Page 91 - Cosmopolitan - UK (April 2020)

smile and laugh and toss eventually let in. All I could
our hair and ensure –
above all – that we are
“liked” It’s so deeply
.
ingrained that even these
powerful women have felt
it in their darkest moments.
“It’s a societal problem,”
says Esther, who realised
that she had to be kinder to
herself and that it’s OK for
her to say “no” It wasn’t
.
something to be ashamed
of, a reason to hide away in
taxis, avoiding the glare of
the customers who seethed
at her. “As a woman, you’re
constantly afraid to hurt
others’ feelings, even when
you’re insulted for no
reason. I had to learn to
look at myself in the mirror
and like the person I was
seeing.” According to her,
being a bouncer has
therefore been the most
empowering experience of
her life. This is echoed by
Eli, who is proud of her
HAUSCHKA. HAIR AND MAKE-UP ASSISTANT MEILYNN LINDAR, USING PAUL MITCHELL FOR HAIR. SHOOT LOCATION RAW COMPLEX
HAIR AND MAKE-UP JAZZ MANG, USING KOREAN SKINCARE, BEN NYE, LAURA MERCIER, BELLA PIERRE, SENSAI MASCARA 38°C, DR
evolution as a “gatekeeper
BERLIN. ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS GETTY IMAGES, ALAMY, DAGMAR, SCHWELLE/LAIF/CAMERA PRESS, DANIEL ETTER/EYEVINE
of the party” “You make
.
rules to enable people to
live their dreams, to create
that safe, untouchable and
powerful space,” says Esther.
“We are in charge of keeping
the magic unbroken, and
sometimes that has a cost,
it means rejecting a few
people.” Steffi-Lotta’s desire
has always been to create
places where people could
simply close their eyes and
listen to the music, and
not feel limited by their
financial resources or daily
constraints. “I think from
a political perspective that’s
very, very, very important.”
I think back to my time
in that endless queue, our
patience tested, and then
the moment we were
Berlin’s most
think, as I entered with
a racing heart, was about
losing control. I knew
I could do it in a way I
couldn’t back in the UK.
When I lived in London,
I’d don my tightest dress,
drink too many vodkas
and either fend off men’s
constant advances – men
who wouldn’t take no
for an answer – or I’d say
yes to a one-night stand,
mainly for self-validation.
Here, the sound system
shakes my entire soul:
disorientating, brutal and
mind-blowing. The room
is shaped like a Roman
theatre where you can
glide upstairs and feel
those dancing below. The
moonlight passes through
the broken windows, giving
shape to the statues and
vines decorating the
bricked walls. Then there’s
the adult outdoor chill-
out area where anything
is permitted. The world
outside becomes distant. I
think of Esther’s comment:
“The ones who make it past
me are safe inside.” Perhaps
these women are this strict
simply so that you can be
properly free. ◆
BE HI ND T H E S C E N ES
Sarah Hurtes
“I met the co-founder of the
notorious sex-infused KitKatClub,
Kirsten Krüger. We chatted inside for
over four hours, where she ended
up interviewing me – an off-the-
record chat that I’ll cherish forever.”
iconic clubs
BE R G HAI N
Where: A huge Soviet-era power station.
Known for: Having an orgy room on
the bottom floor.
What the forums say: “Listen for the
beat, nod your head. Look at the building.
Don’t make eye contact with the doormen
until they speak to you. Show no fear.”
:/ / A B O U T B L A N K
Where: A warren of different spaces
now covered in graffiti with a huge
garden and two dancefloors.
Known for: STAUB – a monthly event
said to be one of Berlin’s best parties.
What the forums say: “Don’t get your
phone out in the queue.”
KA T E R B L A U
Where: Located on the bank of the river
Spree, it looks like a cross between an
abandoned circus and the Mad Max set.
Known for: Its outdoor area – there’s
a caravan, bungalow, bonfire and tents.
What the forums say: “Show up sober
and keep your mouth shut in the queue.”
RE NA T E
Where: A large apartment building with
separated flats once used as a brothel.
Known for: The House Of Red Doors –
an all-day, all-night sex-themed party.
What the forums say: “Dress like
you’re willing to participate in the
debauchery that happens inside.”
SI S Y P H O S
Where: A former factory with a lake, an
abandoned bus and a place for pizza.
Known for: Surprise DJ sets. You never
know who’s going to play.
What the forums say: “Go on a
Saturday afternoon because at night
you can be stuck in line for hours.”