Neighborhood & Couture: When Schönhauser Allee Becomes a Runway

On this day, Schönhauser Allee will be especially beautiful: beneath the municipal canopy at the subway viaduct, an extraordinary runway will be set up right in the middle of the public space. At “Kiez & Couture – From Asphalt to Avant-Garde,” fashion, local retailers, the creative industries, and neighborhood life come together.

The “Meine Schönhauser Allee” initiative, together with its partners, aims to showcase the wealth of diversity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit found on Schönhauser Allee and in its surrounding area. It’s not just about fashion, but about what makes a vibrant and attractive neighborhood: unique shops, well-known brands, creative labels, a diverse culinary scene, culture, and the people who shape the neighborhood.

Neighborhood fashion meets established brands

The mix that Kiez & Couture brings together is particularly exciting: established brands from the Schönhauser Allee Arcaden meet unique shops and labels from the immediate vicinity.

Participating brands include me and me, TRANQUILLO STORE Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Maaßen Zehn, Himalaya-Tibetasia, KAYA, Design Windows, Encode, Anna & Luca, and Fruchthaus. They embody the diversity and individuality of the creative and business scene around Schönhauser Allee.

The surrounding area extends far beyond Schönhauser Allee—from Kastanienallee to Pappelallee and Danziger Straße, all the way to the neighboring neighborhoods.

A special place—and an important symbol for Schönhauser Allee

The fact that Kiez & Couture can take place under the viaduct is something special for the initiative. Obtaining permission required a lengthy coordination process with the relevant authorities. For the initiative, however, there was no alternative to this location: the area under the viaduct is a defining feature of Schönhauser Allee and architecturally particularly impressive. Markets and other activities have been held here in the past.

The “Meine Schönhauser Allee” initiative hopes to build on this tradition with further events in the coming years. After all, a historic site should not only be preserved—it must also be brought to life.

The initiative is therefore particularly grateful for the constructive support of the Pankow District Monument Protection Authority, which made it possible to use this special location for the event while respecting its status as a protected monument.

“We are very pleased that we can host Kiez & Couture at this special location. A historic site thrives when people experience it. Markets and events have taken place at the Magistratsschirm in the past—with Kiez & Couture, we are now bringing life and people back to this place,” says Lillemor Mallau, spokesperson for the Meine Schönhauser Allee Initiative.

An Important Statement Ahead of Construction

Kiez & Couture comes at a crucial time for Schönhauser Allee. Starting in November, the area will face major challenges due to the upcoming construction project. This period will be particularly difficult for retailers along Schönhauser Allee. From the initiative’s perspective, this makes it all the more important to create positive momentum right now, bring people into the neighborhood, and highlight the area’s diversity.

As one of Berlin’s major thoroughfares, Schönhauser Allee holds special economic significance for Pankow. Here, local amenities and the concept of “short distances” are a daily reality. Living, working, shopping, dining, culture, and mobility all converge right here.

Kiez & Couture is therefore also intended to set a tone for the area’s future: Together, retail, business, the creative industries, tourism, culture, politics, government, and local initiatives can help ensure that Schönhauser Allee remains a vibrant place even during difficult times.

Culture and Commerce Go Hand in Hand

The cultural dimension of the area also plays an important role. Culture fosters connections, gives a neighborhood its identity, and transforms public spaces into places where people enjoy gathering.

“What is taking shape here with ‘Kiez & Couture’ impressively demonstrates what is possible when local people take responsibility, develop ideas, and work toward a common goal. When retailers stick together and join forces with the many dedicated stakeholders from the neighborhood, the result is more than just an event: it creates a sense of community. For Prenzlauer Berg in particular, culture is a vital part of this vibrant neighborhood and a key economic factor—it fosters connections, gives the neighborhood its identity, and transforms public spaces into places where people enjoy gathering. ‘Kiez & Couture’ is a wonderful example of this—creative, local, diverse, and right at the heart of community life. I am delighted that on this day, Schönhauser Allee is not just a shopping street, but also a stage for the people and culture of our neighborhood.” Dr. Cordelia Koch, District Mayor of Pankow

Working Together for a Strong Community

“Kiez & Couture” is a joint project of the “Meine Schönhauser Allee” initiative, the Schönhauser Allee Arcaden, the Pankow Economic Development Agency, and visitBerlin. The Schönhauser Allee Arcaden plays a special role as the initiative’s central partner and organizer of “Kiez & Culture.”

For the initiative, the project demonstrates the potential that arises when different stakeholders combine their strengths: Retailers create offerings, local labels and creatives bring individuality, partners from politics and business support the development of the area, and public space becomes a stage.

Kiez & Couture – From Asphalt to Avant-Garde

• Saturday, September 5, 2026
• Fashion Shows: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• After-show party: 7–9 p.m. with a DJ and free drinks
• Location: Schönhauser Allee, under the city umbrella in front of the Schönhauser Allee Arcaden
• Late-Night Shopping: until 9:00 p.m. at the Schönhauser Allee Arcaden