Hansed Haarhaus is owned by Eduard P. Hans, a manufacturer of hairpieces and wigs (and, one hears, one of the very best). Having hair of my own, I've never been inside the shop; but the window display is absolutely compelling.
It houses a flock of display dummies' heads, the older ones must be about forty years old. Some of them seem a little battered or outright beaten up, adorned with band-aid and sunglasses. All of them wear toupées of some kind.
It looks strangely as if there had not been enough heads for all this hair. At least that might be an explanation for the spread of false beards and moustaches, sometimes even among the ladies. My favourite detail is a little plastic sausage dog with a blonde mane.
The display is topped-off with an abundance of lovingly arranged photographs, newspaper clippings and funny hand-written signs (which are unfortunately beyond my translation skills). All this indicates the owner's peculiar sense of humour, good nature -- and his dedication to his job.
Any time I walk by this shop it brings a smile to my face. And, by the way, it's one of the most-photographed motifs to be found in the quarter. I hope very much no one will ever trim this window a different way. read more
