Why Düsseldorf?

Her work has made it onto the catwalks in Paris, and her straightforward, understated design has many fans worldwide. In September 2020, designer Stephanie Hahn opened her own multi-label concept store with green luxury approach LIVE LAB STUDIOS in her home city of Düsseldorf - a clear statement in favour of the fashion location.

What sets Düsseldorf apart?

What sets Düsseldorf apart the most - also in comparison to other big cities and metropolises - are the short distances within the city. That's an important reason why I like living here and why I've not been tempted to move to Paris.

Düsseldorf is a good location for fashion (retail) because ...

...you meet a lot of interesting and also very enthusiastic and versatile people here. You notice this in the wide range of cultural activities we have to offer. And there are several million people living in the huge catchment area around the city, many of whom enjoy coming to Düsseldorf to shop and look for inspiration.

Düsseldorf in three words

Practical. International. Multifaceted.

If Düsseldorf were a piece of clothing, what would it look like?

I can even think of two items of clothing: a cashmere jumper and a Fortuna jersey. You have the luxury, among other things with the incomparable Kö, and at the same time there is also this local patriotism and tradition, which can then perhaps be expressed with the jersey. Düsseldorfers do have these two passions, but I think they fit together quite well and that's what makes the place so charming.

Here in Düsseldorf I look for inspiration

When I use public transport! Because here you simply experience a cross-section of society very closely. Because you're on the move - people get on and off, you travel through different districts - you also see a change in styles. For me, inspiration has to be mixed and colourful, as unorthodox and unexpected as possible.

Here in Düsseldorf I get in a good mood

At the Rhine meadows when I'm out and about with my dog. I consider it a total luxury that I can be in such a beautiful place so quickly to enjoy nature - there is no other city like it.

Here in Düsseldorf I meet interesting people

The Art Academy is a particularly interesting, exciting place for me. Because it is very international and because I can experience people here who also use fashion as a non-verbal means of communication in an extreme form. •

“For me, Inspiration has to be mixed and colourful, as unorthodox and unexpected as possible.”

Words: Dominic Deden
Pictures Markus Luigs, Stefan Milev

2023/03, People engVIVID Magazin13. Juli 2023Düsseldorf