Basic shirts - they can be found in every wardrobe! We'll show you how to simply upgrade your basic pieces.

Summer is festival season! It's certainly been a long time in coming, so now we welcome it with open arms – summer is finally here! We associate this time of year with tanned skin, warm temperatures, cool drinks and loud bass rhythms that make you want to get up and dance – after all, summer is festival season. Just the thought of loud music and camping outdoors is enough to put us in a good mood!

To brighten up the wait and really fuel your anticipation, we've put together a rocking look for any festival, no matter what the music. What are you waiting for?

Shop the look and make your wardrobe festival-ready!

#MUSTANGstyle #truedenim #keylook

Think of music festivals, and a certain image is sure to spring to mind: endless fun, fantastic music, cool people and a feeling of freedom. Attending a festival allows you to dip into a world of canned beer and camping for a few days, with everyone united by a love of music.

A true classic, always on trend and now a cult item: the denim jacket has well and truly won us over and isn’t likely to fall from grace any time soon. Having been consigned to the depths of your wardrobe over winter, it’s now time to dig out your denim jacket once again; after all, they’re all the rage this spring. Whether you’re going for a double-denim look or pairing it with contrasting pieces, it ticks all the boxes, looking casual, individual, elegant or even sporty by turns. This classic jacket is a must for any self-respecting wardrobe. What’s more, the traditional staple has an interesting past.

Now that the dreary days of winter are behind us, we’re delighted to see the first signs of spring, heralding the summer to come. Trees are beginning to get their buds, and we’re keen to come out of hibernation, too. Once your spring cleaning is done and your home is all spruced up again, it’s time to really treat yourself. What to do? Well, we suggest getting a few new pieces for your wardrobe. As such, we’ve lined up some of our key looks for spring:

Swing by our online shop and bag some great spring staples for your wardrobe. We’ll see you there!

#MUSTANGstyle #truedenim #keylook

Our expert advises only washing your jeans when it's absolutely necessary. In earlier times jeans were exclusively workwear, meaning that they were put to heavy use and got very soiled. Regular, thorough cleaning was required. Today, however, while jeans might be a much-loved staple for almost any occasion and lifestyle, they aren’t subjected to the kind of rigours once demanded of them by America’s gold-diggers. They won’t be so sweaty and dirty from one day’s wear in the office that they need to go straight in the wash.

Every time they are washed, the jeans come into contact with the appliance’s mechanisms, which put the denim under much more strain that day-to-day wear. If you do need to put your jeans in the wash, make sure that you always turn them inside out, as otherwise you run the risk that they’ll emerge with white streaks on them.

If you pre-wash your jeans, putting them on a spin cycle shouldn’t present any problems. However, it’s best to avoid drying them in the machine, as this can lead to shrinking or the appearance of white streaks. Guido recommends not using any fabric softeners; simply opt for a standard colour detergent. There are also special washing agents for denim, like MUSTANG’s own detergent. If you’re keen on getting your jeans really soft, then do try a fabric softener, but go easy: the synthetic fibres of stretch fabrics are easily damaged, so too much softening will ultimately result in you discarding them altogether. And then there’s just the question of temperature – 40°C is sufficient.

Do you fancy making your desk a bit snazzier, while also keeping it tidy? And do you also happen to have an old pair of jeans that you don’t wear any more? Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own customised pencil case, making the job an absolute cinch!

Doughnuts, flowers, emojis – they're everywhere, in every conceivable shape and colour. What's this new craze? Patches, of course! These little adornments look brilliant with almost anything, are extremely versatile and can be paired with all sorts of different colours. We at MUSTANG have drawn inspiration from this trend. After all, these cheery patches go perfectly with our indigo-blue denim. In this short DIY tutorial, we show you how to customise your MUSTANG denim garments with cool patches.

2. Relaxed trousers

Sometimes you fancy a change from your jeans. Trousers are both comfortable and extremely versatile. Whether paired with trainers for an off-duty look or with pumps for the office, trousers always look the part. Go for low-key colours: we recommend muted tones like beige, grey and navy.

These easygoing peg trousers from MUSTANG sit loosely on your hips and have flowing lines. Subtle piping and the decorative bow give them that extra something.

