Akeef's the menswear store at the forefront of Kreuzberg's growing fashion movement. The store has grown from humble beginnings to become the go-to place for the conscientious Berlin male. This growth is based upon a reputation for high quality, long lasting clothing and a warm, friendly nature towards customers. Unassuming from outside, the store's white walls and natural wooden interior provide a tranquil home to a range of premium denim, fine shirting and knitwear, sports jackets and a variety of footwear and accessories. The clothing is carefully selected season on season with an emphasis on functionality, durability and customer needs rather than short-term trends. There's also a basement space used for events and parties. Akeef's an independent store, proud to stock a range of great independent labels; a sentiment in keeping with its Kreuzberg home.
Although autumn sunshine gives the fallen leaves a warm, golden glow- there's no escaping the fact that days are growing colder and colder. Luckily, a few new items arrived from Penfield this afternoon. They're in store now and will be online in the upcoming days.
The Penfield Kasson Jacket is now available in store. Each winter Penfield unveil a similar piece of outerwear making minor alterations to the design, this year they've changed the lining, This high quality jacket is always popular and likely to sell out fast. Come in and get yours soon!
We love everything we offer Akeef, but every so often a product comes into the store which is universally adored. Michael can't stop talking about it and every customer wants to know about it. The Wolverine 1000 Boot is one of those products. The stunning tanned leather and durable Vibram sole make this boots incredibly hardwearing. Here are a few pictures we've taken in the basement. Get in touch at contact@akeef.net for sizing and pricing.
All Summer shoes are now reduced to half price. Take a look around the site for the final offers. If you see something you like then order quickly as we'll soon run out!
Each pair of Sperry Top-Sider shoes pictured below are available for 30 EUR in store. Probably not the best weather for them today, though there's still all of August left!
Our regular model (the manikin) threw a strop this afternoon and refused to pose for shots. Store Manager Michael came to the fore and stepped in. Here's a few things that have arrived this week.
Come in and try them on.
Best from Berlin, Akeef x
This light knit from Nudie is available in two colours:
Black
and Navy
We've also T-shirts from Edwin in Dark
And Light. (Michael demonstates the softness of the cotton)
The team from www.unlike.net stopped by a couple of weeks ago. They must have really liked the store because today they've posted us top of their international page! Everyone who visits unlike.net around the world today will know about Akeef! x
Here's a post to let you know what's arrived in the last few days. We've shirts from Lee 101 and KnowledgeCotton Apparel plus sweaters from Pike Brothers. For details on pricing and sizing please email contact@akeef.net or come into the store!
Two new pairs of Nudie. At the top are the Average Joe Model. Below are the narrower Hank Ray. Have a look at the rest of our Denim online and come in to try them on.
Here's a few photos of the latest products to arrive in store. The sky's overcast today but we'll take some modelled photographs outside once the sun's back out, which hopefully won't be too soon!
First are these light blue, worn jeans ED-47 from Edwin
To follow up the popular Pointer A.F.D. in all black and all white we've a new pair in black/white! They're available in a range of sizes in store today.
There's also a new leather jacket from Lee.
Expect more information on the products in the upcoming days.
All the T-shirts have gone! So this week we've decided to add some short-sleeved shirts to the sale rail. Shirts from Lee, Lindeberg, Edwin and others are all priced 30 EUR and available exclusively in store.
From today onwards if you re-use your Akeef bag at the store you'll be entitled to 10% off your next purchase.
You'll also receive a 10% discount if you photograph yourself with the bag (or just the bag itself!) in an exciting place this summer and post it on our Facebook wall.
Ingo has his discount to look forward to when he returns to Berlin.
Norse Projects Winter Collection is one we're really excited about receiving! Sure the weather will be miserable by the time you need to wear it, but these great knits and jackets will be enough to brighten even the coldest days. You'll be pleased to know that model's slightly more handsome than us!
Here are some things we've just received in store. Some Chukkas from Keds and some holdalls from TukTuk. Come into the store to take a look at them or get in touch via contact@akeef.net for pricing information.
