How to shop like a Berliner

Berlin is Europe's undisputed Capital of Cool. After all, it's home to Berghain, Highsnobiety, and the Berlinale. It makes sense, then, that the city is also home to a thriving fashion scene. If Berlin shopping is one thing, it's in tune with the zeitgeist: from independent brands to concept stores, it's always on the cusp of the new. If you want to bring that specific brand of Berliner Stil back home, these are the brands to buy and where to buy them.

Jil Sander

Some of fashion’s chicest wardrobes are built on the foundations of Jil Sander ’s minimalist collections. The German designer founded her namesake label in Hamburg in 1968, and, over fifty years later, it is still synonymous with modern style. The brand’s less-is-more approach to fashion still resonates today, especially among shoppers with a penchant for quiet luxury.

Where to shop: KaDeWe (pronounced Kah-Day-Vay) is Germany's premier department store. A destination all on its own, it's called the "Department Store of the West" for a reason. Its roster of brands includes the world's leading luxury fashion designers, as well as emerging labels-to-know.

Karl Lagerfeld

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear Karl Lagerfeld is Chanel — the epitome of French design. But this German multi-hyphenate spent his childhood in the posh enclave of Blankenese, just northwest of Hamburg. Among his many enduring contributions to fashion is the eponymous Karl Lagerfeld brand, which features a logo of his silhouette complete with the unmistakable ponytail and aviator sunglasses.

Where to shop: There’s more than one location in Berlin (including an outlet store), but we suggest visiting the sprawling flagship on Kurfürstendamm, a major shopping district that the locals call “Ku’damm”. 

Hugo Boss

Hugo Boss needs no introduction: it’s famous in the world of men’s fashion for those perfectly tailored suits. But between its two premium fashion brands, BOSS and HUGO, it offers more than just menswear. It has a full range of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories; children’s styles; and even a home & lifestyle segment.

Where to shop: Ku’damm, of course. Located at Kurfürstendamm 25, the Boss Store offers the Hugo Boss experience for both men and women. But if that location happens to be out of your way, you’ll find a sprinkling of Boss boutiques throughout the city – including a men’s store at the Mall of Berlin.

Kauf Dich Glücklich 

Kauf Dich Glücklich began as a café that sold mid-century furniture. Over two decades later, it's a lifestyle store with Berlin's signature quirkiness written all over it. It carries playful décor and fashion for all ages, including the store's own line of sustainable goods. The name means "buy yourself happiness” – which we're going to make our new motto.

Where to shop: Visit the brand's spacious and bright outpost in Berlin Mitte. Turn your shopping excursion into a full morning outing by visiting the KDG Café in Prenzlauer Berg –it's touted as having the best waffles in Berlin.

Adidas

You no doubt know the name and recognise the three-stripe logo. But did you know that two of the biggest names in street style, Adidas and Puma, were founded by brothers Adi and Rudolf Dassler in Bavaria, Germany? Since 1949, Adidas has released some of the most coveted sneakers in the world, like the Gazelle, Samba and Campus sneakers. The brand has also collaborated with fashion stars like Stella McCartney, Grace Wales Bonner and Yohji Yamamoto. Runners and yogis alike will find sports shoes, activewear and training accessories among the brand’s expansive offering.

Where to shop: It’s hard to choose between the two adidas flagships in Berlin. The Adidas Originals Flagship Store in Berlin Mitte offers limited edition products, as well as select items from its special collaborations, while the Adidas Flagship Store on Tauentzienstrasse is a modern, interactive concept space that spans three stories. You can’t go wrong with either.

Aeyde

Speaking of shoes: Berlin-based Aeyde has garnered a cult following for its handcrafted footwear. The leather goods label also carries bags and other accessories, all made in Italy from high-quality materials.

Where to shop: If you visit Berlin before the end of July 2024, you’ll have a chance to stop by the famous Galeries Lafayettes before it bids adieu! to the city. Don’t worry if you miss that opportunity, though. You can find a range of Aeyde styles at KaDeWe or at the luxury shoe store Budapester .

Mykita

If Aeyde is the “sole” of Berlin, eyewear label Mykita is its face. Not only has it called Berlin home since it was founded in 2003, but it also has that iconoclastic vibe felt in every corner of the city. Designed and manufactured at the Mykita Haus in Kreuzberg, its range of optical glasses and sunglasses can be described as unconventional, innovative and unique. There’s a reason that they’re fashion’s favourite frames.

Where to shop: Andreas Murkudis is part-boutique, part-gallery. Housed across three distinct spaces on Potsdamer Strasse, this highly curated collection is staged like an exhibition. In addition to fashion, this store also carries artisanal goods from other German brands and heritage houses.

Rimowa

Have you run out of space in your suitcase by now? German brand Rimowa is the leading name in luxury luggage. Founded in Cologne in 1898, the brand is most famous for its aluminium suitcase – a style that has endured for decades. Whether you’re the over-packer who needs that extra checked bag, or the frequent business traveller looking for new carryon luggage, Rimowa has a design to match your lifestyle.

Where to shop: Apropos is a concept store located in a grand historic building on Berlin's Luxury Mile. Those with an appreciation for design will find there's more to love than just the fashion here. Take in the atmosphere by sipping an espresso at the Apropos Café on the mezzanine level