Well, I just returned from my extend weekend in Berlin where I attended the German Fetish Ball Weekend, and as usual, I’m in a good mood after all the fun and reunions. The last time I’d been to the weekend was in 2006, so I was overdue for a return visit!

I drove from Copenhagen on Thursday with my friend Rubbergirl, the Danish fetish painter and her boyfriend and met up to have supper with my hostess for the weekend, Julischka and others (among them Tonia and husband from TomTo, various models, including Kumi and other locals).

The first event of the weekend, Kinky Cocktails at Spannwerk was less crowded than previous years, but I managed to run into all sorts of friends from earlier fetish events, among them Robert Fluty, Tim Woodward, Tony Mitchell, Martin Pelzer, A Thing for Rubber, Thistel, Bill and Andy from WDR Photography, 3XL and his Latex Kitty, Heidi and Master Emit from Savagewear, Smila and Rubberman from Denmark and many others.

The venue itself was a bit pricey (near Copenhagen prices, ouch!), however the bartenders were charming and attentive, which tends to win me over, expensive drinks or not.  All in all, it was a lovely and relaxing night, which ended around 2:30 for me.

Other friends I spoke to later on opted for the Insomnia party, which I’m told was held at a very spiffy location, and offered lots of playing options as well as music and dancing. But what about Sweet Surrender? Did any LustLoveLatex readers happen to make that one? Tell us how it was!

I headed over the the Expo on Saturday, which was also held at Spannwerk. There was less floor space than during my last visit, and there appeared to be fewer vendors, but overall there were some cool surprises. One of the standouts for me this time was the newish German latex firm, Rub Addiction, whose work on display was well made and tasteful. Bodycult was also present, which is the norm during the GFB. Latex Kitty managed to come away with an adorable black latex cape!

Afterwards, Rubbergirl and her boyfriend headed to Très Bonjour and TomTo with me. This was my first visit to either shop, and I walked away utterly impressed with both stores, which are beautiful to look at, and even more enticing in which to shop. Très Bonjour was a breath of fresh air. It’s a latex store which manages to avoid every tired old fetish shop cliche, and which I suspect, would be the ideal store to take a reluctant partner to visit. While Tomto isn’t a latexwear firm, who can resist the gorgeous corsets?

Saturday night some of us opted for Fetish Guerilla’s Revolution party at the KitKat Club, while others chose the fully sold-out play party at Avalon. Since my husband wasn’t with me and I felt rather portly for full latex, I decided to forego the play party and head for the Revolution.  This was, believe it or not, my first Fetish Guerilla, and I came away quite impressed. The music was super,  and the energy was  high. Voivodess, my roomie for the weekend, did an impressive performance – an athletic self-suspension which was just lovely to watch. The only downside was of course the naked masturbator who was positioned almost at the venue entrance. (Not such a nice introduction for any newcomers to fetish, is it? Disgusting!) Luckily I didn’t have too long to glare menacingly at him before I ran into much more pleasant company, such as a nice contingent of Rubber Pal members! It was super to meet DB, Myme, Latex Angel, a nice fellow called John, Latexbot, Observer and Phoenix, and to hide out in their cozy corner.

I chose to leave rather early with the WDR guys, close to 3:00, but other folks chose to party into the wee hours.

Lucky for me I managed to catch some rest Saturday night, because Sunday was non-stop, beginning with the Crazy Rubber & Friends Brunch at the Red Rooster. There was also an official brunch at Spannwerk, but the CR & Friend Brunch has become somewhat of a cherished tradition for many GFB-goers, including me. Most of the guests were already eating when I arrived, where I headed straight for the Rubber Pal table for more entertainment. Later on Miss Britney made an appearance, seemingly from out of nowhere, rounding off the proper RubberPal experience.

The rest of the day was spent at a Berlin Wall exhibition with my Rubber Pal Latexbot, and then supper with the Swedish contingent, before rushing home to ready myself for the main event.

