Kaufhaus des Westens

Casadei red patent sculptural heel sandal, aka OMG.

That and lots of other amazing designer stuff was spotted during my visit to KaDeWe in Berlin, the second largest department store in Europe, a must for any Berlin-visiting fashion junkie.

KaDeWe (an abbreviation for Kaufhaus des Westens) first opened in 1907 and has a rich historical background. In 1927 it changed ownership from its founder Adolf Jandorf to the Hertie Company, which modernized and expanded the store. However, during the National Socialist era, a banking group forced the Jewish owners to sell it and appointed an "Aryan" managing director. During the WW2 a plane was shot down and crashed into the building causing great damages and forcing it to close. The first two floors re-opened in 1950 and by 1956 it was fully reconstructed, becoming a symbol of hope for post-war Berlin.

To those of you not that interested in historical facts, maybe this will get your attention...
KaDeWe stocks Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, Miu Miu, Burberry, Celine, Tod's, Strenesse, Jil Sander, See by Chloé, Neil Barrett and many other luxury brands, all under one roof.

There were also more affordable choices, some of which I contemplated myself.

I tried on this grey Comptoir des Cotonniers dress, but the zipper was faulty and they didn't have any more in my size left, so I passed.

In any case, the luxury shopping experience and the designer eye candy alone were more than a treat!