Lena knows why Cologne's got style

It's been almost five years now that I live in Cologne. Time enough to explore the city's fashion habits, trends and people you may think - but you're wrong and I tell you why:

For me, it's quite hard to describe the typical Cologne style. It's not as edgy as Berlin, not as chic as Munich, not as casual as Hamburg - but it rather has nuances from every city. Pretty extraordinary but it's exactly the reason why I love the style so much. To my great joy, Lena Terlutter, Cologne's #1 fashionista, tried hard to describe the typical Cologne fashion in her first book (shop it here). And you know what? Cologne's got style!

Stylestalker: Come as you are

It's kind of a compulsion that I am always in quest of new designers. Hence, I am paging trough dozens of fashion magazines to be in the groove and to get some new inspiration. This week, I stumbled upon stylestalker - a brand, which was portrayed by InStyle. The Australian designers Sue-Ann San and Rachel Zellic actually founded stylestalker as a small online-boutique which soon developed into an iconic brand. The outfits impress with a mix of grunge-aestethics, saucy cuts and feminine lacy details. Thus, the typical styletalker girl has a strong personality with an underlying sexy spin: Bodycon dresses for the weekend paired with slouchy cardigans, lace party dresses and short shorts - exactly the looks I keep a sharp lookout for. As I am particularly struck by stylestalkers last F/W collection, I decided to show you some looks out of it. The current collection can be shopped here.

Desirable Silhouettes by Jay Ahr Paris

To be perfectly honest, Jay Ahr was an utter stranger to me. I normally have a thing for French couturiers like Isabel Marant, Comme des Garçons or Maison Martin Margiela but Jay Ahr hasn’t come to my field of view until now. Fortunately, it’s Paris Fashion Week: In the past days I came across a lot of previously unknown designers keeping aloof from the mainstream. These include Jonathan Riss aka Jay Ahr (his initials in English phonetics), who launched his first collection in Paris in 2005. As soon as he left the school benches, Riss focused on dresses where he could henceforth assert his talent and vast know-how. His designs are mainly fluid, vaporous and – to my great joy – minimalistic. 

Although his past designs are just as well, I am especially enamoured with his Cruise Collection which is an ensemble of gray, white and black designs. The collection is comprised of coarse knit sweaters combined with flowing skirts which is totally to my liking. In addition, Jay Ahr presents dresses, pantsuits and short pants which perfectly contrast the high heels and the messy hair of the models. Unfortunately, there is a drop of bitterness: The price totally strains my budget. Therefore, I have no choice but to delight in the pictures.

Sassy and sexy: Burberry Prorsum

As the days are gradually growing colder and autumn is slowly making its way into the streets, it seems as if Burberry’s latest collection braves the weather. Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey departed from the metallic, studding and though leather detailing cloth of the past seasons, reimagining his label in squishy wool, soft lace and embellished jewels. As always, yesterday’s show was a full voltage theatrical performance with almost as many paparazzi as guests. The front row was celebrity-studded with current face Sienna Miller, Paloma Faith, Alexa Chung and teenie heart throb Harry Styles who was totally overwhelmed with emotion: As Cara Delevigne walked down the runway in a succession of elegant ladylike ensembles, the OneDirection hunk appeared to be absolutely mesmerized and was particularly enthralled by the sight of her bottom in a dusky pencil skirt. That figures!

But back on topic. The whole collection reminds me of those sweet Ladurée macaroons who make my mouth water everytime I see them. A palette of pastel lilac, blue and mint floated down the runway in Hyde Park, letting lacy dresses and front-split pencil skirts play tasty filling to the coats, while sheepskin clutches scrunched in one hand added a dash of darker orange or pink. “We were working on the idea of flowers and fragility and lightness”, CCO Bailey said backstage. “I like the idea of something sexy and a little vulnerable.” 

Besides that, the fashion house proved beyond doubt that they are masters of the digital genre. For the last years, Burberry has become as renowned for innovation as for their tartan check. The latest show-stopper is the cooperation with Apple who lent the new iPhone 5s to document and share the collection. Hence, Burberry enjoyed testing the new version of Apple’s bestseller before anyone else in the world.

