In typical form, I impulsively decided to take a trip to Sweden just three weeks prior to boarding to celebrate Midsummer, go visit friends and take on an adventure with my boyfriend. As it turns out, that wouldn’t be the only impulsive trip I’d be taking. Over pre flight cocktails at MSP airport, he handed me a Bauhaus book, with two surprise tickets to Berlin inside. Definitely something to cheers & look forward to!

Directly upon our departure from Midsummer, we were on a Norwegian flight, Berlin bound. Both first time visitors, we were excited to see what the city had to offer. Thanks to his friends incredible recommendations and his understanding of our mutual choice of style, we stayed at the Michelberger Hotel. The design of this place, from graphics to architecture, absolutely impeccable. It was awesome to see some of the design collaboration later lead to the Eaux Claires music festival this summer, just across the river from us back in the states.

The first full day in Berlin was spent wandering, my preferred method of travel. The Bauhaus Archiv was a destination and everything else in between were a series of discoveries.  Personally, I enjoyed the dramatic contrast of the stark white buildings amid the greenery. I’m not entirely sure what I predicted Berlin to be prior but it wasn’t that. The celebrated blend in taste among the city was something to admire. One corner, graffiti lined the walls, the next, more simplistic forms and colors. While bold colored graffiti may not be my style, I loved that it was embraced as part of the place. I doubt every local would agree but fresh eyes on the city appreciated the variety.

After a day of taking in Berlin, we headed back to the Michelberger to enjoy a drink in the courtyard before dinner. Among conversation with our bartender, Dom, we landed on a place for the evening. Prior to taking off, we had the pleasure of serendipitously meeting a couple from Wisconsin, not far from our hometowns. I still can’t wrap my head around how moments like that align but it’s awesome. We all went out to dinner together & took in the opportunity to get to know each other. Following our servers suggestion, we hit up a bar to continue the party. May not have been our scene but memorable regardless. After grabbing some roadies, we were headed back on the long walk to our hotel. Additional cocktails and conversation continued to flow in the lobby when we got back, impossible to end the night early after meeting such a great couple to experience a new place with. Finally, when we all decided to call it a night, we stumbled back to our rooms only to find out we happen to be in suites directly next door to one another. I’m sure the neighbors enjoyed the mutual “ohhhhhhh no way” ringing down the hall among the group at 5 AM, because what were the chances all of these coincidences would align.

The 4 of us showed up for brunch the next morning, reminiscing on the night prior and discussing upcoming trips. We parted ways, the two of us back to Sweden, Josh and Haley on their continued travels.

The Montgomery Collection is about crossed paths, intersecting stories and celebrated vignettes of unpredictable moments. This encounter couldn’t have aligned with the motivation of the brand any better. Pretty awesome to experience such an incredible city among good company.

No. 030.I
flat
white leather exterior with dark green suede interior
11″ X  8″
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As previously described, the city had this incredible pattern of light, clean lined buildings intermixed among the greenery. This contrast will forever stand out to me and lead to the design for the latest Montgomery Collection piece, the Flat. The exterior is white, with stitch details along the back, reflecting minimal breaks in the clean appearance of the Bauhaus Archives. The interior is lined with green suede for the flat and dark grey for the weekender, hinting at the city’s contrast I became connected to.  

No. 030.2 
weekender
white leather exterior with dark grey suede interior
21"W X 14"H X 9"D / 7" Handle drop
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No. 030.3 
slim wallet
salmon leather exterior
3″ x 4″
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No. 030.4
flat
salmon and navy leather exterior, dark grey interior
11″ x 8″  / photo @al_peters
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