Red silk pumps by Louis Vuitton, a gold slipper by Jil Sander and a silk dress by Missoni, the beautifully decorated shop window changes once a week and shows glossy exhibits. Inside the boutique No. 8 for First Hand, Second Hand & Vintage in Berlin-Wilmersdorf you will find exclusive designer fashion only. What is sold in this noble second hand and vintage shop is fashion of the big names. Here you can find first and second hand as well as vintage parts of Prada, Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Missoni, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Roberto Cavalli, Miu Miu and others. Trendy shoes from “Sex and the City” luxury brands such as Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin are also eye-catchers.
In addition to elegant shoes and designer fashion, No. 8 also offers evening gowns and accessories such as exclusive Chanel and Hermès handbags like the classic Kelly Bag by Hermés that once Grace Kelly made famous. For such a bag, however, one can certainly plan the budget of a small used car. Such precious bags are already partly traded as investment objects.
All clothes are dry-cleaned and in perfect condition. Owner Peter Herbst-Leimbach has been in the fashion industry for 35 years, worked as a model and designer himself and was employed by Karl Lagerfeld. He continues to use his contacts in the fashion industry. Through a personal contact he receives evening gowns from Los Angeles, some of which were once worn by Hollywood stars. Under the term “First Hand” Mr. Herbst-Leimbach carries parts that were purchased, briefly privately owned but never worn or used. Most parts have been worn a maximum of two or three times.
Clothes by Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès are most in demand in his business. The store also thrives on perfect service, because the owner knows his customers, often business women or women in management positions from 30 years upwards, who come back regularly because he gives them individual advice. Some customers call and say I need two pantsuits, the matching tops and a cocktail dress for a congress next week and he finds the appropriate garments for the occasion. Also tourists find his shop in Wilmersdorf and appreciate the competence and large selection. However, the fashion lovers who buy here should have a certain budget at their disposal.
