I grew up in Berlin’s gay quarter around Nollendorfplatz — naturally, I was surrounded by leather, studs, and all-black everything my whole life. And while I do love the influence that environment had on me, my personal style somehow turned out to be the opposite of that (Maybe because my mother always made sure our home looks like we live inside a Frida Kahlo painting).

Of course, I am no exception — there are plenty of people who don’t wear excentric outfits or black leather day-to-day. Still, it’s pretty clear that layered Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens, and CDG looks dominate the scene, which is probably what outsiders associate with “Berlin style”. 

And while an all black-look can look extremely chic and elevated, I prefer a pop of color here and there. A modestly cute, but sharp look. A puff-sleeved blouse with a brooch paired with a long pencil skirt. The type of clothes that scream in silence.

Sometimes mixed with something sexy and dramatic, yes — but never as a full look. That's why I love Miuccia Prada or Laura & Deanna Fanning (Kiko Kostadinov Womens), they always represent the balance between colliding worlds. 
 

In a city where people avoid color like the devil avoids holy water — a different approach to fashion almost feels like a rebellious act. Part of me keeps wondering: Can more playful clothing even live up to the high fashion standards this city holds? 

Yes they can. Building your wardrobe and paying homage to something should be fun! You can be reserved today and bold tomorrow.. Or both at the same time. 

We’re conditioned to label everything (I know, I just did it myself.) But maybe it’s time to unlearn that?
Because the truth is: All of this is fictional. 

★ We don’t need to dress a certain way to be categorized correctly.
★ We need to stop categorizing everything in the first place.
★ We need to stop finding associations for everything.

I often have this conversation with friends or my husband.

For example: A friend likes an item, thinks it suits her style and already has ideas on how to style it, but then starts to detect flaws with the wrong associations, like “Isn't this too ___” or “It's kinda giving ___”. And that's how we completely destroy its potential. We suffocate creative styling by going for the pieces that feel “safe” enough to avoid misinterpretation.

There is no such thing as right or wrong when it comes to dressing yourself — unless you're trying to squeeze into a specific aesthetic just to maintain a certain idea of who you want people to think you are. But what truly feels like you will always attract the right crowd.

This whole internal debate about identity and expression, made me think of that scene in 13 Going on 30, when Jenna saves the magazine with a simple, heartfelt collage — something that speaks to everyone, not just the too-cool-for-school crowd the industry sustains. 

And that’s exactly what I want my curation to feel like: inclusive, authentic, and for everyone who is unapologetically themselves. 

And honestly? I 100% trust this vision.

Here is a Wilson & Winona Shopping Guide for the best of both worlds and everything in between. (Click Pictures)


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