TukTuk Chambray Bowling Bag
Chambray Bowling Bag Lining
The Bowling Bag is is also availble in Striped Leather.
KnowledgeCotton Apparel aim to use 100% organic cotton to help save the environment from 150 tons of pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers by the year 2015.
Here are a few of the pieces we have from them this season. Take a look at the website over the next few days as they'll definitely be arriving online. But if you're in Berlin, come into the shop to see them yourself.
This morning we received a new arrival from Sandqvist. The Swedish luggage brands have sent us restocks of favourites the Jack, Roald and Carl-Gustav. We also have the new Stig Summer backpack and Steve iPhone Case. Below are some photographs we took this afternoon
Michael arranging the Stig for the window display. We have them in Black, Light Blue, Military Green and Pale Red, all of which are now available in store and online.
Here's the Steve Leather iPhone Case in Tan, we also have it in Black.
Close up of the Steve iPhone Case in Tan. Now available both in store and online.
Here's four of the items we'll be receiving in the next few days. Sandqvist products have always been popular both in store and online. There will be more colours and designs but we thought we just show you a few things for now. Follow the site for news of their arrival.
Stig A simple and classic backpack in heavy 18oz, light blue cotton canvas with straps in thick, vegetable tanned leather. Big enough for a 13" Laptop. 129 EUR
Roald A traditional backpack with heavy khaki coloured canvas with grey cotton lining. 149 EUR Jack Classic messenger bag designed in cooperation with the Swedish bicycle maker Sson. 149 EUR iPhone pocket to wear around your neck or diagonal around the shoulder. 45 EUR
One of our favourite up and coming artists is Lucky Paul and although he left us during the winter to enjoy another summer back home in New Zealand, we couldn't stay annoyed!
Last night we were discussing the effect that the weather has on people in the street. Well the sunshine's taken effect on us today. The T-shirt rack has returned to the store for the summer! Get T-shirts from Lee 101, Edwin, J. Lindeberg and Penfield for just 10 EUR in store!
We're sure the great weather has properly arrived this time. With huge collections now in store it's the perfect time to come along and get some summer clothes.
Here are some orders ready to be shipped. Michael (in the background) was proud of his handiwork and requested that a photograph be taken.
We aim to get all products packaged and sent to you on the day they are ordered. With presentation skills like this, it's like being able to come to the store yourself!
Here Lee hark back to their early days with a traditional denim shirt. Nowadays more strongly assocaited with denim, Lee occasionally remind us that they can do heritage as well as younger labels and have a rich and long history behind them.
The Lee Overshirt Sundry is available from Akeef priced 100 EUR.
Take a look at the shots below. For more information get in touch at contact@akeef.net
Best from Berlin, Akeef x
This item has four front pockets, with traditional Lee detailing on the front pocket.
As the sun was fading yesterday we managed to take a photo of the J. Lindeberg Lane Thin Summer Stripe T-shirt. It has a comfortable, loose arms and is slightly narrower at the main body. This T-shirt is now available in store priced 49 EUR. Watch out for more J. Lindeberg items in the upcoming weeks.
Japan produces the world's finest denim. Intricate weaving techniques, unique to Japanese mills help to produce heavier, more durable and longer lasting Jeans.
Japanese Denim is a true watermark of quality.
Given light of recent events in Japan we felt strongly compelled to help. We're therefore offering 10% off all Edwin Denim in store AND we're donating 10% of profits to the Help Japan Charity.
We've around a dozen different styles so visit us in Kreuzberg.
This collarless shirt with a shorterned placket was the traditional uniform of rowers based at Henley-on-Thames, England. Now popular worldwide, fit, comfort and feel are everything. There really is no better base-layer. Here's a few we have now available at Akeef and www.Akeef.net.
Here's the Lee 101 Henley in Black. We also have it in Heather Grey.
This is the Whyszeck Henley. Its lightweight, soft fabric make is a really comfortable wear.
