Beyond the hype // Christoph Schaller

Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live.

Hi my name is Christoph, I’m 23 years old and I mainly work as a photographer and director. Besides that I’m currently studying Business at university and working on setting up my own creative agency with a couple of good friends.

What are your passions?

Photography, people, travel.

How did you first become interested in fashion and why is it important?

I can’t remember when I first got into it but I think it was always something I used to care about. Even when I was younger I wanted my clothes to fit great and look good. When I started with photography I got more and more into it, reading a lot of magazines and looking for inspiration everywhere.

How do you describe the fashion scene in Munich compared to other major cities or fashion capitals?

I guess in you can’t really call Munich a major city in terms of fashion. There’s lots of conformity and uniformity, many people are wearing the same style. It’s like they all want to belong to something without being themselves (or expressing it). But there’s a small, interesting scene evolving around a couple of cool young labels at the moment, which is great!

What do you love about living in the Munich?

It’s rather quiet which I love. There’s many great places to go out and meet your friends, but most of all I like it because of the people that are here and surrounding me at the moment. This place has a great dynamic and a good momentum in terms of young creative people right now.

Tell us your top 3 places to visit in the Germany:

Munich, Hamburg, Berlin.

Describe your personal style and its influences or inspirations.

I’d say it’s a mix of minimalistic elements, inspired by Swedish and Japanese design, and some Rock’n Roll, inspired by British music culture.

What are your favorite designers and places to shop?

I like Burberry for the clothes but also for the brand they built, really beautiful, very young and artistic. Besides that mainly Acne Studios, Saint Laurent, Jil Sander. I know this sounds rather expensive, but I believe in buying less but choosing well. I’d rather save up my money for one very nice piece instead of spending it on ten not so cool things. Clothing should be more about craftsmanship and sustainability again.

The first thing you look at in another person's outfit is:

I just recently asked myself the same question… I’m not quite sure. I guess my eyes are fast enough to look at the outfit as a whole right away. It all matters, I think you shouldn’t reduce it to one thing that’s important.

What do you skimp on?

Nothing really. I’m disciplined but I really beautiful things.

What do you splurge on?

Cameras and magazines. I probably have too many of both.

A fashion rule you always break:

It’s such a cliche answer but I don’t care about “fashion rules" too much to be honest. Everyone should make those rules for him- or herself. It’s all about character and an understanding of aesthetics and culture. There’s no need for rules but for people to understand what power clothes can have in the sense that they project who you are or who you want to be to the outside world.

A fashion rule you never break:

I guess the previous answer applies to both questions.

What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear, and what are your thoughts on it?

I like this new sense of Celine inspired minimalism that is around a lot at the moment, be it in furniture or clothes.

What is the most underrated item in menswear and womenswear?

In menswear probably shoes. There’s nothing underrated in womenswear. They seem to think about every little thing.

Your favorite color of the moment is:

Skyblue.

What is your next "must have" purchase?

Really clean black Acne sneakers.

What is the ultimate showpiece in your closet?

Probably my Burberry Prorsum Leather jacket.

Are there any fashion icons or famous people whose style you admire?

Of course there’s a couple of people I admire, but not only in terms of style but also in their whole being and appearance. If I had to name a few I’d say Hedi Slimane, Alex Turner and George Craig.

What's on your iPod / bookshelf / movie list at the moment?

Music: King Krule, Jake Bugg, Jamie XX.

Books: Currently reading “The Spirit Level - Why greater equality makes societies stronger” which is really interesting from a variety of perspectives. Before that I read all parts of “The Hunger Games” and loved them, they’re amazing books.

Movies: Last really good movie I watched was “Grand Budapest Hotel” by Wes Anderson. I love his sense of aesthetic and his colours. Apart from that I thought the Yves Saint Laurent movie was quite good as well.

What can't you live without?

Air to breath, water to drink and food to eat. Everything else is a luxury.

Next place you want to travel to:

There’s so many! I’m thinking about going to Norway in the summer. I want to do some hiking and take lots of pictures. The nature up there is amazing, so raw and beautiful. Next big trip after that will probably be India.

What is your personal favorite outfit on Lookbook by you, and by another member?

Of my outfits it’s probably always the latest. It’s a statement of what I currently think looks good, so that should make sense. That’s difficult because there’s so many great people and looks on here but I I had to pick one out it’s this one by Jordan. Great style and photography.

In the year 2019, you will be:

Happy, still chasing dreams, still working hard but a few steps further.

What would you say to someone seeking general fashion advice?

Choose your clothes well, go for few pieces but for great quality and let the world know who you are.

Our last interviewee Elle-May Leckenby wants to know: If you could create a signature perfume, what would the ingredients consist of and what would you call it and why?

I’m not a perfume expert so I can’t think of any proper ingredients but it should smell like an evening on the beach. A taste of sand, water and wind (sounds like an advert hm? haha). And I would name it “Sun Pour Homme”

What should we ask the next interviewee?

When was the last time you did something for the first time?