Karo-Mode & Accessoires

Boutique on Heinsestraße in northern Reinickendorf

Hermsdorf is located on the northern edge of Reinickendorf and is one of those districts that hardly anyone thinks of when it comes to fashion. That’s precisely why it’s worth the trip. At Heinsestraße 31, Kathrin Oltermann-Muth runs her boutique, and the owner brings a qualification that has become rare in retail: she is a trained master tailor. According to her own statement, she has around thirty years of experience in the fashion industry and has been operating her own shop in Berlin since 2013. This is evident in the business, because Karo-Mode doesn’t just sell goods, but offers type-specific advice on fabric, color, and cut. The motto of the house is quality over quantity, and that’s more than just a phrase here. The address can be reached by S-Bahn line S1 to Hermsdorf station, from there it’s just a few minutes’ walk. Those coming from the city center will travel for a while, but will end up in a quiet neighborhood where you won’t be rushed by a queue at the checkout when trying on clothes. That’s exactly what distinguishes this address from the city’s major fashion districts.

Collections from four countries and an in-house alteration service

The assortment is geared towards women’s fashion and covers the entire wardrobe. There are trousers, skirts, blouses, dresses, sweaters, jackets, knitwear, and trouser suits, with a focus on combinable basics, business wear, and festive clothing. More interesting for this list is the second half of the store: shoes, belts, scarves and wraps, bags, and costume jewelry complement the clothing, allowing an entire outfit to be assembled in one place. According to the store, collections come from Scandinavia, Holland, Italy, and Germany, featuring brands such as Stehmann, Oui, Masai, Fox’s, Angels, and Emily van den Bergh. The crucial difference from a regular boutique is the on-site alteration service. If trousers are too long or the waist is too wide, corrections are made directly in-house instead of referring customers to an external tailor. Karo-Mode does not publish prices, nor does it have an online shop. Therefore, those who come here should take their time for a consultation. In return, you get an assessment from someone who has learned the craft and can see whether a cut suits a figure or not.