![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/sodabooks9.jpg\")
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Anyone who claims print is dead clearly has not spent time at soda,<\/a> a store dedicated to selling \u201ccurious publications to curious people\u201d. The store was launched in Munich in 2004 by Sebastian Steinacker, who was inspired by London’s bookstores and libraries during his studies at Central St. Martin’s. His love for printed matter evolved into an impeccably designed storefront celebrated by those seeking a refuge for inspiration. The original soda\u2019s Berlin counterpart \u2014 which was recently included in LVMH\u2019s coveted city guid<\/a>e \u2014 was opened 11 years later, in 2015. <\/span><\/p>\n That being said, soda is a still a business, one whose success relies on curating stock which will actually sell. Therefore, it\u2019s Hummel’s job to know what Berliners want before they know it themselves. As a result, she\u2019s curated one of the most interesting collections of publications available in stores; soda is a treasure trove of rare finds, limited editions and never-before-seen publications. In an effort to indulge in our own print fetish, we asked the magazine queen herself to compile a selection of the most unique items in stock.<\/span><\/p>\n Season is a hybrid between a fashion magazine and sports zine, dedicated to creatively showcasing female football culture. The biannual publication was founded in London in 2016 and prides itself on providing a platform for women in modern football culture to share their stories, opinions and style. <\/span><\/p>\n Agapornis is a biannual magazine born in Spain exploring the interplay between visual culture, fashion and love for our furry friends. Beyond creating an aesthetically and textually engaging mag, they also dedicate a portion of each edition to showcasing an organization that promotes animal welfare. <\/span><\/p>\n Badland is a super fresh independent mag based out of Berlin, dedicated to Balkan art, fashion and photography. With the first edition launched in September 2017, Badland\u2019s director (with Balkan roots) Rafaela Kacunic is picking up immediate acclaim. <\/span><\/p>\n Puss Puss is exactly what it sounds like: a lifestyle publication focusing on culture, fashion, music and art\u2014 \u201cwith a feline twist\u201d. Puss Puss has featured heaps of high profile artists, musicians, actors with cats, most notably Chloe Sevigny<\/a>, Ai Wei Wei, Juergen Teller<\/a> and Tyler the Creator. <\/span><\/p>\n Ambrosia is an American magazine that \u201ceats its way\u201d through a city per issue; their most recent locale was Mexico City. A hodgepodge of photo essays, recipes, and interviews, Ambrosia captures the spirit of its designated locations by exploring culinary traditions. <\/span><\/p>\n Openhouse is a biannual magazine about creative people who open their private spaces to the public, in the name of hosting events related to art, design and gastronomy. The mag also serves as a guide to unique cultural experiences and secret hotspots around the globe. It was launched by a Barcelona-based couple who open their home four times a year for photo exhibitions. <\/span><\/p>\n This aptly titled Polish magazine is dedicated to all matters paternal. The beautifully designed quarterly mag explores the concept of fathers and fatherhood through photo essays, interviews, reports and travel journals.<\/span><\/p>\n This large-format, London-based mag takes inspiration from the pleasure gardens of 18th century London. The magazine explores the garden as means of escape\u2014 in art, music, fashion, society and sex.<\/span><\/p>\n Romance Journal is the latest creative venture of design studio RoAndCo<\/a>. The large format publication explores a state of feeling through the eyes of 10 creative women. The latest edition, \u201cThe Resistance Issue\u201d, centers on the intersection of art, activism, empathy and community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/LASTsodaimage.jpg\")
\nThe Berlin store draws in hundreds of passers-by with its dazzling window displays and irresistible visual appeal. The bustle of Rosenthaler Platz is mollified upon entry, as visitors enter a space which is equal parts gallery and library, all mediated by effervescent store manager and soda Berlin poster woman, Isabell Hummel. The Munich native also comes from a fashion background. When asked about her initial career aspirations as a fashion journalist, Hummel responded, \u201cI didnt really want to work for a magazine. It felt too static for me, too much sitting and not enough writing\u201d. It wasn\u2019t until after school that she realized retail was her passion. Hummel and Steinacker met when Hummel was managing a concept store called <\/span>Sunday in Bed<\/span><\/a>, located just across the street from the original soda. Hummel was present from day one, scouting locations, drilling into bare walls, and amending the atmosphere of the original architectural design, which she deemed too sterile. \u201cIn the beginning, I felt like it was too clean, there were no tables, no rugs. It was like a cathedral, but not the kind you want to go into.\u201d She combatted the \u201cwhite cube\u201d effect by adding cosy rugs and lively plants, which transform the space into one which is both inviting and engaging.<\/span>
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\nWhen asked about the future of print, Hummel responded with a hopeful smile and a single word: \u201cNiche. That\u2019s what makes print work.\u201d The other mechanic is the success of print according to Hummel is our need for escape from the incessant barrage of information that defines the digital age. \u201cI think creative people don\u2019t want to constantly be looking at screens, seeing stuff that then just disappears immediately. If you\u2019re working creatively, I think you often prefer to have something in your hands, so maybe you can rip it, or cut it, hang on it your wall, or whatever else!\u201d That kind of tactility is irreplaceable, and according to Hummel, will ensure that print is here to stay. She does, however, acknowledge that in today\u2019s world, she\u2019s in the business of a new kind of luxury item. As the buyer, Hummel has the challenge of balancing Berliner\u2019s \u201cadvanced taste\u201d with their often incongruent budget. With this in mind, Hummel has an open door browsing policy, meaning soda is the kind of place you can easily spend an hour in\u2014 even if you have no intention of fronting 25 Euro for your favorite mag.<\/span>
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A still from Useful Photography #013 by KesselsKramer, Hummel’s favourite book in the shop.<\/p>\nSEASON<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Season04XL-1.gif\")
<\/p>\nAGAPORNIS<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Agapornis05XL.gif\")
<\/p>\nBADLAND<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Badland01XL-1.gif\")
<\/p>\nPUSS PUSS<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/PussPuss06XL.gif\")
<\/p>\nAMBROSIA<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Ambrosia04XL.gif\")
<\/p>\nOPENHOUSE<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Openhouse08XL.gif\")
<\/p>\nFATHERS<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Fathers05XL.gif\")
<\/p>\nPLEASURE GARDEN<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/PleasureGarden02XL.gif\")
<\/p>\nROMANCE JOURNAL<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Romance02XL.gif\")
<\/p>\nDOG<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Dog02XL.gif\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/sodaimage15.jpg\")