Mr Ties

Everyone knows there's no shortage of good parties in Berlin. One glance at the Thursday-through-Monday listings on any given week is enough to leave even the toughest club kid in disco-related shock. That's not to say creating a good party is easy though, far from it. It takes years of hard work to create something that's special for all the right reasons.

://about blank is one of the city's most renowned venues, playing host to a colourful range of parties. Its dark, intimate inner belly and sprawling, psychedelic garden is perfect for revelry and, you guessed it, that something special. One of its jewels is Homopatik, the party lead by a fearless, flamboyant and gorgeously ferocious individual: Francesco De Nittis, aka Mr Ties.

Homopatik has become one of the most talked-about parties in Berlin. That's thanks to its weekend-long run time, its unannounced array of world-class DJs, its anything-goes vibe and, of course, Ties' record collection. The DJ has a wide-ranging taste and her selections are constantly surprising (and always damn good). She often plays several extended sets that can last anywhere between two and ten hours at Homopatik and none are ever the same. No sound is deemed untouchable and she plays to a diverse, welcoming and free-spirited crowd.

A warm memory from Homopatik is of a late summer Sunday evening out on the ://about blank terrace. Ellen Allien was keeping things going as darkness dropped down. The party was in its final stages but the vibe was still spot-on. People lounged, rolling spliffs inconspicuously while men and women draped in leather stomped in unison upon the garden's raised platforms. Another group of people emerged from a tiny little hut in looking suitably pleased with themselves. And behind Ellen there was a dancer, scantily-clad and smiling, appearing to be the happiest person in the rave. Of course it was Mr Ties.