I arrived at the Matrix Club shortly after midnight, and sadly I managed to miss every fashion show! Apparently I missed Savage Wear, Blacklikorish Latex, Pony Maedchen, Tatjana Warnecke and Rubber 55, who received the Fashion Award this year.

It’s been such fun observing the evolution of the ballgoers’ clothing since the German Fetish Ball’s inception. I recall the first ball of 2004, and how strict, serious and old school most of the attendees chose to dress for the events. The style has definitely progressed in the ensuing years, and this year was no exception. My favorite outfits were both worn by men in 2009: one adorable Robin Hood, and Latex Angel’s exquisite black dress military jacket (custom made by Rosengarn)!

In all, the evening was a great time, since I got to spend time with many of my friends previously mentioned. The GFB weekend moves next year to Hamburg, where I’m sure I will also go, but the fond memories of Berlin are sure to remain.

Thanks Rene, Martin, the Exclusiv team and everyone else who maked the event such a success!

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Other galleries already up from the weekend:
Alexander Horn, Josselin Guichard, London Fetish Scene (several galleries) and more as we find them.

Ooh, The Fetishistas have part one live now, and managed to get a photo of that odious wanker, AND the funniest photo of deebee yet.  Go see!

The German Fetish Ball is Germany’s premier fetish event, enjoying a good reputation all over the world. The weekend in Berlin sets and points out fashion trends and offers a worthy atmosphere to celebrate this great fetish subculture. It already becomes apparent, that in 2009 the Ball will prove again why it is the fetish event in Germany and among the few big ones worldwide.

The German Fetish Ball Weekend reflects this variety and is set to bring this lifestyle to people, enjoy your time in Berlin and celebrate this wonderful world of fetish. Like the every year, German Fetish Ball Weekend attracts some of the best designers and fashion labels worldwide, to present their fashion in unique shows, starring some of most wanted fetish models. The guest can look forward to an unforgettable weekend full of attractions.

The weekend kicks of with a Cocktail party on Friday and finds its highlight with the actual German Fetish Ball, as the main event, on Sunday. In between there are events and parties for every taste, wild nightlife at Kinky Cocktails and a special event on Friday, the decadent Xklusiv Play Night at a gorgeous venue and the Revolution pre-party Saturday night as well as the big German Fetish Fair on Saturday and Sunday.

Alongside the official schedule Berlin is the perfect meeting place for the fetish scene from all over the world. There will be get-togethers of various fetish communities, photo shootings, workshops and so on. Especially the Crazy-Rubber & Friends – Fetish Brunch sunday is a must!

Germany Fetish Ball weekend celebrates its 5th anniversary and promises a bubbling weekend in Germanys capital. Kicking off with the relaxed Kinky Cocktails and the Friday’s Finest Fetish, the Revolution on Saturday and the limited GFB PlayNight for bdsm lovers, the big German Fetish Fair on Saturday and Sunday, the weekend culminates in the German Fetish Ball itself, on May 11th 2008.

The program is as colorful as in the previous years with fashion shows by Bondinage, Libidex, Pressure Corsets, Burlesque Couture, Spitz Massdesign, Tatjana Warnecke, Favor and Crazy Outfits, live music from FAQ vs. RubberDoll, a special Torture Garden room with the DJs and performers of the famous London parties and many other show-acts. The Mistress of Ceremonies will be the lovely RubberDoll from Florida

The popular German Fetish Fair will stay in the huge “Arena” and opens its gates on May, 10th & 11th. The German Fetish Ball itself is on Whitsunday, May 11th again at the “Matrix”. Furthermore there is a couples only bdsm PlayNight on Saturday at the “Residenz Avalon” as well as the Revolution at the “Sage Club”. The weekend kicks off as usual with the Kinky Cocktails and Friday’s Finest Fetish at the “Insomnia”.

Official website: www.german-fetish-ball.com