With a mission to rid the world of kitsch and cheesy gifts, Holy.Shit.Shopping offers the work of more than 150 handpicked, innovative young designers and artists in the 3 major cities of Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne. On the market one finds a thrilling fusion of established brands and labels along with creative new hotshots in categories such as fashion, jewellery, art and design, photography, graphic novels etc. At a number of inspiring architectural settings, bars, coffeehouses, local DJs and mulled wine create a unique atmosphere of laid-back shopping: a club-store, so to speak. 

 

The concept itself, though, is not a new one. The first Holy.Shit.Shopping was held in 2004 at Café Moskau in Berlin. The location proved to be quite a success. Since then the idea has spread like the flu in winter and become known throughout the country.

 

One of this year’s focuses is on the art of re-use and recycling. You’ll find shoes made from old tires, the inevitable bag out of tarp, and seatbelts that can now be worn around the waist. 

 

Apart from sales, exhibitors also profit from the networking power the market generates: artists meet gallery owners, designers are hooked up with shopkeepers, and good ideas find smart channels for distribution.

 

As one of this year's amenities, a wrapping service is being offered, too. In other words, once you get there you can leave all set for the season.

 

In Hamburg, the 2011 event is going to be held on Dec. 17th and 18th at the Messe Hamburg trade-fair complex, Messeplatz 1.

 

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