Garage - Second-hand and Vintage Clothing Store in Berlin.
On researching Garage- it seems very similar 'Vintage' which used to be on Oldham Street in Manchester (a personal favourite of mine!). Garage certainly seems like a great shop for a rummage, where you could quite easily spend hours trying to find something perfect. Items are individually priced, however they also have a bargain section towards the back of the store. This section of clothing has no pricing on, instead, items are bought in job lots by the kilo- allowing consumers to really feel like they have got a bargain.
Drew Pritchard Antiques - Architectural Antiques and Salvage in Conwy.
Drew Pritchard rose to success after his television show on Quest. Viewers were able to watch him find rare and interesting items from historic estates to a hoarder's shed! Prichard began his career working with his Dad salvaging stain glass windows from nearby Churches and Chapels. Since the success of his show, he has had a concession in Liberty London and has now opened his own shop in Conwy. I have visited his shop several items and it really a great example of design and visual merchandising. I love the use of the moody colours for walls and ceilings- it really sets off the antique brown furniture. Secondly, lighting is certainly an important factor within retail design, especially when selling antique artwork and foxed mirrors. It really sets the art work off properly.
Wabi-Sabi- Ancient Japanese Philosophy
Wabi- Sabi can be translated as 'rustic simplicity' or
understated elegance'. It focuses on taking pleasure out of objects which are imperfect.
I really feel this is such a beautiful idea and philosophy- as relentlessly perusing perfection in all aspects of life often leads to more stresses. This less is more mentality offers a sense of escapism from modern world's obsession with perfection and new.
There are many examples of Wabi-sabi, including a wonky home grown tomato or an ancient well worn stair case, where you can see the indents left from the many people who have worked up and down the same stairs over the years. My favourite example is the concept of 'kintsugi', where broken pottery usually binned is repaired. Gold- dusted lacquer is added to showcase the beauty of the damage and often the age of the china. I think this is such a beautiful attitude and a great way to keep treasured pottery. It really does teach a throw away society to in fact accept and praise the faults.
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