We Love French Style, but Have You Seen How Great German Fashion Is?

I was recently in the Mitte district of Berlin (basically like Germany's Shoreditch) entranced by the über-coolness of the crowd there. If you thought East London's finest were nonchalant, wait until you cop a load on one of the hippest shopping streets, Auguststraße. A friend who lives in the city explained to me that there's almost a competition between who can be the most casual: So whether that's finding a way to make hoodies and trackies look schick (translation: chic) or wearing white sport socks with everything, this postcode is a hub of streetwear and Vetements vibes that results in a determined "Oh, this old thing?" look.

My experience was the final confirmation of something I'd been thinking about for a while: German fashion is having a moment, and that we should take a second to divert our usual attentions (on France, mostly, but also more recently an Eastern Bloc contingent) to investigate other European talents. And, of course, there's much more to the entire scene than track pants…

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Veronika Heilbrunner during Paris Fashion Week.

In terms of high-profile street style names (think Veronika Heilbrunner, Roberta Benteler or everybody's new favourite, Jan-Michael Quammie), as well as up-and-coming brands I've been discovering on social media (yes, that's a big opportunity for you to own something more unique), there's definitely a buzz around German style right now.

Keep reading to gen up on the German fashion leaders and labels we're into.

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Claire Beermann
(Image credit: Sandra Semburg)

Style Notes: Fashion writer Claire Beermann has caught the eye of street style photographers, thanks to her unexpected mix-and-match approach. You'll find her layering like a pro over on her blog, C'est Clairette.

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Lisa Hahnbueck
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Düsseldorf-based Lisa has a blog called LisaRvd.com, and she should be your go-to for a sophisticated take on street trends.

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Veronika Heilbrunner
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Hey Woman! co-founder and street style star Veronika Heilbrunner is based in Berlin, and she has a knack for making even the most out-there ensemble look relaxed. Highly likely this is down to her ever-present chunky boots or sneakers…

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Maja Wyh
(Image credit: Maja Wyh)

Style Notes: Our Maja Wyh fascination has been going on for some time. This is the artsy influencer who reminds us all that it's good to experiment, wear baggy clothes when you feel like it and generally not to give two hoots about what's "in" or not.

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Jan-Michael Quammie
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Jan-Michael Quammie, fashion director of InStyle Germany, has more brilliant coats and jackets than we've had hot dinners.

Related: This Is the Perfect Heel Height, According to French Girls

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Beatrice Gutu
(Image credit: The Fashion Cuisine)

Style Notes: Blogger Beatrice Gutu is technically from Moldova, but she lives in Düsseldorf, and that's a good enough reason for us to feature her excellent outfitting skills. Cue clever combinations and a moody colour palette that suits British sensibilities.

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Roberta Benteler
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: We're guilty of claiming Roberta Benteler as homegrown British talent. While she does live in London and founded a brilliant e-commerce site Avenue32.com, she is from Germany originally. PS: We shot her closet, and it is beyond awesome.

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Sandra Semburg
(Image credit: Sandra Semburg)

Style Notes: The eagle-eyed among you will know this is a shot of Pernille Teisbaek, who is Danish. But take a moment to appreciate who has taken the picture: Sandra Semburg is the German photographer whose lovely street style pictures we can't help but use on a daily basis.

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Caroline Daur
(Image credit: @carodaur)

Style Notes: Hamburg-based Caroline is studying business, but she finds time to jet around the globe for fashion weeks and events with the likes of Revolve. We'd like her highly varied wardrobe, and her ability to multitask, please.

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Stefanie Giesinger
(Image credit: @stefaniegiesinger)

Style Notes: Stefanie Giesinger is a German model with one hell of a following on Instagram. Around 2.6 million of you enjoy her travel, outfit and behind-the-scenes snaps, and right now, we're in admiration of those Dior sunglasses.

Shop our German fashion picks:

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(Image credit: Hausach)

Hausach's oversize tailoring has caught our eye on Instagram—a pair of its wide-leg trousers would be a joy to own.

Related: Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Trends: The 7 Looks You Need to Know

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(Image credit: Kostas Murkudis)

Kostas Murkudis is a new designer name to commit to memory before he hits the big time.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.