Although Mitte and Tiergarten epitomize what’s hot and cool in Berlin, and thus are widely seen as the city’s most happening neighbourhoods, luxury brands prefer the more gilded grounds of Charlottenburg. It’s on Kurfürstendamm, an iconic thoroughfare lined with ornately designed historic buildings, where an increasing number of brands from fashion’s top echelon have opened up shop in recent years, and the latest arrival on the block is Dior. The Paris-based fashion house has had a presence in the German capital for quite some time with a shop-in-shop at department store Kadewe, but has now opened a standalone boutique, its fourth in Germany. The interior design takes cues from the the Dior flagship store on avenue Montaigne in the French capital, but with modern twists, resulting in unique and obviously plush settings.

The store features a monochrome palette, and is dotted with furnishings made from recycled materials by designer Stefan Leo, and pastel-coloured paintings of artist Jan Kaláb adorn the walls. Additionally, the design also includes a subtle homage to the fashion house’s founder Christian Dior [1905-1957] as the floor in the women’s section is covered with Versailles parquet flooring, a nod to his personal passion for the 18th Century. The new Dior store carries women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, but also has an area dedicated exclusively to its Dior Homme line. Anticipating the high volume of celebrities and big spenders that visit the German capital, the store also features a V.I.P. room on the premises.

Design:

Dior

Photography: Aldo Sperber