Diesel opens Flagship Store in Frankfurt

Brighter, cleaner and ready at last: After what seemed like an eternity to me, Diesel finally managed to open a new flagship store in my hometown Frankfurt. To create a larger sales area in the landmark building, which is centrally located at Rathenauplatz between Zara and Cafetiero, Diesel has integrated the space of the former Faber Castell and Escada stores. On almost 400 m² the vast store now hosts the complete Diesel fashion and denim collections, as well as Diesel shoes, bags and the high fashion line Diesel Black Gold. Not to mention that the collections are awesome as usual, I am particularly struck by the interior design. The furnishings combine steel, wood and vintage elements which almost duped me into a spending spree.  

Renzo Rosso, founder of the label, continues to promote innovation at the heart of comfort and proves that the denim and tailoring can coexist with elegance. For the FW13 womenswear collection, Diesel started from the basics by recalling the most successful pieces of the past two years. The overall theme for the current collection “Tough goes sensual” includes items with functional cuts and shapes drawn from the military world, given a feminine allure thanks to soft fabrics that trace a woman’s body. Based on the same belief this collection is stronger than ever: luxurious yet relaxed and full of innovative textures.

Miranda Kerr fronts Mango's A/W campaign

Victoria's Secret darling Miranda Kerr continues to put her stamp on mass fashion by fronting yet another campaign for Mango. Looking as flawless as ever, Kerr poses in a range of outfits from Mango’s forthcoming Autumn/Winter collection. Working some of next season’s hottest trends, the model is showing off a more relaxed style, miles away from her usually perfectly polished appearance. "I had a great time shooting the fall/winter campaign for Mango with Inez and Vinoodh," she said in an Interview with Glamour magazine. “They are an amazing team to work with—we have such a good time together. The clothing is especially fun this season with a punk‐inspired edge."

The collection takes on the season's punk trend proving you can try the Met Gala couture-inspired styles on a budget. With NYC as her backdrop, Miranda proves her modeling credentials in tartan trousers, sheer dresses, chunky winter boots and must-have jackets. Moreover, the Australian beauty gave LBDs and work-ready blazers rocker-chic flair, completed with morning-after hair and kohl-rimmed eyeliner.

             

The collection follows on from Miranda’s most recent summer campaign, in which she wowed in a range of cute dresses and holiday wear. This is Miranda’s second season modeling for Mango, following in the footsteps of fellow model Kate Moss and actress Penelope Cruz.

Summer Essential #2: Shorts

Some of you already know that I have a penchant for summerly shorts. Shorts will always be my favorite summer must-have and I am glad about the fact that they finally hit the runway. Designers have eventually managed to transform shorts from a casual sartorial option into a workplace alternative, a red-carpet choice and even a substitute for the summer dress. Brands like Valentino and Louis Vuitton or Akris and Jason Wu have all come up with original short styles this season. And once again celebrities are at the forefront, introducing shorts into new situations: Supermodel Eva Herzigova matched a cropped dinner jacket and a ruffled white blouse with apair of satin-trimmed black shorts to walk up the red carpeted steps at the Cannes Film Festival in France 2011. In New York, the actress Jessica Simpson turned up at an exhibition opening wearing tiny denim shorts and a wide smile. And then there is the fashion world icon Kate Moss, whose love of shorts in any situation has been well documented over the years. Her choice to wear black stockings under her denim shorts at the last Glastonbury music festival has already spurred countless copycats.

Now with all the options available - from bagged cuffed versions to microshorts worn overstockings - there’s a big possibility that this trend will be more than just a passing fancy. Here are four of my personal styling tips how your look is going to be outstanding:

1. Lengthen your legs with high heels for a night out. If you aren't as tall as I am, wearing hot pants with a pair of stilettos will accentuate your frame and leave your limbs looking long.

2. Cover up your top with a blazer. There is such a thing as showing too much skin. Though your legs will be bare, a chic blazer over a loose blouse will streamline the entire look. I personally love to team my hot pants with my pink blazer as it really upgrades the whole look (click).

3. Try it as a bikini bottom. If you’re not quite comfortable incorporating hot pants into your everyday wardrobe, you can wear them as a bikini bottom to recreate that '50s beach bombshell vibe.

4. The perfect fit is essential. Make sure you find the right hot pant for your shape. Luckily this season many options are a little longer and more loose-fitting for curvier figures, on top of those bum-skimming options for the skinny minnies out there. Bottom line: always try on before you buy!