For men, we recommend a slim-cut pair of MUSTANG Tramper jeans. With their forward-slanting side seams, these can be be mixed and matched to create either a casual look or a something with a touch of laid-back sophistication.

3. The classic blouse / The classic shirt

Where would we be without blouses or shirts in our lives? Our wardrobes would certainly be somewhat emptier. Alongside items that nod to what's in fashion, you'll want to have some classic pieces to hand. There's nothing quite like a tidy, well-fitting blouse that shows off your waist perfectly with its slim cut. Or indeed a shirt that can be paired effortlessly with different trousers. Here, again, the emphasis is on 'well-fitting'. Unobtrusive colours like the hue of this MUSTANG blouse allow you to mix and match such items with ease, making them a must-have in your capsule wardrobe.

For men, we recommend this MUSTANG shirt with a relaxed fit, which features fine dotted stripes and offers optimal comfort thanks to its soft cotton material.

5. The cool leather jacket

Nothing completes an outfit quite as well as the right jacket. You can sling on a little jacket over a T-shirt and some jeans to give your outfit a completely different look. As such, men and women alike should have a staple selection of jackets in their closet. Alongside a well-fitting blazer or jacket, a leather jacket is an absolute essential, giving its wearer instant rock-star flair. 

And we can't stress it enough: if the jacket doesn't fit quite right, then it will be difficult to pull the look off. When it comes to colours, be sure to follow our guiding principle: while black is always bound to work, earthy tones, navy blue or grey can also be effortlessly combined with all sorts of other items. 

Fashionable features such as the tassel on the zipper or the zig-zag quilting on this lamb's leather biker jacket make it quite the head-turner.

You won't ever go wrong again with these basic items in your closet! Inject a pop of interest or colour by adding accessories. With these staples, even the most stressful morning can't keep you from looking the part as you go about your day! 

#MUSTANGstyle #truedenim #weLOVEbasics

Because with the cool denims from the program “True denim for a better world”, you’re not only stylish, but you also contribute to environment protection. How does that work? It’s simple! The project started more than a year ago in January 2016, in collaboration with our longstanding partner MIC in Tunisia. For the production and finishing, we use an evaluation system developed by Jeanologia, the world’s leading company in the sustainable jeans production sector. By looking at our hangtags, you can see how sustainably your jeans have been produced at a glance. The evaluation system EIM (Environmental Impact Measuring) thereby accurately measures the water and energy consumption along with the use of chemicals during the jeans production. In addition, the health of the employees who are directly involved in the production is also continuously monitored.

In our last blog we already introduced blogger Jil to you, who we met at our blogger event in Tyrol (you can read about about it, here: „MUSTANG goes Jochberg“). Over a smoothie, the native Lüneburger not only told us a bit about her attitude towards fashion, but also shared some information about her vegan lifestyle (click here to read the whole interview: „A coffee with Jil“).

Today we would like to present one of Jil’s favorite recipes. The homemade vegan brownie ice cream not only tempts chocolate-lovers, but is also a dessert-heaven on earth for everyone. So get ready to float away on a cloud of chocolate:

Here’s everything you need:
2-3 frozen bananas
1 additional banana, fresh
2 teaspoons flaxseeds
1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla powder
optional 1 teaspoon matcha powder
1-2 teaspoons carob powder for the chocolate sauce

Place all ingredients (except the carob powder) in a blender. Helpful hint: if you put the unfrozen banana in the blender first, mixing will be easier.

This is already the basis of your ice cream and you can start to prepare the toppings.

Jil makes the chocolate sauce with 1-2 teaspoons carob powder, which she simply mixes with water. It’s best to start with a small amount of water in a bowl, and gradually add the powder. First mix these two ingredients and keep adding water until the chocolate sauce has the right consistency, depending on how you like it. While Jil likes the chocolate sauce as it is explained in the recipe, you can add some coconut sugar, if you prefer it sweeter.

Brownie pieces are another topping. You can bake these yourself or try Jil’s quick-fix and cut chocolate health bars in thin strips and then roll them into bits.

To finish, you can now add cashew nuts and vanilla powder or walnuts and cocoa nibs, along with berries or dried bananas as toppings.

