Berlin-based Mogli is a quintessential multi-hyphenate: She’s got the titles singer-songwriter, fashion designer, filmmaker, world traveler, and activist all under her secondhand vintage hat. Earlier this year, the 25-year-old set out for what would be her first U.S. tour of her folk-pop EP, Patience. On top of her music, Mogli—who has been outspoken about the perils of fast fashion—has also been hard at work putting out a fair fashion line with European fashion collective MADEKIND. “I wanted to create a capsule collection of high-quality basic pieces that you can combine in many ways,” she says of the impetus behind her collection. “I wanted to show my fans that you can be fashionable and ethical.”
For Mogli, Berlin—with its plethora of small boutiques and ateliers owned by local designers—made the perfect backdrop to start designing clothing with a conscience. “[Berlin designers] don’t necessarily call themselves sustainable but often manufacture the clothes themselves or at least produce in Germany,” she says. “Their stuff is often pricey…which ends up being more sustainable as you only buy what you will be wearing for years, and you get to support small businesses. Berlin is also a secondhand heaven, though, which is the most sustainable option there is.”
We caught up with Mogli on tour to learn about her favorite sustainable spots in her home city, from healthy breakfast joints to the best vintage clothing stores.
1. Getting Around
Use one of the electro-scooter sharing or bike sharing companies to get around the city—they are everywhere!
2. Best Sustainable Shopping
Check out the Mauerpark Flea Market on Sundays; it has lots of small businesses offering handmade clothes and apparel and healthy food everywhere. Also check out Green Market—a resource full of sustainable everything, like all-vegan events. Other stores include Folkdays and LOVECO. I love the brand Closed for clothes. I’d also suggest taking a walk along the Kastanienallee or through the Simon-Dach-Kiez for small designer shops. There’s good vintage shopping at Repeater or Vintage Revivals.
3. Where to Grab a Bite
Goodies for breakfast and coffee and Muday, my favorite Ethiopian restaurant, for dinner.
4. Where to Party
My favorite club is Anomalie, a small club by a collective of young, lefty, alternative people. They always have art on display, there are bonfires in the outside area, and a little trailer with a fireplace and hot chocolate if you need a break from dancing. Sisyphos and Kater Blau also have great outdoor spaces, perfect for summertime.