats kind of weird. Theres all these people, bright lights, and everyones staring at you. You feel so self-conscious at that time Or when you play in really small bars, with a bunch of people, you can easily just get carried away. Hanni El Khatib | Wait. Wait. Wait | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo. In everyday life, are you the type that likes to get attention? No, definitely not. Im not really the funny guy at dinners. In music, what I really just care about is playing and recording songs. The attention part that happens with it is a componant, a side-effect. I have some friends who cant go to bars, because too many people recognize them, and want to talk to them. It can get quite annoying. That doesnt happen to me so Im more at ease with that, but Ive never seeked attention like that. And Im surely not doing music because of that. You feel more comfortable with the phase of recording, in the studio, than with the tour? I feel comfortable equally. I really enjoy recording music because you can do experiments, take your time But then playing can be so spontanious, you can do whatever you want. Do you feel close to any musicians today? Theres a few bands I play shows with in LA that I really get along with and that I like. I mean musically, I dont know, but friendwise yes. I think the band that has left the most impact on me, and I have managed to sustain with them is Florence And The Machine. Ive become really really close to them, and as friends, we still get along. Even though were both touring all the time, and theyre really really busy, we still manage to hang out and see each other and stuff. And musically? I dont know. I feel that Im just doing my own thing, you know. Can you talk to me about the car accident on the album cover? Ive always been fascinated by old pictures, and I really like old photos of car crashes. To me it represents something so powerful and strong, virtually you feel indestructible when youre in a car. And then when you see it smashed up its like falling up like a tin can. Its kind of crazy looking. You said you write songs for people whove been shot by a train what does that mean? Its a metaphor, obviously. If you have something rough that happens to you, sometimes music is the only answer to help you out of it. Its a simple dedication to that.

Berlinale 2012: Round-Up Review

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

With the Berlin International Film Festival wrapping up for another year, we thought it would be a good idea to reflect on the film festival madness and give our verdict on some of the best (as well as the mediocre) films we got a chance to see. Amongst the obligatory Hollywood movies that get included each year in a somewhat obvious attempt to drag the big names out of their LA cocoons, there were a couple that stood out as quite enjoyable to watch. Billy Bob Thorntons Jayne Mansfields Car and Jason Reitmans Young Adult (written by the Oscar-winning Diablo Cody, of Juno fame) were hearty comedic affairs, boasting original, witty scripts and rejecting the usual everything is fine now that its the end of the movie ending so often resorted to in American (Hollywood) cinema. Charlize Therons performance in Young Adult was refreshing yet not for the faint hearted, whilst Thorntons impressive ensemble cast in Jayne Mansfields Car (Robert Duvall, John Hurt, Kevin Bacon, et. al.) really brought the Brits-meet-Yanks clash to life. The Competition section this year - supposedly the heavyweight category - was somewhat lacking. The films were certainly good and deserved attention, but I expected more from this category. Films with such great premise as Brillant Mendozas Captive (based on a true story in which a small group of Muslim terrorists, intending to kidnap employees of the World Bank for ransom, mistakingly abduct a group of Christian missionaries) and Matthias Glasners Gnade (a German woman accidentally hits a 16-year old girl with her car but drives off hoping it was a dog, leading to the inevitable guilt drama that follows) fell short of expectations. The Hungarian film, Csak A Szl (Just the Wind), was an intense, if at times painfully slow, cinematic masterclass. Subduing the audience into an easy, atmospheric slumber, taking note of the aesthetics of the characters and the scenes they find themselves in, the film (which is based upon an actual series of killings) depicts the shocking and tragic racial killing of a single Romany family in a Hungarian village. The film stood out in terms of both form and style; a disturbing and affecting entry, more than deserving of its Silver Bear award. My favourite category of the Berlinale is always the Panorama section, with its focus on new films by renowned directors, debut films and new discoveries movies with an individual signature. Its in this section that youll find the hidden gems of the festival selection, uncovering, often by chance, rare films that you might otherwise never be able to see. Of course, there are some that will go to general release and probably commercial success, such as Juliette Binoches latest film, Elles (a Parisian journalist becomes personally embroiled in her exploration of young women working as prostitutes to fund their studies) and the US film Cherry (a rather odd choice for this category, with a cast boasting the likes of James Franco and Heather Graham). Generally though, if you manage to get a ticket for this section - most of the time - youre in for a treat. Yonfans 1995 film, Bugis Street Redux, was a real surprise. Despite its tricky start, this film quickly finds its feet and develops into a considered exploration of the loss of innocence, through the mesmerising performance of its lead actress, Hiep Thi Le. Centered around a young country girl who somehow finds herself working (in the platonic sense) at the SinSin love hotel on the infamous Bugis Street in Singapore (renowned for its libidinous, (trans-)sexual nocturnal happenings), this is a tumultuous coming-of-age story like no other. Venturing north of Singapore leads us to the Korean epic war drama, Mai-Wei (My Way), a film inspired by the discovery of a photograph during the WW2 invasion of Normandy, which depicted a slim Korean man in German uniform. It later transpired that this same man had served as a soldier not only in the German army, but in the Japanese and Russian armies also. The film is, without a doubt, the most ambitious film in the entire Berlinale programme. Its the kind of film you might find within a Tarantino film, so absurd is its epic-ness. Despite the too-numerous battle scenes that leave you wondering if youve just witnessed every major battle in the twentieth century, there is certainly a lot to enjoy in this film. The love-hate rivalry of its two central protagonists, the Japanese and Korean marathon runners who are sworn enemies for most of the movie, but then make up their differences in time for the big dramatic (and of course tragic) final scene, provides the main crux of this 137min odyssey of war. The Irish film, Dollhouse, from Kirsten Sheridan (once nominated for an Oscar for co-writing the screenplay for the film In America) was far from epic, although the ambition was certainly there. The main premise of the film is this: five young Irish chavs break into a house - the owners are away - the young Irish chavs drink, take drugs, have sex, and destroy the house (not as much fun as it sounds when thats all that happens for the duration of the film). Relying too much on the improvisation of her cast and resorting too often to the mindless destruction of the stylish, designer seaside home, Sheridan strays far from the acclaim of her previous work. Theres a certain expectation with films that aim to be harshly realistic and gritty, an expectation set by the likes of Shane Meadows in This is England, to which Dollhouse unfortunately just doesnt live up to. One film of which I had no expectations (as I was lucky enough to just stumble across it moments before it started), was Davy Chous Le Sommeil DOr (Golden Slumbers). Between 1960 and 1975, nearly 400 films were made in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, but during the Khmer Rouge regime, the majority were burnt or left to decay, along with the cinemas and film studios. Chous documentary is an exploration of what remains and what can be remembered of the Golden Age of Cambodian cinema. Through moving and often heart-wrenching testimonials from the producers, directors and actors that survived the regime (most of their colleagues and families were killed, along with a fifth of Cambodias total population during the communist regime), Chou presents a unique perspective of this tragic period in Cambodias history. The lost films, the emphatic recollections as though it happened yesterday, the odd surviving photograph or soundtrack on YouTube, all become painful metaphors for the very real losses these people experienced. A sensitive, moving, and inspiring feature length debut. Overall, a great selection of very worthy films got some much needed exposure at the Berlinale, which is really what film festivals are all about! Some disappointments, some surprise crackers, needless to say, Berlins biggest and most important international event is most certainly exceeding itself. Photos

