The streets of Berlin unfold like carefully composed pages of history, where fashion, art, and culture interweave seamlessly. Our recent sojourn in this vibrating capital, where every moment revealed the subtle dialogue between past and new trends.

Day One: Art Meets Luxury in West Berlin
Our morning began in the serene spaces of the Neue Nationalgalerie. The minimalist architecture by Mies van der Rohe resonates deeply with our design philosophy. Within these refined walls, the post-1945 art collections offered thoughtful reflections on each decade's artistic evolution, perfectly mirroring the parallel social transformations.

The afternoon drew us to KaDeWe, where we observed the careful curation of contemporary luxury. Continental Europe's largest department store presents an elegant showcase of established houses. The 7th floor provides a discrete vantage point for contemplating the historic Kurfürstendamm below with valuable self-service where we had lunch.

As evening approached, we discovered Blend at the Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof, where contemporary design sensibilities create an atmosphere of vibrant sophistication. Our black cotton canvas crossbody, selected for its versatile elegance, proved to be the perfect companion throughout the day's transitions.
Day Two: History Vibes & Contemporary Fashion in East Berlin
The Museum at Kulturbrauerei offered an intimate glimpse into East German heritage. Housed within a thoughtfully repurposed brewery, the space explores culture and daily under Communism until the fall of Wall. These preserved moments in time provide invaluable context for contemporary thoughts.

Lunch at the nearby Zum Schusterjungen provided a moment of historical authenticity. The preserved 1945 ambiance offered a thoughtful counterpoint to Berlin's traditional popular landscape. Boulette Mit Spiegelei and Schweineschnitzel completed our immersion in the city.

Our path led us to the Berlin Wall remnants, where the weight of history remains palpable. These preserved sections stand as quiet testimonials to the city's transformation, influencing modern Berlin's distinctive design sensibilities.

In Mitte, we explored the refined evolution of the former East Berlin. This district has matured into an elegant showcase of independent designers, each offering their interpretation of Berlin's sophisticated-meets-avant-garde aesthetic.
A Final Discovery
Before departing, we returned to the Charlottenburger Tor flea market, a destination that holds particular significance for us. It was here that we previously discovered an exquisite bronze statue from the early 1900s, created by an Italian sculptor who had made Germany his home. We love these markets always looking for discoveries. Quite often we come home with a piece of Meissen China. So elegant!

Our brief sojourn reinforced Berlin's position as an essential source of inspiration. The city maintains an elegant balance between historical reverence and contemporary innovation, reflecting our approach to design. For those who appreciate the subtleties of style, Berlin offers an endless array of refined discoveries and having with you a hands-free crossbody where you keep your essentials—from ID to cellphone to lip balm—allows for safely exploring the city with both elegance and practicality.
Düsseldorf-based art consultant Sabine Broekmann has spent thirty years placing art in homes, galleries and design spaces. We asked her about atmosphere, collecting — and the Italian objects she chooses for herself.
There are places on Lake Como that you would not expect to exist. Casa Bianca Como is one of them. A historic villa open to the public since 2024, it houses a deeply personal contemporary art collection — works by Francesco Vezzoli, Pier Paolo Calzolari and others — alongside Cova, the historic Milanese patisserie. We went on a winter afternoon. We will return.
The things we value most about how we work were not invented. They were inherited — from the mills, the artisans, and the rhythms of life on Lake Como. And they are responsible. Zero waste. Transparent supply chain. Timeless design. No compromise.