3 Minute Thread: Leonie Barth
"Wearing pieces from friends makes everything feel more special"
I once bought Leonie an ashtray embellished with the words ‘sexy and efficient’, because that’s exactly what she is. She’s also very stylish – she even created my favourite pair of boots.
That was during her tenure at COS, where she designed many of the brand’s most popular styles (including THAT puffy bag). She also worked alongside Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Isik during their stint at Trussardi, where she created their hit bag, the Owena (see below).
Here she is being sexy and efficient at her home in Berlin:
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Leonie—I am a freelance designer for footwear, bags and accessories, currently based in Berlin.
What are you wearing?
A lace top I recently found from a small Austrian brand called Soda Lingerie, layered with a puffer jacket from GmbH, and my forever favourite Ottolinger trousers. I'm carrying the Owena bag I designed for Serhat and Benjamin’s debut Trussardi show, wearing vintage boots I scored on Vinted (I’m obsessed with the toe shape), and stacked rings from my dear friends at RÄTHEL & WOLF. My ear cuffs are by Alan Crocetti—another friend whose work I love.
Why did you choose this outfit?
Honestly, it’s a very “me” look. My wardrobe is mostly black, and these Ottolinger wrap trousers are the best—I’ve had them for four years and even bought a second pair in black denim. When I love something, I’ll get it in multiple versions.
The lace top was a recent find and just makes me feel good. I’ve become much more intentional with what I buy—fewer, better pieces. The GmbH puffer is one of my favourite designs from the brand; I worked with them for years and they’re close friends.
Jewellery is personal to me—every piece I wear has meaning, often gifted or made by people I love (including my engagement and wedding rings by RÄTHEL & WOLF). Wearing pieces from friends just makes everything feel more special.
Where did you wear it / where are you planning to wear it?
I wore it last Friday for dinner and drinks with friends, and to see my friend Sam Pereira’s performance Spectre. It’s a typical going-out outfit for me.
What’s the best style lesson you’ve learned over the years?
Just be true to yourself. If you feel overdressed or uncomfortable, it’s probably because the outfit isn’t authentically you. I don’t really pay attention to what others are wearing—I just go with what feels right for me.
One person you think has great style?
I don’t really follow fashion influencers. I looked through my saved folders and it’s mostly interiors, architecture, vintage shoes and bags. But if we’re talking brands—Duran Lantink’s last show really stood out to me. It felt fresh in a sea of sameness. And I’ve always loved Y/Project; I was honestly so sad when they shut down.
Best life hack?
Manifestation, hands down. I’m a firm believer that if you truly want something, you have to envision it and believe it’s already yours. That mindset has guided me through every major step in my life.
Your favourite person to follow?
Hard to pick one! I love accounts like @roarvale and @themillievintage for inspiration, and @houseoffuumi for recipes—I'm a big foodie. Also obsessed with the pieces from @riraobjects.
One recommendation to read / watch / listen / see or do?
Listen to Ritual by Jon Hopkins, watch Lessons in Chemistry or Slow Horses on Apple TV, and if you’re in Berlin—go for a long walk in Grunewald Forest on a sunny day. (I often go with my partner and our pup Oskar and we always have the best time there together).
Follow Leonie on Instagram.
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