Berlin Film Society: 'Dreams of a Life' REVIEW

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

Amongst the hustle of film producers, the brief appearance of a movie star - was that Angelina Jolie? - and the cold shuffle of those mere-mortals queueing up on the curb awaiting their inevitable fate of a seat behind an Iron Lady-inspired bouffant - wait, was that Meryl Streep? - there was an intimate screening of the critically-acclaimed UK film, Dreams of a Life. Hosted by the recently established Berlin Film Society (BFS), this was certainly an event well-worth ditching all the festival hype (and queues) for. Having garnered much attention in the UK, Dreams of a Life premiered in Berlin last Monday at the BFS launch at Babylon Kino, in association with Entertainment One,Berlin Black History Month and Dialogue Books. The film was a stunning portrayal - a collective recollection in documentary form combined with an imagined dramatisation - of the life and death of Joyce Vincent. Found dead in her apartment, nothing more than a skeleton after years of decay, the Joyce Vincent story became a sensation in the UK press at the time. Vincents body had being lying in the same place, surrounded by wrapped Christmas presents and with the BBC still tuned in on the TV, for three whole years. Nobody realised and, it seemed, nobody cared. When Carol Morley, the director, heard news of this mysterious death, it propelled her into an obsessional pursuit to uncover who this person was, and how someone could lay dead for three years without anyone noticing. Morleys film is a moving and disturbing presentation of a life lived, lost, forgotten, yet brought miraculously back to life by the often faint recollections of former boyfriends, one-time flatmates, former colleagues, and Zawe Ashtons haunting portrayal of Joyce, in a relentless skin-tight blue dress and singing into a hairbrush in front of a mirror. This is a film that lingers. The screening was followed by a discussion and QA with the director, Carol Morley, and actress, Zawe Ashton, moderated by Sharmaine Lovegrove of Dialogue Books. A great film and a great launch event for the Berlin Film Society! Watch out for the next event: Future Shorts Film Festival Saturday 3rd March 21:00 .HBC Facebook Event Photos Denise Vandecruze

*ArtStars and FrontRow Host...A Rather Special Cupcake Party

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

So you survived another Valentines Day! Congratulations. Whether you were celebrating the day with the one you love (apologies for any implied cynicism), or dousing lonely sorrows in your cheaper-than-cheap Neuklln apartment, it doesnt really matter and nobody really cares. What does matter, however and as always, is the excuse Valentines Day offers every and anyone to party...and eat cake! Our good friends over at the ever-controversial*ArtStars (check out their guerrilla attack-interviews on the art elite across Europe) and Front Row Society (the fashion democracy folks) hosted a rather special Valentines Day event exclusively for Berlins bloggerati. Featuring a ridiculous selection of cupcakes and boasting a guest list of Berlins front row bloggers, this was certainly one way to avoid any impending Valentines Day blues.

