While it might not be as famous for its fashion as Milan or Paris, Berlin is at the forefront of edgy, ultra-hip design. A specialty is temporary 'Guerrilla' fashion boutiques that spring up in the trendiest shopping areas, sell über-cool threads for a few months, and then disappear without a trace. Discovering these hidden treasures is a reward in itself.
The biggest collection of shops is around the swish Kürfurstendamm, also known as the Kü'damm. It has a mind-boggling mix of exclusive stores and KaDeWe in Tauentzienstrasse, the largest department store in continental Europe, will keep your credit cards busy for a while.
If your taste in fashion tends towards the Gallic, Galeries Lafayette (Friedrichstrasse 76 -- 78) offers elegant French design, perfumes, shoes and accessories. It also offers fine French food and drink in its basement.
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