Well, I just returned from my extend weekend in Berlin where I attended the German Fetish Ball Weekend, and as usual, I’m in a good mood after all the fun and reunions. The last time I’d been to the weekend was in 2006, so I was overdue for a return visit!
I drove from Copenhagen on Thursday with my friend Rubbergirl, the Danish fetish painter and her boyfriend and met up to have supper with my hostess for the weekend, Julischka and others (among them Tonia and husband from TomTo, various models, including Kumi and other locals).
The first event of the weekend, Kinky Cocktails at Spannwerk was less crowded than previous years, but I managed to run into all sorts of friends from earlier fetish events, among them Robert Fluty, Tim Woodward, Tony Mitchell, Martin Pelzer, A Thing for Rubber, Thistel, Bill and Andy from WDR Photography, 3XL and his Latex Kitty, Heidi and Master Emit from Savagewear, Smila and Rubberman from Denmark and many others.
The venue itself was a bit pricey (near Copenhagen prices, ouch!), however the bartenders were charming and attentive, which tends to win me over, expensive drinks or not. All in all, it was a lovely and relaxing night, which ended around 2:30 for me.
Other friends I spoke to later on opted for the Insomnia party, which I’m told was held at a very spiffy location, and offered lots of playing options as well as music and dancing. But what about Sweet Surrender? Did any LustLoveLatex readers happen to make that one? Tell us how it was!
I headed over the the Expo on Saturday, which was also held at Spannwerk. There was less floor space than during my last visit, and there appeared to be fewer vendors, but overall there were some cool surprises. One of the standouts for me this time was the newish German latex firm, Rub Addiction, whose work on display was well made and tasteful. Bodycult was also present, which is the norm during the GFB. Latex Kitty managed to come away with an adorable black latex cape!
Afterwards, Rubbergirl and her boyfriend headed to Très Bonjour and TomTo with me. This was my first visit to either shop, and I walked away utterly impressed with both stores, which are beautiful to look at, and even more enticing in which to shop. Très Bonjour was a breath of fresh air. It’s a latex store which manages to avoid every tired old fetish shop cliche, and which I suspect, would be the ideal store to take a reluctant partner to visit.
While Tomto isn’t a latexwear firm, who can resist the gorgeous corsets?
Saturday night some of us opted for Fetish Guerilla’s Revolution party at the KitKat Club, while others chose the fully sold-out play party at Avalon. Since my husband wasn’t with me and I felt rather portly for full latex, I decided to forego the play party and head for the Revolution. This was, believe it or not, my first Fetish Guerilla, and I came away quite impressed. The music was super, and the energy was high. Voivodess, my roomie for the weekend, did an impressive performance – an athletic self-suspension which was just lovely to watch. The only downside was of course the naked masturbator who was positioned almost at the venue entrance. (Not such a nice introduction for any newcomers to fetish, is it? Disgusting!) Luckily I didn’t have too long to glare menacingly at him before I ran into much more pleasant company, such as a nice contingent of Rubber Pal members! It was super to meet DB, Myme, Latex Angel, a nice fellow called John, Latexbot, Observer and Phoenix, and to hide out in their cozy corner.
I chose to leave rather early with the WDR guys, close to 3:00, but other folks chose to party into the wee hours.
Lucky for me I managed to catch some rest Saturday night, because Sunday was non-stop, beginning with the Crazy Rubber & Friends Brunch at the Red Rooster. There was also an official brunch at Spannwerk, but the CR & Friend Brunch has become somewhat of a cherished tradition for many GFB-goers, including me. Most of the guests were already eating when I arrived, where I headed straight for the Rubber Pal table for more entertainment. Later on Miss Britney made an appearance, seemingly from out of nowhere, rounding off the proper RubberPal experience.
The rest of the day was spent at a Berlin Wall exhibition with my Rubber Pal Latexbot, and then supper with the Swedish contingent, before rushing home to ready myself for the main event.
I arrived at the Matrix Club shortly after midnight, and sadly I managed to miss every fashion show! Apparently I missed Savage Wear, Blacklikorish Latex, Pony Maedchen, Tatjana Warnecke and Rubber 55, who received the Fashion Award this year.
It’s been such fun observing the evolution of the ballgoers’ clothing since the German Fetish Ball’s inception. I recall the first ball of 2004, and how strict, serious and old school most of the attendees chose to dress for the events. The style has definitely progressed in the ensuing years, and this year was no exception. My favorite outfits were both worn by men in 2009: one adorable Robin Hood, and Latex Angel’s exquisite black dress military jacket (custom made by Rosengarn)!
In all, the evening was a great time, since I got to spend time with many of my friends previously mentioned. The GFB weekend moves next year to Hamburg, where I’m sure I will also go, but the fond memories of Berlin are sure to remain.
Thanks Rene, Martin, the Exclusiv team and everyone else who maked the event such a success!
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Other galleries already up from the weekend:
Alexander Horn, Josselin Guichard, London Fetish Scene (several galleries) and more as we find them.
Ooh, The Fetishistas have part one live now, and managed to get a photo of that odious wanker, AND the funniest photo of deebee yet. Go see!
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Great review… You’ve got another career waiting for you – fetish party gossip writer. Cindy Adams can’t touch you.
That sounds like one exciting weekend.
Good review!
It was indeed a great event, and it was so much fun seeing all the gang again – or meeting them for the first time. I’m glad we got to talk again and that I got to introduce Phoenix to you.
Fantastic review, MFB! It was fun to read and remember the fun it all was. Think you’ll ever make it over the pond for a Montreal Weekend?
Thanks, folks!
@Phoenix: Oh, I would really enjoy coming over for Montreal sometime. I’d hoped it might overlap with our US trip in August, but I suspect it will be right when we need to get back.
The Residenz Avalon is a fabulous location in a converted factory – its a great atmosphere. It was however too crowded – partly I guess because the outside area was closed. I guess most people who go to a public play party are up for being watched and it was nice that it was strictly couples. But, if you are a little bit shy then a few more quiet corners would have helped. There were some fabulous scenes going on including a magnificent canine training.
Colin, thanks for your review of the play party. Sounds like fun as you said, if you’re an exhibitionistic couple, less fun if you weren’t a voyeur or exhibitionist.