LINA-MARIE BAATZ

INTERVIEW BY SC&CO

I hear a lot of murmurings that ‘Threads is dead’ however I’m quite the advocate of the platform which sits nicely in-between Twitter, without the toxicity, and Instagram, without the oversaturation. I also know that it can’t be that dormant because it’s where I first came across Lina-Marie Baatz’s profile.

Lina is uber-chic and skilfully matches complimentary designs and pieces together, not only in terms of fashion but through the curation of images. Her various profiles share an insight into a hugely talented creative with impeccable taste.

I always feel affiliated with someone who champions monochrome and I’m so grateful for Lina taking the time to talk to me, I look forward to continuing to follow her content closely in the future.

WORDS BY STEPHEN COX / Photography BY Anna Caroline

Lina is uber chic. She skilfully matches complimentary designs and pieces together, not only in terms of fashion but through the curation of images.

Contact SheetS - Series of 6

SC&CO - Tell me a bit about you?

I am a Fashion Journalism and Communication student from Germany, I’m also a content creator for a fashion concept store. I currently live in Munich after moving here for university but I grew up in Bielefeld. For the last few years I’ve been doing my own styling and styling assistance for magazines including Achtung Mode and Numero Netherlands.

As a child, I always enjoyed clothes, but I didn't start taking fashion seriously until around the time I started university. I felt a step closer to the fashion world and realized that pursuing a career in the industry was something I wanted to try.

SC&CO - How would you DESCRIBE your style?

I wear black almost every day, I choose my clothes through form and textures instead of colours. I’ve found my personal style by changing from the mindset of following trends and instead focusing on creating a curated wardrobe. Mixing and combinations are key for me, I love to face the challenge of creating different looks from just one piece.

I seek inspiration in nature, art and designs from couturiers or architecture. Just going for a walk often leads my mind to mix different forms and silhouettes. The way that beauty is subjective, I think style is too. Finding my own personal style meant learning how to choose the right silhouettes for my body.  

when it comes to styling other people I like to experiment with colors and silhouettes. I prefer to wear my all black-uniform where I feel comfortable and confident - nothing can beat a high-quality shirt and loose suit-pants.

Never underestimate jewelry. I often play with jewelry to add extras or statements to my looks or even create a whole different mood with abstract formed earrings.

The way that beauty is subjective, I think style is too. Finding my own personal style meant learning how to choose the right silhouettes for my body.

SC&CO - What do you think of the ‘Beige Aesthetic’?

Maybe beige is the new black and white? I am not a specialist to say why the beige aesthetic movement is so popular. For me wearing neutral tones doesn't give me the urge to change my wardrobe frequently because they just work together. I often present my outfits in monochrome surroundings because they feel more harmonious and calm.

Fashion and architecture mirror and adapt to cultural, social, and economic shifts, acting as manifestations of identity, status, and lifestyle.

SC&Co - How do styles differ between Berlin and Munich? What’s the German view on fashion and how does Architecture, Fashion and Design interlink and influence each other?

Berlin style can often be seen as more unconventional and free-spirited while Munich Fashion seems to focus on traditional elegance and a more conservative and classic approach. In my opinion form follows fashion, especially in its utilization of patterns, textures and silhouettes. Fashion has always found inspiration in architectural design.

Historical periods such as the Bauhaus movement has had a huge influence on the meaning of trends and especially German fashion. Led by renowned figures such as Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Marcel Breuer, Bauhaus prioritized simplicity, functionality, and the fusion of art with technology. This approach significantly influenced fashion, with German fashion design frequently echoing Bauhaus' principles of clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimalism, Jil Sanders is a perfect example of this.

International designers such as Iris van Herpen who has been fostering an interdisciplinary conversation among nature, architecture, fashion, and science is another good example. Not to forget Rei Kawakubo or Martin Margiela.

Fashion and architecture mirror and adapt to cultural, social, and economic shifts, acting as manifestations of identity, status, and lifestyle.

SC&CO - How do you have the confidence to put yourself out there on social media?

On days when I have time to create content, I make an effort to dress more thoughtfully, it can be quite stressful, but fun at the same time. My loved ones always support my social media presence and their opinion is what matters the most to me.

One day I just thought why not try it - I am still trying, but I follow the motto 'hard work will pay off' which gives me the confidence to keep going.

SC&CO - Kollektiv Mode — What is it all about?

I wanted to create a profile with inspirational content in design, fashion and architecture. I like it when something is a bit out of the box. In the creative field I like it when something seems 'different'. Something that combines the abstract with classic elements. In styling terms, it’s similar to adding bold jewellery to a classic blazer.

SC&CO - Where dO you look for influence and inspiration?

I like to search for inspiration in my surroundings. Being aware, then going for a walk and scanning my environment. In architecture, but also in other people on the street. Also blogs, magazines or online platforms like Pinterest play big parts in creating inspiration that help me evaluate my own style.

SC&CO  - Life after studying, what are your plans?

I am highly interested in photography, but also styling. I'd like to be a fashion editor or a personal stylist. I love to work with individuals, learn new languages, experience and learn new things which is why I plan to travel and work abroad after finishing my bachelor. 

I am still trying, but I follow the motto 'hard work will pay off' which gives me the confidence to keep going.

Follow Lina on Instagram here. Follow Kollective Mode here.