“Berlin Chic”: Then and Now

From Historic Ready-to-Wear to Contemporary Couture

Since the late 19th century, Berlin has stood alongside Paris as one of Europe's foremost centres of ready-to-wear fashion and style. Visionary entrepreneurs – many of Jewish heritage – defined what became known as the hallmark "Berlin Chic" style in the 1920s – characterised by bold innovation, an impeccable sense of elegance, and a deep intuition for the needs of the modern woman. This Weimar era was a golden age of urban sophistication and social awakening, one that was brought to a devastating and abrupt end in the 1930s.

At historic locations, the legendary Britt Kanja – style icon, former Miss Berlin, and Grand Dame of Berlin nightlife – brings this glamorous era to life. She invites you to trace the parallels between then and now, embodying the dictum that while fashions wax and wane, style is eternal. Under the experienced direction of Britt, you will also encounter a new generation of female designers who are currently ushering Berlin back onto the international fashion stage.

Setting the scene at Borchardt

The tour begins at the historic Borchardt Restaurant. Over coffee or tea, you will get to know your hostess, and receive a personal introduction to Berlin’s former significance as a fashion capital – with reference to the historic Weimar era and Britt’s own fashion trajectory throughout her storied past.

From Paris to Berlin: standing toe-to-toe with the fashion capital

Via Charlottenstraße, Gendarmenmarkt, and Hausvogteiplatz – once the very heart of the ready-to-wear industry – you will hear the echoes of a bygone era of sartorial greatness. Passing by historic sites such as "The Tailory" and the memorial dedicated to Jewish fashion entrepreneurs, the stories from a creative universe of international renown are reanimated before your eyes.

As your gaze adjusts to the subtleties of style, a brief detour to Werderscher Markt serves as a reminder of the legendary fashion magazine Der Bazar, before you stroll through selected streets lined with exquisite boutiques.

Mise-en-scène: Hackescher Markt and the Scheunenviertel

Contemporary Berlin fashion is alive on these famous streets: Britt invites you to contemplate the “Berlin Chic” of today, as artists, fashionistas, and haut-couture afficionados move to and fro in a constant stream of passersby. Amidst this creative milieu, the vibrant present of Berlin fashion unfolds before you: as surprising, alluring, and distinctive as the city itself.

Here, Britt will open doors that typically remain closed: in exclusive ateliers, you will meet internationally renowned designers and gain rare insights into their creative process – from the initial concept to the finished piece. Your encounters are personal, unhurried, and genuinely illuminating: you are expressly encouraged to try on selected creations at your leisure, slipping into costumes to define your own style identity within the city.

A Grand Finale at Sucre et Sel

Your experience concludes with a communal dinner at Sucre et Sel. Amidst this modish, urbane atmosphere, you will savor excellent French cuisine. Through reflective and informed conversation with Britt, you will bask in the unique philosophy of a true Berlin icon of style.

A creatively curated experience for anyone wishing to discover – and understand firsthand – fashion at its highest level of sophistication in this metropolitan centre.