Mitte, Berlin

Reading Time:2 minutes

Published: 12:00am, 23 Jul 2006

Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the district of Mitte ('middle') was a neglected, crumbling backwater.

It is now back with a vengeance, reclaiming its pre-war status as a social and cultural hub. While big labels such as Hugo Boss, Adidas and Wolfgang Joop have opened flagship stores, myriad independent boutiques, galleries and shops are colonising much of the area, tucked away in quiet backstreets and hidden courtyards.

Adddress boutique (Steinstrasse 4, tel: 49 30 2887 3365; www.adddress.de) is an example of Berlin's burgeoning creative talent. Designer Andreea Vrajitoru's timeless modern collections, inspired by the style of the 1920s and 60s, attract customers from around the world. An elegant pleated skirt is priced at Euro195 ($1,939) and fashionable tops cost from Euro79 to Euro139.

Find kimono fabric refashioned for modern use at Sai So (Torstrasse 140, tel: 49 30 347 4530; www.sai-so.com). Austrian Martin Brem has carried on the concept started by his late wife, an avid kimono collector. Sai So, Japanese for 'reconstruct', offers items that are even exported to Japan. A 'geisha' scarf is yours for Euro215, a chic two-piece women's suit Euro2,160.

Celebrity wannabes should head to X Cat Marnie (Rochstrasse 16, tel: 49 30 2434 2344; www.

cat-marnie.com) for star fashionista-endorsed labels such as Ella Moss (worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City), Splendid (the choice of Desperate Housewives) and Ingwa Melero (Paris Hilton's favourite). Separates hit the Euro350 mark and matching footwear Euro220.

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