Throughout the run of Zalando’s streetwear tour of Germany, we’ve picked up some important insights on the breadth and diversity of the country’s streetwear scene. The streetwear cultures in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich have all demonstrated their distinct identities that have formed as a result of their unique stories.
In Berlin, cultural communities converge around creative expression, serving as hubs that provide identity, belonging, and support in this international and transient city. Frankfurt's streetwear scene thrives at the intersection of finance, creativity, and collaboration, creating a distinctive fashion landscape born from the dialogue between diverse communities. Meanwhile, Munich's streetwear ethos centers on curation as a community-building force, where the deliberate selection and showcase of local art, creative talents, and events craft a shared identity for the city. Each city's streetwear culture transcends mere fashion, becoming a dynamic reflection of their cultural landscapes and the communities that shape them.
For the third and final stop of the tour, we found ourselves in the heart of Bavaria, and got up close and personal with Munich’s streetwear scene. The Munich edition of the tour, a vibrant showcase of community-driven fashion, brought together influencers, creatives, and enthusiasts to explore the role of curation in shaping shared identities. Moderated by Shayan Navab, the panel featured three big names from the Munich creative scene: Moubarak Assima, DJ Polly, and Jasmin (thatboii).
DJ Polly, a stalwart in both the fashion and music scenes, shared insights into the intertwining realms of fashion and music. "Where there is a fashion scene, there is also a music scene not far away. People always connect on a musical level at fashion events, such as store openings," remarked Polly, highlighting the seamless fusion of two creative forces. She went on to express her perspective on the strong influence of fashion in the techno scene, emphasizing the fearlessness of the large queer community within, stating, "The large queer community in the scene plays a role in that people are more daring and not afraid of 'being too much like that'."
Moubarak Assima, a key player in Munich's streetwear scene, emphasized the pivotal role of social media in community building. "Social media has helped me build my community in the sense that I've been able to reach people who share the same passion for streetwear as me," Assima noted. He highlighted Munich's untapped potential, pointing out the wealth of talented creatives contributing to the city's unique street culture. "Munich has so much potential, and we have a wealth of talented creatives who are exceptional at what they do," he enthused, painting a picture of a city brimming with creative energy.
Jasmin (thatboii), another influential voice in the Munich creative scene, joined the conversation with a keen focus on curation. The discussion revolved around how curation acts as a key driver of community building, shaping a distinctive identity through the selection and showcasing of local art, creative talents, and events. This theme resonated strongly with the Munich audience, as the city's unique streetwear culture continues to evolve, driven by the passion and creativity of its diverse community.
With the Zalando and Refuge Worldwide panel tour now wrapped up, we've only just been able to scratch the surface of Germany's incredibly diverse streetwear landscape. While we’ve uncovered the distinct identities of Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich along the way, there’s plenty more to be seen.
Learn more about the looks, the talents, and the Zalando tour here.