Michael wears the Banuq Seraphina Shirt. Sourced and Produced in Africa, the Black is exclusive to Akeef. The buttoned chest pocket is a great detail.
This season we've introduced a number of new brands to our portfolio. But Baracuta, and in particular their G9 Harrington, has us really excited. These cotton jackets were first produced in 1937, their Fraser Tartan lining and effortless cool continue to make them popular today.
100% cotton, elasticated cuffs and two, buttoned front pockets.
Fraser Tartan
Also available in red.
Don't miss your opportunity to purchase the ultimate in heritage!
At the end of last week we received some pieces from Velour and Dunderdon. We took a couple of images on Friday afternoon and haven't had time to post them till now. Anyway, we hope you like them and contact us by email: contact@akeef.net or come into the store if you see anything you like, before everything goes!
Kazim's been with us a year and established the website. Today's his final day at Akeef where he'll always be remembered for his spelling, his eyes and tireless work rate.
When asked for last words Kazim said "It's been a pleasure, and I'm surprised I lasted this long!"
We wish Kazim all the best in his future wherever he may move onto next.
We've spent March shooting and preparing images for the site. We're sure you'll agree that level of presentation is greatly improved and now we're really excited about exhibiting Summer collections and introducing new labels over the upcoming months.
The clocks changing means that it's still daylight in Berlin and that great weather isn't too far away. We at Akeef took great care assembling a wide range of summer clothing which we hope you like. We all think you deserve to treat yourself after another long winter!
Prepare to fill your holiday suitcases with our stuff!
We know you have grown to love your Winter Jackets and we know you might have even forgot that Summer is going to come. But little by little you have been removing that scarf, unzipping your Jackets and even debating not wearing one!
So here it is. We bring you the Summer vibe with the new Baracuta - 'Spider G32 Summer Parka'.
This is a beautiful Jacket! Perfect day wind breaker and overlay for that new jumper.
It comes with ajustable toggles for the hood and allows you to ajust the shape of the jacket from the back. It also features a double zip, to allow for any mod's occasion.
We are all fully aware of the events in Japan at the moment.
So at Akeef we would like to extent our help by offering for every pair of Edwin and Studio D'Artisan denim bought until the end of April, we will give 10% discount and an additional 10 Euros towards the Japanese Fund via the Red Cross.
Know the roots of what you are wearing and keep the heritage strong.
Since coming to Berlin, Gareth Owen has been a vibrant part of the Berlin underground as dsb. Moving amongst the eclectic collectives of the Sameheads he has collaborated in many parties, helping shape and mould some of the best independent events in Berlin. He is currently working on some edits which you can sample on his soundcloud, mixes and most recently on Radio Egal - now playing via Sweat Lodge Radio.
There is never any shortage of interesting music coming from his turntables in any situation, and so of course he does what he does best and changes it up on this Akeef Mix - a journey through guitar based post punk, moving through to the bass side giving you the all the energy to get this month started!
The sun is shining again, though it may still be cold, we know what's coming!
kWe've just had a delivery from one of our favourite brands, Penfield.. and its ace.
There really is no better feeling than carrying a load of heavy boxes, pulling out the knife, cutting them open, and pulling out some brand new, literally box-fresh apparel.. and when it's as good as this, its like Christmas, but better.
Never the less, it feels like Christmas here at akeef online with the news we are about to bring you now.
We have just uploaded the last of our Studio D'Artisan stock online. As you all know D'Artisan has been one of our favorite's list from the very first day we opened our doors.
And after a few successful season with the label, we have just about got round to get the final items online.
A combination of growing cotton demand and a push by speculators in buying has led to fears of skyrocketing cotton prices worldwide. The Intercontinental Exchange Inc, is increasing scrutiny on speculators amid soaring demand that has nearly tripled cotton prices in the last 12 months, threatening the profits of mills, commodity suppliers and apparel producers.
