Forget large chains and department stores: the Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach districts are all about individuality. We take a tour of what’s on offer.
The area’s individuality can be seen in the numerous independent labels based here, little craft businesses – tailors, tool shops, fabric shops and so on – and lovely bars and cafés, each with its own style. Even the shop names – things like Blutsgeschwister (“Blood Siblings”), Werkzeughandel Schrauben-Mutter (“Bolt-Nut Toolshop”), Süßmund (“Sugar Mouth”) and GötterSpeise, (“Food of the Gods”) – are intriguing and drive you to explore what’s behind the uniquely decorated shop windows.
Klenzestraße 45
If you like bespoke shoes and unusual leather accessories, Anja Hoffmann’s is the place for you. Anja is a master shoemaker who has been crafting bespoke shoes in her rear courtyard atelier in Gärtnerplatz since 1998. Her collection, under the Heels Angels label, also includes bags and accessories, as well as original collars for dogs. Every piece is made by hand, and Anja sources organic leather locally for her creations.
Gärtnerplatz 6
Looking for something outside the fashion mainstream? The designers at Blutsgeschwister have a unique way of combining tradition with modern urbanity. The German Blutsgeschwister label has had a shop in Gärtnerplatz since 2013. Offering colourful apparel for mothers and children, you’ll find special cuts and striking fabric designs here as well as quirky homewares, bags, purses, scarves and sunglasses.
Klenzestraße 56
In Glockenbach’s leather paradise – a leather workshop right in the middle of the city. In Klenzestrasse, Caroline Antonetty works with a variety of different leathers to make extraordinary bags, clothing, accessories and purses, and custom items on request.
Müllerstraße 7
Lola Paltinger’s flamboyant traditional Bavarian costumes are famous far beyond the borders of Bavaria. It’s not just VIPs that love Paltinger’s unmistakable style, which combines traditional elements and alpine glamour with a passion for detail. The heart of her business is the bespoke dirndl atelier in the centre of Munich. The Munich fashion designer has her roots in Mannheim but has been designing her extraordinary creations here since 1999. The showroom is not open to the public; visits are only by appointment.
Hans-Sachs-Straße 13
Eisenblätter & Triska in Glockenbach supplies very special headgear. You can expect to find the right hat for any occasion and any weather, created by the owners Astrid Triska and Katrin Eisenblätter. Their unique, hip headgear is made with great attention to detail here in Glockenbach. They also have a large selection of designer scarves.
Müllerstraße 1
Chi*Ka so kind in Müllerstrasse is an exciting place for children and adults alike. The owner, Karolina Watamaniuk, is a great believer in creative playthings, ecological clothing for babies and children, and original design – all of which you’ll find on the colourful displays, stocked with funny little crochet monkeys, sock elephants, children’s cutlery, bandanas, night lights, pram chains and much more.
Jahnstraße 30
An established institution for chocolate lovers in Glockenbach. The GötterSpeise chocolaterie – naughty, but nice! It offers a large selection of unusual types of chocolate, delicious chocolates from all over the world, teas and wines, ingredients for desserts and inspirational literature. You can sit in the café, enjoy a hot chocolate or a coffee (roasted in-house), and take time to unwind.
Fraunhoferstraße 41
You can take a treasure hunt in what must be the most in-your-face antique shop in Glockenbach. At Haben Will (“want to have”) the name says it all: in this antique and second hand shop you will always find something you want to have. That’s assuming, of course, that you’re looking for unusual vintage clothing, fashion jewellery, porcelain, a carnival outfit, show equipment, homewares, a feather boa or drag costume.
More about: Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods
