"There is nothing off the shelf here, you support an attitude to life and rebel against the usual mass production."

small-shops: You represent Berlin culture by marketing in the cities slang and printing its name on your products. What is the capital of Germany, apart from the above, stand for in your opinion?

Katrin Jacobi: For me Berlin is loud and casual – but not ignorant. It's the home for individuals who normally don't fit in, those, with a wish for change, who make new ideas possible. Since 2015 DIT IS BALIN represents this city's feeling. It stands for individual prints on sustainable organic clothing, for quality and for respect for nature and thus, also for us humans. There is nothing off the shelf here, you support an attitude to life and rebel against the usual mass production.

The certified unisex textiles come from 100% controlled and eco-fair cultivation and are printed in small numbers. By hand, in Berlin and with a "Balina Schnauze" of course. We want change, but also keep fashion fun.

small-shops: You founded DIT IS BALIN already more than 5 years ago. How did you get the idea?

Katrin Jacobi: Since 2006 I am a freelance Designer for advertising agencies and I had the deep wish of engaging in something meaningful.

small-shops: Can you share some of the major difficulties you faced in the beginning?

Katrin Jacobi: Think twice, grow slowly and make pauses. Big Business means big problems!

small-shops: The stiles of your fashion can sometimes be very provocative. What do you want to accomplish by that?

Katrin Jacobi: In Berlin it's allowed to have a meaning, it's allowed to be edgy and to show it. I want to create a reaction or feeling, therefore you sometimes have to be provocative.

small-shops: Can you explain a little bit where you get your materials from and how you are able to create your sustainable, fair, high quality, polyester my ass fashion?

Katrin Jacobi: I order my clothes with the highest standards of eco-fair certifications & with best quality and than I print myself each item by hand. Polyester is my enemy as it's super bad for the environment. It`' so important we get awareness that from every wash microplastics dissolve and get in our water system and thus into our food chain. Hopefully we can ban this stinky cloth soonish!

small-shops: How did you experience the two Corona Lockdowns?

Katrin Jacobi: In the first lockdown there was a run on our website. There was a real movement, people were solidary and wanted to spend their money in small & local businesses – you could feel a change. An experience which is totally different to the second lockdown. People are worried now, they stopped buying clothes. Every shop who was selling my brand gave up and will not open again!

small-shops: Did you get any support during this crisis?

Katrin Jacobi: I only got money in the first round.

small-shops: What are your goals for DIT IS BALIN?

Katrin Jacobi: When this Corona Virus has stopped, I hope DIT IS BALIN will have a few small shops in Europe with a gorgeous team.

small-shops: How do you wish Berlin culture to be in 20 years?

Katrin Jacobi: Hopefully we find a way to more solidarity and humanity. Better work conditions for creatives and the end of Polyester would be fantastic.

small-shops: If you could change one little thing in the world, what would it be?

Katrin Jacobi: I would redistribute money. It really makes me sad to see people suffer. There is no need for that.