The number of cotton contracts outstanding has grown by 21% in the last year, boosted by an influx of hedge funds and small speculators. The squeeze could come in the next few weeks as cotton mills are holding contracts to buy cotton under the March contract, which expires on March 9. Under normal circumstances, they would have already locked in a price for that cotton. But as prices kept soaring, many held off, hoping for lower prices that never came. Between now and March 9, market participants wanting to hold more than 300 contracts, the equivalent of 30,000 bales, must request approval and prove they have an economic need for the cotton, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. The fear is that speculators could put the squeeze on the mills by buying up cotton, driving prices even higher. In response, ICE on Thursday said it would start to require buyers taking big positions in the cotton markets to justify a need
"Cotton is a mess. It's moving so quickly, predominantly up. Every day you pass thinking you are going to see something better, you risk missing out on cotton all together. If you don't take cotton today, your costs are escalating and you are under water pretty quickly." Tracy Linton, vice president of Galey & Lord, a textile mill told The Journal.
Regulators take a dim view of excessive speculation in commodities markets, arguing that it can distort prices and make it harder for producers and users of commodities to manage their risk. They say it also may negate fundamental investment factors like supply and demand.
We've got lots and lots of new pieces arriving each week. We plan to photograph them as they enter the store in Berlin so you know what to expect before things arrive on the site for sale.
We've another hoody from Dunderdon. This one is fleece-lined and will be great on summer evenings.
Dunderdon S-18 Fleece Hooded
Beneath are the first arrivals from Denim Demon. This label was launched in 2007 and is Based in Sweden. So far we have a grey sweater, a soft blue cardigan and a colourful shirt.
If you are particularly interested in any of the items or have any questions then do not hesitate to contact us: info@akeef.net.
This season Lee bases its collection around the “atomic years” with various work ware designed shirts. This may be one of the best collections we have had in store, so be sure to come and check it out on Friday when we will be showcasing the collection in the basement.
This season, we also have a wider collection of the 101 range, giving a better quality and fit to your garments.
Its time now to get the last of the bargains before we bring out the new stock! Here is two new items that have just arrived from Dunderdon. We have selected a fine hooded panama canvas jacket in our favourite, "work ware blue". The second piece we bring you is a dark navy waxed canvas rain coat, both items ideal the the time ahead in Berlin.
We will be showcasing new items very soon, stay posted for more information.
'Horace' James is known for his legendary selection of tunes and his innate ability to turn around any party at any given moment. Representing from Leeds, England – 'Horace' hosts a variety of people at his “Bellevue Bowling Club” night, while continuing to run with the “Hang The DJ!” crew, now based in London.
Bringing us our very first instalment of the Akeef mixes, he does what he knows best. We are treated with a selection of slowed down tunes to get us into the swing of the year. Now the haze of January is gone and we move forward through February's cold, with our head up and faces covered with those Christmas scarves, we brace ourselves for a month that could be a year.
If you know your stuff you know this has been in the pipeline for a while and as hype is, hype does and again, Jamie xx as part of the xx family, does not disappoint.
Listen free to the second installment of his new remix from Gil's latest album.
It just brings tears flooding back to when I saw him last year at Maria! Line of the night - "They say I disappeared... And I thought I was still here?"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: We've just sent out our December Newsletter. Here is a little snippet. Don't forget to subscribe for our newsletter here akeef.net. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Seasons Greetings one and all.
We hope you are warm wherever you are, because in the akeef dungeon, warm it most defiantly is not. Fear not, it is the final day of website / dungeon activity before we break for christmas, and to celebrate we present our second newsletter.
2 weeks ago, we celebrated our 2nd Birthday with a very special party in collaboration with Edwin. It was a 2-day extravaganza and it was also the launch of our new basement concept space. Picture of both the event and space can be seen on either our Facebook page or our Blog. Alas, we would just like to thank everyone who made the two-day affair so special and successful. Stay tuned for more special events in the basement next year.
Finally, as it is Christmas and New Year, we have made some special reductions online, as well as re-stocking on some of our favourite items this year. See what you think…
Last weekend was our 2nd Birthday party, and to celebrate we invited our good friends from Edwin to host our new concept space for the weekend. For two days only our basement was transformed into the ED-Base/-ment and was quite a blast.
