Five years is a lifetime in mainstream culture. What was once à la mode can metamorphose into old hat in a blink of an eye. Never was this truer than in the world of music generally, and music festivals specifically.  The recent release of the recurrently anticipated line ups for previously alternative rock festivals of Reading and Longitude caused uproar among diehard rock fans. Where were all the staples of a classic alternative festival? Why did this festival turn into a hip-hop and rap gathering almost overnight? Do any of the, mostly young, attendees of these festivals lament what, if you’d believe what the NME would tell you, is the end of live rock bands at music festivals? Most importantly – does anyone actually care or are we all just here for a good time? Ruth Cunningham reports.

It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that Berlin is the hipster capital of the world. For years, Germany’s capital city has been attracting hoards of twenty-somethings, looking to spend some time in the eclectic and diverse city. Like any city like Paris or London, Berlin is known for its fashion. It’s less designer brands and expensive shoes, more second or third hand garms from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s – meaning Berlin is a hotspot for one off vintage shops. Take a peek inside five of the best vintage shops the city has to offer.