Lena Schröder - Köln
Lena Schröder
Rich and Varied Cologne
„The term ‚upcycling‘ totally fucked up!“ says Lena Schröder. But the stereotypes sticks to the designer because she does not obtain the textiles for her Trinkhallen Schickeria collection from retail partners, but from old clothes deposits – OK, to tell the whole truth: from flea markets in Cologne, the Netherlands and Belgium. The environment gets a break, but Lena Schröder’s brain acts up: men’s shirt plus fabric from one or two other findings equals a blouse or a dress? Shape, colour and feel feed her inspiration as well as the fantasies about the history these clothes would tell if they could speak. With these ideas, Lena Schröder jumped from her studies into freelancing. A job brought her to Cologne by chance and she found the city to be of manageable size, open minded and friendly. However, she needed to puzzle out where to show – and sell – her fashion. Again, do-it-yourself was the solution. Together with Anna Böß, she founded the Super Markt in 2008 that offers a platform to kindred spirits, among others, at the c/o pop. Speaking of stereotypes: fast fashion is another one. Lena Schröder sees her Trinkhallen Schickeria as its opponent – a slow fashion manufacture.
Autor: Petra Engelke
The Cologne Art Book Fair
Once a year "The Cologne Art Book Fair" is a popular starting point for word and sound lovers.
In 2015 the event "The Cologne Art Book Fair" was created by André Sauer, Verena Maas and Tim. The fair is a new and valuable interface for friends, collectors and makers of artist books, fanzines, editions and unique specimens. The last exhibition also featured the section "Art Vinyl" - a special form of artist publications. The fair is supplemented by a supporting programme in several studio rooms of the Rhenania Kunsthaus, which provides the perfect ambience as the venue for the fair. Underground artists and editors are able to exhibit "art to touch" and at the same time offer the visitors a relaxed atmosphere.
Autor: Thora Strajhar
Sudermanstr. 2 50670 Köln www.thecologneartbookfair.com
Ich, Du & Es
The enchanting jewellery and accessory shop Ich, Du & Es is located in Cologne's Ehrenfeld district. Designers Inga Krayvanger and Sybille Lehnen sell their handcrafted unique specimens and small series here. The material they use is a colourful mixture of wood, plastic, textile and precious metal. If desired, you can also create your own designs in the Ich, Du & Es workshop. If you are looking for clear lines and individuality, this is the place to go. You won't find any off-the-peg trinkets and bags here. It is only fine things for Ich, Du & Es (Me, You & It), which are made under fair working conditions. In addition to their own joint jewellery series and solo projects, works by other designers are also always presented in the charming rooms.
Autor: Thora Strajhar
Alpenerstr. 21 50825 Köln info@ichduundes.de www.ichduundes.de
Ginerva Gambino
Cologne's gallery landscape is consistently varied. The small gallery Ginerva Gambino at Kyffhäuserstraße 31 in Cologne has been a prime example of this since 2015. Mysteriously hidden in a beautiful backyard, the gallery shows works in the fields of photography, sculpture and video. Especially young German as well as international artists are welcome guests here. The exhibition currently on display is "Body pt. 1 (zombie) - Aude Pariset & photographs from the Lapd Archive". The artists presented in this exhibition are Bernd & Hilla Becher, Gina Folly and Marcus Herse. A special highlight are the small exhibition catalogs, which are part of the respective exhibitions.
Autor: Thora Strajhar
Kyffhäuserstr. 31 50674 Köln mail@ginervagambino.com http://ginervagambino.com/
Vintage Emde
When you enter Vintage Emde, your eyes and ears are directly treated to a charming atmosphere. The old fashioned interior harmonises perfectly with the elements of contemporary design and the 90s sport outfits. Far removed from mass consumption and the throw-away society, in Vintage Emde, clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women are given a new lease on life. For example, Christian and Stanislava from Vintage Emde support campaigns such as Fairtrade Germany, which promotes greater justice and transparency in textile production. Cultural events and activities also take place in the shop at regular intervals.
Autor: Thora Strajhar
Fotos: Andy Kassier
Bismarckstraße 56 50672 Köln vintage.emde@googlemail.com www.vintage-emde.de