For those of you that haven't already heard, we have just opened a new store in Berlin, Germany! We are over the moon to have a physical retail space in such an incredible city. Our store is in partnership with our good friends Lyon and Ralf, co owners of Trüffelschwein, a UW stockist from the early days .

The new store is located just a few steps away from Trüffelschwein at Rosa Luxembourg Strasse 28, in the Mitte district of Berlin, an area famous for its art galleries and ‘The Kino Babylon’ (the oldest cinema in the city). Universal Works founders David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt have known Lyon and Ralf for over 8 years.
We thought we'd introduce Lyon and Ralf by asking them a few questions so that you can get better acquainted with our Berlin team.

Tell us a little about yourself? How did Truffelschwein Berlin store first begin?
Lyon: Ralf and I met in 2000 when I introduced myself to apply for a job in the store he was working in. He asked me to come in on that Saturday to help out and we ended up working together for the next 6 years. We decided to open our own shop in 2007.

What is the best thing (in your eyes) about having a store on Rosa Luxemburg Str?
Lyon: We both live in the neighbourhood so it takes about 2 minutes for us to go to work :) Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse is quite historical and just a few metres away from mainstream Mitte, which makes it infinitely more interesting than being literally where everything and everyone is.
Ralf: The neighbourhood is not a classic shopping street. We have Berlin's most interesting theatre "Volksbühne" an independent cinema and lots of galleries around us. There is always happening something around us. It is a volcano of creativity, and people here love to be dressed good, but fashion is not the the main topic. I like that a lot.

How did a partnership with Universal Works Berlin store first come about?
Lyon: The idea first came up while having dinner in Florence during Pitti Uomo. I think it must have been the 2019? It really just came out of thin air but immediately felt quite natural. You know it’s a good idea when it still feels right after you’ve recovered from the hangover.

Can you give us an insider "Berliner Tip" on a great place to eat and/or drink in Berlin?
Lyon: Barra, Osmans Töchter, Muret La Barba...
Ralf: Just make yourself a sandwich buy a bottle of wine at, "Goldhahn & Sampson" and go to the soviet memorial in Treptower Park. I promise you there is always something you will see!

Favourite “feel good” album to listen to in the store and why?
Lyon: we listen mainly to Soma FM Groove Salad Classic. It’s relaxed, unobtrusive, and cool. We unfortunately don’t have time to fiddle and choose specific music during the day. We’ve made a couple of playlists to put on after work at Trüffelschwein when close friends show up with wine and we close the doors and have an instant party :) #precorona
Ralf: I only listen to radio. "Flux Lounge FM" is my favourite at the moment.

If you had to pick a favourite all time piece from the Universal Works collection what would it be and why?
Lyon: It would have to be the Kyoto Work Pant in Space Dye Wool. It was one of those one-off editions that I was lucky enough to catch!
Ralf: All U.W "Military pants". I also sell them the best ; )