Berlin Fringe-Dweller Style
Berlin and rebellion: The two go together like pork and sauerkraut. The 20th century here, in particular, is as rich in subversion as Friedrichshain is thick in tongue piercings. Dissent is in Berlin's blood, part of the city's life force. It manifests itself in any number of subcultures, fashion, and lifestyle choices that often also follow different musical forms or groups. Their unifying force seems to be adherence to the doctrine of non-convention. The result: punk, goth, anarchistic hybrid cultures that are uniquely Berlin. These shops will prepare you to cruise the gritty recesses of Alex, seedy corners of Friedrichshain, and dark underground club scene. Mix and match any combination of black leather, tattoos, primary-color hair, camouflage, and platform shoes.
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Naked Steel Piercings
Mainzer Straße 11
10247 Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
This shop's handy website provides a great primer on all things piercing -- and body modification. Don't know the difference between a Prince Albert and an ampallang? … Best know before you go. [link]
Für Immer Tattoo
Revaler Straße 11
10245 Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
The name says it all -- für immer (for always). Tattoos are for keeps. So are Chandler's piercings, some of which double as pieces of dark and painful living art. [link]
All Style Tattoo
Simplonstraße 59
10245 Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
If you don't find that original piece of art in Berlin galleries, consider a less conventional medium -- your body. From biker to fantasy, the artists here tattoo a wide … spectrum of original designs. [link]
Berlin Kollwitzstrasse 2
Kollwitzstraße 2
10119 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Dig around to add that odd finishing touch to your outfit. The shop carries a selection of random war paraphernalia (gas mask, anyone?) and a fascinating collection of … stuff from someone's attic. [link]
Dunkelwelt Gothicshop Berlin
Petersburger Straße 28
10249 Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
Would you like to add some classic black and steel accessories to your look? The warm, welcoming "dark world" is open to all, whether punk or goth, and is just the place … to adorn yourself in rivets, spikes, and chains. [link]
X-tra-x Store
Schönhauser Allee
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Here is where Berlin's kinder der nacht (children of the night) go to complete that gothic look, from black lipstick down to ultra-platform shoes -- and all of the … black velvet, chokers, fingerless gloves, and bondage accessories in between. [link]
Shop @ Senefelderstraße & Danziger Straße
Danziger Straße 57
10435 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
This is the one-shop stop for all your paramilitary fashion needs. A €1 entrance fee gives you access to all of the €1 camouflage, army-brown, and military attire you … could ask for. In typical screw society, no-frills style, the shop does not seem to have a name. [link]
