Aug 25

Aug 25 Fashion Spotlight: Chi & Co

Welcome to my Fashion Spotlight series. In these posts, I write about boutiques and fashion-driven stores that I find in Berlin and occasionally elsewhere. Each interview focuses on local designers and shopkeepers who discuss the inspiration behind their pieces and small businesses. If you are a designer or shop owner and want to be featured, please get in touch!

Chi & Co

One day while wandering the streets of Berlin's Mitte neighborhood, I stumbled into Chi & Co. The colorful clothing (and summer sale) in the store immediately caught my attention and I knew I wanted to talk to the owner.

That's when I met Chieko, a transplant from Japan who settled in Berlin and opened up her shop filled with one-of-a-kind pieces imported from Italy, Japan, and made here in Berlin. She was kind enough to sit down with me and talk about fashion in Berlin.

What made you want to open up a shop in Berlin?

Berlin is a more affordable city to live in compared to other European cities. I chose it knowing that it would be a lot more cost-efficient to open up here.

Describe the style of your clothing in three words/phrases.

1) Fun to wear 2) Unique 3) Good price & high-quality.

fashion berlin clothing accessories germany

What do you look for most when selecting pieces for Chi & Co?

Every new piece steals my heart. I choose the ones that speak to me the most.

What inspires you most about Berlin fashion?

I like the way that Berliners use colors! I thought most people only wore black but, I've noticed lately that people use colors more these days.

denim jeans and oversized pink sweater chi & co berlin

What are some other boutiques that you like in Berlin?

Studio 183 and Walking the Cat.

How do you curate the styles of Chi & Co?

I look for inspiration on Instagram and also during fashion week in order to select pieces that are on-trend.

What are some of your favorite pieces?

I have this one piece which is an oversized backpack from Japan. I also really love the Berlin Made tees and sweatshirts which are store originals. A large number of pieces are shipped in from Italy.