Here as some pictures from the event, the space and the rest of the weekend.
Stylreportberlin.com is web magazine for contemporary culture by vonLudwig; an international project based in Berlin covering avant-garde fashion, art and design.
Apparently they dig what we're doing... and for that, we thank their impeccable taste.
The new arrival of the Clans of Scotland 100% lambswool scarves are now here, with a selection of some old favorites and new colours, these will make a great present to get people into the festive mood!
It's been 2 years since we opened our doors and the time has flown by! So we thought it only right that we celebrate it with you.
To celebrate our birthday and the launch of our new online store we are hosting a very special 2 day event in conjunction with EDWIN.
Starting 18.00 on Friday 10th December, we will be hosting an exclusive 'ED-Base/-ment' event, showcasing their collection and offering exclusive discounts on samples, one offs and dead stock. We will also be helping the night along with an evening of free drinks and DJ's.
We will also be offering up to 40% off in store on selected items,as a special Birthday Present to you guys
Friday = 6pm-10pm. Party, DJ's, Drinks, 40% off, EDWIN's 'ED-Base/-ment' SALE launch, a whole heap of fun.
Saturday = 12pm - 8pm All day sale on selected items in store, EDWIN's 'ED-Base/-ment' SALE continues.
Here we are again. If you dont count how cold it is for it to be winter, the snow is now here! And like many others, you have just relaised, you jacket isn't warm enought, no matter how many layers you put on.
So lucky for you people we thought ahead for you and have those winter jackets in stock!
First up the Penfield - Summit available in blue and olive jam packed with down and feather to keep those winter blues away!
This Seasons second best seller from the small brand 667, we have only a few left! So be quick if you like the look of them! Click here to view their full collection of jacket and knits.
On the way we have a selection of hats, scraves from KnowledgeCotton Apparel / soon to be in store this week!
With the great success of the rycle wool Wyatt Sweater, we have picked up a couple of hats made from the same patented yam manufacturing process, made from wool, cotton and acrylic mix, these jumpers and hats aren't at all itchy and incredibly warm! Also to be instore this week!
As I'm sure you do, we here at Akeef love Fela Kuti.
So its no surprise that J-Hova himself and Mr. and Mrs WIll Smith, have brought to the stage the great man's life story, in the only way possible, a musical.
We have just closed up shop in München - thanks for all the support, it couldn't have gone better! We may even see you there again next year!
So here are a couple of treats in a row for you.
First - Knowledge Cotton Apparel is now, in-store and online! We have the quintessential winter warmer, the cable knit crew, along with the lightweight cardigan and lambswool roll neck! How we spoil you!
In a recent interview with HeadlessRooster, 667 talked about their ethos and their aim for the following collection...
"...the development of this winter collection started with a sentence which we couldn’t get out of our head:
“The bitter taste of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”.
...We
chose this claim to be our guideline for future seasons, because what
is worse than buying a nice garment and after a short time you see and
feel that the quality is bad..."
Here at akeef we couldn't agree more! And so do you, these coats have already been flying out!
"For this landmark project, Damien Hirst has intensified his career-long fascination with the beauty, fragility and symbolism of butterflies to create a spectacular and multi-allusive evocation of mortality..."
120 frames foil blocked butterfly prints will be present at Paul Stolper Gallery London.
After
what seems like an age and more, we have finally finished our online
store and here it is, our proudest moment so far. Nearly, as proud as
when we wore some denim for 367 days, daily, and then spun them on a hot
wash.
Some things are worth the wait, the said pair of jeans
were most definitely worth wearing for all that time just to get to that
stage, post wash when I owned the most beautifully organic stone-washed
denim. And the site too is worth the wait, in all its glory we present
to you akeef.net ; after months of blood, sweat and selvage denim.
They make the kind of music that sounds like what would happen if Phil Specter produced the The Coral and only let them listen to old copies of the Ronettes for the entire time whilst they recorded their album.
Basically, its amazing. Its been a while since we've been so excited about a new band.