Picture this: two vintage aficionados with a knack for turning forgotten fabrics into wearable art, fuelled by their shared passion for all things vintage, art, and collectibles. What emerged? RIANNA + NINA, a haven for those seeking respite from cookie-cutter luxury and craving bespoke, kaleidoscopic couture.
From their humble beginnings in a Berlin boutique to gracing runways worldwide, their journey is a testament to their dedication to uniqueness. And with summer beckoning, what better time to dive into the enchanting world of Berlin through their discerning eyes?
BERLIN IS KNOWN FOR ITS VIBRANT AND DIVERSE CULTURE. HOW DOES THE CITY ITSELF INSPIRE YOUR FASHION DESIGNS?
Our designs are diverse and colorful, following no specific rules or ideals. This is the essence of Berlin, and it’s what makes us feel so at home here. In Berlin, you can be whoever you want, wear whatever you want, and truly express yourself. We’ve always been free in our thoughts and in what we wear, but Berlin inspires us to be even bolder. The city makes it easier to fully express oneself, encouraging us to push boundaries and embrace our individuality.
BERLIN ATTRACTS TOURISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. HOW DO YOU THINK THE CITY’S MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCES FASHION TRENDS?
Berlin is a place where many different people and cultures come together. Especially in the fashion scene and with trends, there isn’t one single aesthetic. To create something new, there needs to be exchange, and it’s fascinating how much we can learn from other cultures in terms of colors, patterns, and fabrics. For our One-of-a-kind pieces, we use vintage kimonos, scarves, and other materials that Rianna treasure-hunts on her travels around the world. But even in Berlin, we love to visit vintage markets and draw inspiration from the various influences.
IF YOU WERE TO CREATE A FASHION COLLECTION INSPIRED BY BERLIN’S ICONIC LANDMARKS, WHICH LANDMARKS WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
If we had to choose an iconic landmark, it would definitely be the Pergamon Museum. This historically significant building exudes timeless elegance and inspires distinguished silhouettes. In our fashion collection, we would incorporate the complex patterns, textures, and colors of the prehistoric artifacts and architectural elements. It would be exciting to create something that blends ancient art with contemporary fashion.
BERLIN IS FAMOUS FOR ITS STREET ART SCENE. HOW DOES STREET ART INFLUENCE YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC, AND HAVE YOU EVER INCORPORATED STREET ART ELEMENTS INTO YOUR CREATIONS?
Street art is a subtle yet omnipresent art form that graces our daily lives. Its vibrant presence, particularly in Berlin, adds colorful accents to the cityscape. At RIANNA + NINA, it is also our goal to infuse the wearer’s life with vibrant colors through our artistry. While Rianna’s designs may not draw direct inspiration from the street art scene, it’s intriguing to note the parallels between the outcomes of these two art forms.
BERLIN HAS A REPUTATION FOR BEING EDGY AND AVANT-GARDE. HOW DO YOU BALANCE THIS EDGINESS WITH MORE MAINSTREAM FASHION TASTES IN YOUR DESIGNS?
We have never truly fit into the ‘edgy’ Berlin scene. Yes, our designs are extraordinary, but they don’t quite align with the typical Berlin fashion aesthetic. Instead of trying to be edgy or mainstream, we follow our own instincts and inspirations. Rianna, with her Greek background, infuses our creations with vibrant colors, unique patterns, and luxurious fabrics. This blend of influences allows us to stand out in a city known for its avant-garde fashion while staying true to our timeless, joyful, and colorful design philosophy. Our goal is to create pieces that transcend trends and speak to the individuality of those who wear them, celebrating diversity and personal expression.
TOURISTS OFTEN SEEK UNIQUE SOUVENIRS TO REMEMBER THEIR TRIP BY. HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR FASHION DESIGNS COULD SERVE AS MEMORABLE SOUVENIRS FOR VISITORS TO BERLIN?
We have a passion for exploring vintage markets during our travels, where we discover unique treasures that resonate with us deeply. Clothing, in particular, holds a special place as a souvenir, as it carries with it the memories of every wear. Just like the unique experiences we have during our journeys, our designs at RIANNA + NINA tell their own stories. Our pieces have the ability to become a cherished memento, intimately linked with one’s most treasured moments.
BERLIN IS KNOWN FOR ITS THRIVING NIGHTLIFE. HOW DOES THE CITY’S NIGHTLIFE SCENE INFLUENCE YOUR EVENING WEAR DESIGNS?
Berlin’s nightlife is as diverse as its residents, offering something for everyone. We love enjoying a delicious cocktail in the evening and letting ourselves be carried away by the vibrant Berlin atmosphere. The city’s nightlife scene inspires us to be bold and create lively designs that reflect the unique character of Berlin.
But the best parties are celebrated in Greece – there’s a lot of dancing, singing, and laughter, without any holding back. Our evening looks are designed to match this spirit, which is why we don’t shy away from colors, patterns, and glitter. Our designs are perfect for dancing the night away!
FASHION AND MUSIC OFTEN GO HAND IN HAND. HOW DOES BERLIN’S RICH MUSIC SCENE INSPIRE YOUR DESIGNS, AND HAVE YOU EVER COLLABORATED WITH MUSICIANS ON FASHION PROJECTS?
Fashion and music have always been intertwined in our lives. During the last Berlin Fashion Week in February, we paid homage to the 100th birthday of Maria Callas with our Couture Show. The collection was inspired by the Greek opera singer, and her music resonated throughout the magnificent halls of the Bode Museum. The city pulsates with diverse sounds, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry. This eclectic mix of genres and cultures deeply influences our designs, infusing them with the energy and dynamism that define Berlin’s musical landscape.
BERLIN’S FASHION SCENE IS DIVERSE, RANGING FROM HIGH-END LUXURY BRANDS TO SUSTAINABLE FASHION INITIATIVES. HOW DO YOU POSITION YOUR BRAND WITHIN THIS SPECTRUM, AND WHAT MAKES IT STAND OUT TO TOURISTS?
Our brand occupies a unique position within Berlin’s fashion landscape, as we seamlessly blend elements of high-end luxury with a deep commitment to sustainability. What sets us apart is our dedication to storytelling through our designs. We meticulously curate vintage fabrics and vibrant prints, ensuring that each garment carries its own narrative. Our One-of-a-Kind collection is a testament to this ethos, featuring Obis from 1920’s Japan, tablecloths from the American 60’s, and other repurposed high-end fabrics discovered during our years of world travel.
IF YOU WERE TO DESIGN A FASHION COLLECTION SPECIFICALLY FOR TOURISTS VISITING BERLIN, WHAT KEY ELEMENTS OR THEMES WOULD YOU INCORPORATE TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF THE CITY?
We would draw inspiration from the city’s remarkable diversity and unique character. One central theme would be the distinct neighborhoods of Berlin, each akin to its own city with a unique aesthetic and spirit. Therefore, the collection would feature patchwork elements, symbolizing the vibrant tapestry of cultures and styles found throughout the city. Additionally, we would be inspired by the numerous lakes in and around Berlin, incorporating flowing silhouettes that evoke a sense of fluidity and movement. As a brand known for our bold use of color and patterns, we would infuse the collection with vibrant hues and eclectic prints, reflecting the city’s kaleidoscope of experiences and allowing everyone to express themselves freely in this cosmopolitan metropolis.
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