Amid the excitement for the Berlin Fashion Week where models present the latest collections of well - known and upcoming designers, dressed up people and probably way too many photographers – there is the Bright Tradeshow. The trade show has a good reputation in the street wear and skateboarding scene, especially in Europe. Nevertheless, many people from all over the world visit Bright annually. We were also on the spot and came back with some nice impressions.
First of all, to anyone who is into board sport, street wear and sneakers – Bright Tradeshow is the place to be. Indeed, Bright offers a wide range of different brands from the scene which are presented in a unique way. The location was no other place than the former department store Jandorf in Berlin – Mitte (Brunnenstraße 19 – 21). From January 15 – January 17, 2014 the Jandorf store turned into a place for retail and distribution in the heart of Berlin where trade visitors got the opportunity to get an insight into the diverse trends of street wear.
On the first day, when the doors opened at 10 am a long queue was already standing in line waiting to get in. By passing the entrance two floors full of various booths by established brands were giving us a warm welcome, showcasing and representing their stuff. Everytime stepping into a booth I felt like entering a new, one of a kind place – the design, the furnishing, little details and the friendly people of each label add to this feeling. Furthermore, the labels came up with creative ideas to make the visit even more enjoyable. Beside, a bar where one could relax and have a little nosh - brands like Uppercut Deluxe or Abandon Ship Apparel offered special services like barbering and tattooing. Australian brand Uppercut Deluxe makes high quality and essential grooming products for men. Their special treatment for male Bright visitors was a new haircut for free. Really awesome, right? Moreover, Iain Sellar a close friend of the Abandon Ship team who also did some graphics for the Glasgow clothing line was responsible for some tattooing at the trade show and even popular German musician Casper stopped by.
While strolling around the second floor, I stopped at the Brixton booth. Brixton is more than just a label, it's a collaboration of three friends who are passionate about music, art and culture and decided to team up in 2004. Moreover, Marco of Brixton Germany told me that with a vision to create classic and high quality products these guys first started with designing hats and caps. From time to time the label extended the collection with proper pieces like jackets and pants and accessories which include belts and wallets. Well, pieces that you might want to “hold onto forever”. In addition to that, another label that got my attention right away was Dopechef. The London based brand was founded back in 2006 and for their latest collection the boys got inspired by Martial Arts and Kendo. Due to the simplicity of their color selection, black and white, the pieces have something timeless, which I really like.
Finally, the bottom line is that the Bright Tradeshow is a really nice event with an amazing vibe among good people and good music. The portfolio of well - selected exhibitors and side-events for instance collaborations with the House of Vans complement this nonchalant atmosphere. The results are dope parties like this years Boiler Room and the Bright European Skate Award Party which definitely “are indications for a Bright future”.
