Berlin Berlin Berlin, you make my head spin

Aw Berlin, what a wonderful trip! I'm just going to preface this entry with: I will definitely be going back before my year abroad ends! Anine and I flew to Germany last Monday and were greeted at the airport by her cousin and his girlfriend. Unfortunately their window decided not to roll up just minutes before we arrived and the 30 minute car ride was a bit chilly with the -5 degree (that's celsius and about 20 fahrenheit for all you americans) wind blowing through our wool coat cover. After stuffing ourselves with a good old fashioned Chinese-German meal...it was the only thing opened...we poured ourselves a glass of wine and soaked in the kitschy apartment complete with a "Psycho" shower curtain, orange zebra statue, and astro-turf covered oven. The next day we set out to see some sights stopping at a Christmas market along the way. The city was covered in Christmas markets featuring artisan creations, music, candy, LOTS of delicious German food, rides, toys, and of course, Gluhwein. Gluhwein is the German's version of mulled wine and is spiced to perfection. You can even opt for a shot of rum or amaretto to top it off--and trust me, this is the only thing that will keep you from freezing. Touring through the snow covered city was a dream. The Brandenburg Gate and numerous other architectural wonderlands lined the city and kept us wandering for hours with no nod to our ice covered toes. Hearing how epic the nightlife of Berlin was we defrosted and headed to Icon. The club looked like an electro cave with a great DJ's and even better drinks (and SO cheap) unfortunately it was empty...we took some advice from some of the employees and headed to the club Cookies. It was an epic call as it was filled just right...not packed. With 2 rooms and 3 bars you could opt for hip hop or techno and the lights were phenom. The energy and the crowd were also fabulous so we danced the night away before crashing out again on our air mattress. The next day we woke up a little too late to do much sight seeing so we went back to the christmas markets and ate instead. A good choice I'd say. Then onto a pub with Anine's cousins before checking out another bar. We strolled over to the Absinthe bar and tried a few firey drinks...yep we lit the sugar on fire and the whole she-bang ha ha but don't worry, that absinthe's legal ;) After trading cabs with some other drunk tourists we were on to another club. This time we went to Watergate. The setting was amazing as it was over a river with ice floating on top and a huge "Universal" light up sign on the other side. Not to mention the gorgeous bridge over the river. The panoramic windows made the perfect space for an electro club and we finally stumbled back to Anine's when her cousin was headed to work...oops;) Our last day and Berlin was completed with a trip to Hakersham Markt (I'm sure that's spelled wrong) for some more sightseeing and Christmas marketing. We finished off our day with an amazing dinner of German sausage, homemade potatoe salad and of course wine:) After our bellies were full we headed to an Irish pub and Anine had the Swimming Pool...a highly recommended teal drink made with cream...you must try. Even though our flight was semi-early the next day we just had to go out again. We trekked on to Weekend this time which had been recommended in an article by Paul Van Dyke. It was on top of a 15th story building and you could look out the window while on the couches that lined the walls and see the whole city. Apparently when the weather's nice they even open the roof top. The music was good but the crowd just didn't have the same energy and we were over the tourists so headed back to Cookies. It was a choice well made and we winded up heading back around 6 again...yikes. After two hours of sleep on our air mattress (which would leave one person on the floor when the other got up) we leapt out of bed and headed to the airport. Hungover and dragging our suitcases through the snow, we had to sit through a 45 minute train ride to the airport before realizing that our flight was delayed. Fortunately only by fifteen minutes...or so we thought. After waiting almost 45 minutes to scan our bags through we were stuck in limbo and weren't allowed to go through security until our plane was ready to board. Everyone looked like refugees lying in this "limbo" area and we were trapped for an hour with no bathroom or food. I left our "zone" and snagged some sandwiches learning when i returned that i would have to wait in line again to get through to Anine. NOT...when the security card wasn't looking I scaled under the tape and nestled back into our spot on the floor. After what seemed like forever I asked security when we could board and guess what CANCELLED. Deciding we were too hungover to wait in line we took the train back and napped. In order to leave the next day we took a bus to Lubeck for 3 1/2 hours where Anine's family lived. The most amazing German family made me food, food, and more food before my flight back to Milan the next day. I'd say the trip was a success after a million pounds of sausage and gluhwein...I'll definitely be heading back in the Spring to see what this ALL night partying is all about. I mean I missed Berghain which is the best club in the WORLD...thank you New York Times. I will just have to see for myself :)

Couture per favore ;)

Runway Show

My coat:)

The pre-show dancers

This semester has been such a worldwind...yesterday our Fashion Product Development Strategies(a mouthful...I know) teacher invited us to the Federico Sangalli showroom at San Babila. It was a much needed break as we've been working on four marketing analysis projects for that class alone. San Babila is the metro stop that begins the designer shops. Positioned near Via della Spiga and Montenapoleone (where any designer must be seen in Milan) we knew this would be an exceptional visit. As we all squeezed into a tiny lift...can't really consider this an elevator...we awaited what we would find in the 7th floor showroom. Two employees greeted us as we reached the showroom and immediately began showing us the handmade designs that the company is famous for. Every piece of clothing is handmade...all they have to assist them in the clothing construction is two pedal machines. This gives the clothing a personalized fit that their customers love. As we examined the plisses and embroidery of the couture clothing we "oohed" and "awed" at the beauty, intricacy, and time that was apparent in every item of clothing. After seeing the vintage clothing and the new collection for Spring/Summer 2011, we met the "ladies," a group of six women carefully sewing and embroidering what would be a wedding dress. Most of them were over 70 and were masters of the trade. When they fit a customer for an outfit they create a personalized mannequin so they will have their exact measurements. They showed us examples of the details they use for their couture line and during the entire visit I was so taken aback by all of the time that went into the creation of their lines. I mean, after being inundated by fast fashion and Zara clothing that thousands of other girls have that are mass-produced...Federico Sangalli was like a breath of fresh air. It was real fashion. We saw the sketches, the clothing construction, and the finished product. No one piece was alike. Customers call to make appointments from all over the world for the Opera, weddings, premiers, and clothing for every day life. If they like something from one of the collections, they are fitted and a new personalized piece is created for them. The line began in 1972 with Federico Sangalli's grandmother. He even came in to greet us and showed us his latest fashion show. Before every fashion show he has a famous choreographer or dancer entertain the audience giving an even more personalized touch to his line. Toward the end of the visit the employees invited us to try on the clothes from the past lines and then informed us that they were all for sale! We jumped at the chance to own such a piece of artwork and tried on everything in the showroom. Larra and I purchased some beautiful coats from last years winter collection that had only ever been worn by the models of the shows and are so grateful and honored to be able to own such unique pieces of couture. The experience was wonderful and amazing and whenever I wear my coat I can remember the designers, the "ladies" and my trip to the Federico Sangalli showroom:) http://www.federicosangalli.com/