Welcome to our new Bang Bang series, “In Berlin Fashion”. Keep an eye on this section as we’ll be catching up with some of the trendiest Berliners through interviews about their passion for fashion, art and favorite hangouts in Berlin.
I’ve met Cinta, the 22 years old art history student / fashion blogger in her Charlottenburg apartment on a gloomy June morning to chat about style, blogging and the city. I've really enjoyed getting to know her through some of her favorite outfits and I even put some new places on my imaginary Berlin trend map via her recommendations! ;)
Tell us your story, what has brought you to Berlin?
I was born in Madrid, Spain 22 years ago. My parents are journalists (foreign correspondents) hence we have moved a lot in the past. First we lived in Prague, then in Vienna and then finally, 9 years ago, we have ended up in Berlin, the most interesting city of all.
What’s your relationship with Berlin? Are you planning to live here for the rest of your life?
I love Berlin, the city is really exciting and there’s always something new happening! You can be who you are and every “style” is accepted, however I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life here. It has nothing to do with Berlin, but with me not wanting to know where I will be in 10 or 20 years. I love travelling and for me there is no better feeling than moving to a new city and starting all over, getting to now the best cafes in town, the park where you can sit and study, the best shopping addresses etc. It’s really exciting and I hope I will have the chance to get to know as many places as possible. Nevertheless, Berlin will always have an important place in my heart, and I will come back as often as possible, because home is here.
Which is your favorite neighborhood?
I moved with my family to Charlottenburg, because we knew some people who lived here. It’s a very nice and elegant neighborhood and I particularly like the small Cafés and Restaurants around Savigny Platz. However, my favorite neighborhoods are the young, stylish MItte, Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg.
Mitte is great for shopping and going out for dinner, there is always a lot going on in Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg is also really interesting with its eclectic culture.
You share your daily life and outfits through your blog, Trapped in Her Closet. What has inspired you to start a blog and what are your future plans in the blogging / fashion industry?
Fashion has always played an important role in my life. My mother is a very stylish woman and she has always taken me shopping with her and dressed me up very chic! I guess that’s how it all started. I love to see new trends and find it very exciting to go in the different stores at the end of summer and see the new autumn items hanging in between the short skirts and sandals. I love the variety. To be honest, I don’t remember the exact reason why I started my blog. I follow many blogs and they inspire me a lot, so I guess I wanted to inspire other people too. I think blogs are great, because you see real people with real money. You know what I mean? Perhaps they are saving for a Celine Bag or a pair of Michael Kors Sandals, but they combine it with a skirt from COS and a Tshirt from Zara. For me this is real style! The blog is good practice as I hope someday I will be able to inspire people with my ideas on a higher level as well. I would love to style for a fashion magazine in the future. How will I get there? We’ll see!
Where do you shop in Berlin?
I’m a student and I work part-time at a fashion boutique (Amorph Berlin) so unfortunately I don’t have the funds to afford shopping wherever I’d like to. I really like the clean, minimalistic items of COS and ACNE, the super cool looks from H&M trend and the quick trend-copying from Zara. I normally visit these stores in the area around Neue Schönhauser Allee or Friedrichstrasse. I also love keep a look on cool new brands like Isabel Marant, Celine or Rick Owens at the Department Store (Friedrichstrasse) or The Corner at Markgrafenstrasse.
Favorite online shopping destinations?
For sure YOUHESHE.COM and MYWARDROBE.COM. I also visit asos.com every week! :)
Who are some of your favorite designers?
Isabel Marant, Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, Phoebe Philo for Chloe, Celine, Stella Mc Cartney, Jil Sander and all the designers from H&M Trend and COS
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Minimalistic, Masculine and Understated.
What’s inspiring you?
Many, many blogs like Elin Kling, Carolinesmode, JakandJill and Afterdrk, travelling, movies, paintings and a lot of pictures on amazing tumblrs :)
Do you have any style icons you look up to?
I think my style is very similar to Kate Moss´ or at least I like to think so. :) She has always been my biggest style icon but Elin Kling has become even more influential over the past months. She’s just amazing and I can identify myself very well with her style. I also love Emmanuelle Alt and of course Olivia Palermo, who always looks perfect in a very feminine way!
Favorite magazines / fashion blogs?
I visit the blog of Elin Kling, Carolinesmode, Columbine Smille and Afterdrk every day. Unfortunately I don’t read too many magazines anymore, however, I would love to read Styleby, the new magazine of Elin Kling (seems to be great)!
Favorite item(s) in your closet?
My black blazer and leather jacket. I also have some really great white Tshirts and an amazing oversized broken white shirt from H&M trend. As for the shoes, I can’t imagine my life without my Pistol ankle boots from Acne. AND, when I’m done with saving, I won’t be able to live without a black tote from Celine either :)
If you could splurge on any fashion items right now, what would you buy?
Celine black tote, the perfect black cashmere jumper from Stella Mc Cartney and a Martin Margiela bracelet!
What are the things you cannot live without (beauty, fashion, technology)?
Sadly, I think I would be very very unhappy without my Iphone! I also need my nude lipstick from Armani, my black blazer and of course the Acne pistols.
Favorite place for a date night?
Luzia Bar at Oranienstrasse in Kreuzberg.
Favorite café/restaurant/bar?
I love to eat at TRANSIT, they serve lots of small thai dishes and they are just delicious! There’s a super cute café called Napolojonska, it’s all pink and mint green, and they serve amazing waffles. In the summer I like to sit at Club der Visionäre and have some drinks too.
Favorite place to let loose?
The so called Thaipark (officially known as Preussenpark)! Caipirnhas for 3 euros and delicious thai food cooked right before your eyes, yummy!
How would you spend a perfect Berlin day?
Brunch at Bistro 1900, visiting the Neue Nationalgalerie, shopping at Neue Schönhauser Allee, Bagel Lunch at Rosenthaler Strasse, on Sundays strolling over Mauerpark, dinner at Panasia and afterwards tranquil drinks at Hefner.
Your best friend from Spain is coming to town for the first time ever. What are the places that you’d definitely show her?
For sure I'd take her to the Neue Nationalgalerie, the grocery department at KaDeWe, the Turkish market at Maibach Ufer, Mitte for shopping, Mauerpark, Burgermeister at Schlesisches Tor and the Panorama Bar.
Thanks Girl!
Outfit Details:
Outfit One: Cream Blouse - H&M Trend, Black Jeans - Zara, Boots - Pied a Terre, Bracelet - H&M
Outfit Two: Grey Dress - Weekday, Belt - Vintage
Outfit Three: Striped T - COS, Necklace - Amorph Berlin
Outfit Four: Leo shirt - Zara, Black Jeans - Zara, Heels - Uterque, Clutch - American Apparel, Sunnies - RayBan Wayferer
Outfit Five: Grey Blazer - Etoile Isabel Marant, Tshirt - Zara, Black Pants - Zara, Boots - Acne Pistols, Purse - Chanel, Sunnies - RayBan Wayferer