Pan-Pot The Movie - Tuesday in Kino Babylon! Plus win GL to DVD Party!

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

Unless you've all been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you may have noticed a German DJ duo by the name of Pan-Pot, sky-rocketing to the very top of the techno game. Playing sold-out international festivals? Check. Playing their residency club with queues down the street? Check. Best-selling album? Check. Groupies losing their minds in front of the decks? Check. Check. Check. Yes there can be no denying that Pan-Pot are quite possible the number 1 DJ duo out there right now - quite the feat when you think of the good company they are in. So what do you do when you are at the top? Do you take a holiday maybe? No, sillies! You need to make sure that everyone knows that the top is where you be chilling at. So you make a movie! The guys (that's Tassilo and Thomas) have actually been followed around for almost a year by a film crew headed up by their good friend and fellow DJ Sebastian Radlemeier (who is also an accomplished film-maker), recording the madness as they conquer dancefloor after dancefloor. On Tuesday, the Kino Babylon in MItte will be screening the premiere - check if there are still seats but it's most likely sold out. However the good news is that BANGBANGBERLIN have 2 pairs of Gueslist to give away for the DVD release party in Watergate this saturday. To win tell us the last names of Tassilo and Thomas (yeah thats right, it means you should be real FANS!) :-) Write us your answers HERE! PAN-POT: The Movie Pre-Sale: residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?331496 Pre-Sale: mobilee FB store: http://bit.ly/x62knI Date: Tuesday, 21.02.2012 Start: 10.00pm Ticket : 10 venue: Babylon, Rosa-Luxemburg-Str. 30, 10178 BERLIN

Hey Ho lets Roll(er Derby): Berlin Bombshells fight the good fight.

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

I know we are pushing the boundries of arts and culture...Isn't that what art is about? Maybe I've spent too much time cramped at the desk and the smell of permanent markers is getting to my head, but this growing sport/ cultural experience is something else. Roller Derby just ain't no roll in the park. This flat track, multi-reffed fast and furious game is back at the Arena for the start of the 2012 season. You've seen Whip it (it was reasearch I promise) right? But with less underage girls, underage drinking and plot holes. Two teams of fiercely fit looking women, in facepaint, hot pants and ripped stockings skate around a ring in packs, with plain, striped or starred helmets and an army of referees watching and calling the game. The ladies in starred helmets, or 'jammers' are sadly not responsible for the production of tea time preserves, but for the earning of points. The jammer has to somehow skate her way past the blockers on the other team. This isn't easy. These women find breaks in a wall of bodies with agility, good timing and speedy skating. I watched the last game of 2011: Berlin versus London. After two games of an hour each and with some very helpful fans trying to rescue me from confusion when each play seemed to start in an entirely different fashion, I still had trouble understanding exactly what was going on. It was however oddly fascinating and really exciting. For a sweaty, lipstick covered adrenalin rush this Saturday afternoon skip the galleries and check out the Berlin Bombshells. They have some serious bouts with teams from all over the EU for just over a tener with a flyer. (Hint: you might want to try Hudson's British cake shop and cafe or QUAD roller derby store for a flyer and/or some serious merchandise before the bout.) There is an also afterparty at Wowsville, if you need to cool off after all the action or go through a blow by blow recount with the players. For the (health insured and) brave The Bombshells also have beginner lessons, covering the basics of roller derby skating for those just dying to try it out. Saturday 18 Feb at the Arena Doors open: 17:30 Game 1: 18:30, Game 2: 20:15 Entry: 14 With flyer 12 Photos are from the London vs Berlin November 2011 bouts at the Arena. Photography by Elise Terranova

New Dolce and Gabbana store Launch

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00 CET

Saturday saw the launch of the new Dolce and Gabbana store at Ku'damm 187, Making it the second Dolce Gabbana store in Germany, Naturally I threw my glad rags on and went to see whats the scoop and whos chins are wagging. I arrive to the store and instantly there was a great feeling about the place, the store is dark, slick and tres tres chic, It was packed with the who's who of the industry from Germany's top make up artist to the stars Betty Amrhein, World renound photographer Luigi Vitali, to Berlin's favorite leading fashion princess Bonnie Strange with her boyfriend Wilson Gonzalez Ochsenknecht. The waiters were hired (I am guessing) because of the perfect shape of their behinds, and every tiny detail from the trays they carried drinks on to even the cleaning ladies attire was Dolce Gabbana. Everyone was lounging around the 2 floor venue, networking, drinking and generally having a great time, the whole event (organized by Natasha Slater from Milans favorite fashion party Punks Wear Prada) was the perfect mixture of Chic, fun and memorable, which is great because there were no clothes out (for obvious reasons of lots of drunk people around thousands of euros worth of clothing) leaving people with the definitive feeling of wanting to revisit the large store to see the transformation... Well I just so happen to have some pictures, lots of pictures, of the event, courtesy of Dolce Gabbana and Natasha Slater so take a look at the photo gallery and make sure you go visit the new Dolce Gabbana store at Ku'Damm 187!