Elite Traveler September-October 2018

What to pack Transport your essentials in a minimalistic titanium suitcase fromGerman brand Rimowa, which may include a trendy Acne Studios leather jacket with a fur-lined collar or a classic, yet versatile jean, like these fromGrlfrnd.

by Emma Reynolds STYLE DESTINATION

Grlfrnd Karolina cropped high-rise skinny jean, $245, modaoperandi.com

Rimowa essential trunk in gloss white, $980, Rimowa in New York, +1 212 758 1060, rimowa.com

Acne Studios Velocite jacket, $2,700, acnestudios.com

Berlin conjures ideas of late-night, underground clubs, an edgy music scene, independent streetwear designers and more than a dash of punk. But despite its sometimes gritty, brutalist architecture and avant-garde tastes, the city is home to perfectly designed hotels, elegant local designers and of course, a quirky local flair that you’ll immediately fall for.

BERLIN

What to buy There’s no shortage of cool designers based in Berlin. A cashmere turtleneck from Iris von Arnim is almost a right of passage for those who visit the city (the German designer has been making cashmere sweaters for over 40 years) — visit KaDeWe department store to browse her collection. Pair it with a piece from Lilian von Trapp’s sustainable jewelry line, made of recycled 14K gold, delicate enough for

everyday wear and chic enough for a dinner at Pauly Saal’s in the bustlingMitte neighborhood, while a bright pump fromAeyde is perfect for dancing the night away at Victoriabar. KaDeWe department store is Germany’s most iconic shopping destination, with Bauhaus-style interiors you can’t miss

Where to go Here, the nightlife starts late and ends at sunrise so prepare yourself for a night of barhopping on Torstrasse with a hearty dinner at Grill Royal. To recover from a night of Berliner Weisse, Berlin-based jewelry maker Lilian von Trapp recommends brunch on the rooftop terrace of Hotel de Rome. Next, take a trip to Kreuzberg neighborhood to visit König Galerie, a former brutalist church. Art in all mediums, including massive installations and paintings, live within the towering structure for a wonderfully haunting experience.

Iris von Arnim Lawrence cashmere sweater, $695, irisvonarnim.com

Lilian von Trapp Grid bracelet in 14K recycled yellow gold, $3,340, lilianvontrapp.com

Where to stay Hotel Zoo is a

Berlin staple for out-of-towners and locals alike thanks to designer Dayna Lee’s reimagining of the century-old hotel, now fitted with funky decor and bespoke furnishings.

Aeyde Sara sunny heel, $375, aeyde.com

Photos Nalies 2017, Derek Hudson 2016, ZUUMEO GmbH