Fill your bowl with ice cream and top it with all your yummy extras, pour the homemade chocolate sauce on top and dig in to your ice cream dream!

Enjoy!

Nadia: Normally this series in our blog is called “A coffee with...”. But when I was at breakfast I remembered that when you drink tea and not coffee. Unfortunately, I don’t have any tea here, how about a yummy mango-orange smoothie instead?
Jil: Yes, I’d love that! OK then, today it’ll be called “A smoothie with Jil” :)
Nadia: Great idea! What does healthy nutrition mean to you?
Jil: My health is incredibly important to me. I’ve been eating vegan for three years now and I’m very dedicated to topics involving nutrition and health. It has even become a real passion of mine.
Nadia: How did you get interested in vegan nutrition and why did you decide to become vegan?
Jil: Four years ago I stopped taking pill, because I didn’t feel comfortable taking additional hormones or even the thought of it. In the beginning everything was fine without the pill, but after about half a year my entire body started doing weird things. I got a terrible case of acne and gained about 17 kilos. At first I didn’t exactly know how to handle the situation and was completely perplexed. My gynecologist recommended going back on the pill. But my primary care doctor said I should take thyroid gland hormones, since I had also developed a thyroid insufficiency and my liver values were incredibly high. Neither solution was OK for me. So I kept researching on the Internet to inform myself and accidentally found out about a vegan diet. So in a little “learning by doing” project, I simply tried it out and it actually helped. Within just a couple of weeks I felt much better and after three months even my blood results were normal and I was able to do without taking thyroid hormones.

Nadia: Nun interessiert uns ja auch Deine Persönlichkeit und Tätigkeit als Bloggerin. Zunächst einmal zu Dir selbst, Jil. Woher kommst Du denn?
Jil: Ich bin in Lüneburg geboren, habe aber fast 10 Jahre nordöstlich von München in Landshut gewohnt, bis es mich aber vor ein paar Jahren wieder zurück nach Lüneburg gezogen hat.
Nadia: Und bloggst Du hauptberuflich?
Jil: Ja, ich studiere in Lüneburg und modle auch nebenbei, aber das Bloggen ist, was ich hauptsächlich mache.
Nadia: Wie bist Du denn eigentlich dazu gekommen?
Jil: Das Bloggen hat seinen Ursprung in meiner Ernährungsumstellung. Social Media hat mir viel bei Recherchen geholfen und ich konnte mich mit anderen Interessierten austauschen. Auch ich habe meine Erfahrungen mehr und mehr geteilt und bin auf großen Anklang gestoßen. Nach und nach hat sich das Hobby dann in einen Beruf gewandelt und ich habe angefangen, zusätzlich über andere Themen, die mich beschäftigen, zu schreiben. So habe ich Beiträge über Dankbarkeit, eine positive Lebenseinstellung oder Glücklichsein geschrieben. Ich finde es nämlich sehr schade, dass viele Blogs so oberflächlich sind und nur Kleidung und Marken präsentieren ohne auf das einzugehen, was eigentlich dahinter steckt.

Nadia: Wow. We’d also like to know a bit about your personality and your job as a blogger. First I have a couple of personal questions for you Jil. Where are you from?
Jil: I was born in Lüneburg, but I lived almost 10 years in Landshut, northeast of Munich until I felt like moving back to Lüneburg a couple of years ago.
Nadia: And is blogging your main source of income?
Jil: Yes - I’m studying in Lüneburg and I also work as a part-time model, but mainly I’m a blogger.
Nadia: So how did you get interested in that?
Jil: The blogging began when I changed my diet. I used social media for much of my research and I was able to communicate with other interested people. I also started sharing my experiences more and more and got some very good feedback from those who were listening. So after a while this hobby turned into a profession and I also started to write about other topics that I was concerned about. For instance my pieces about thankfulness, a positive approach to life or inner happiness. I think that it’s such a shame that many blogs are superficial and only present clothing and brands without going into what they stand for.

Nadia: We have heard that jeans play a pretty big role in your wardrobe. Do you think that the MUSTANG jeans that you have on could find a permanent spot there?
Jil: Definitely yes; I looked in the mirror again before and I think they’re really cool. I really like this 7/8 jeans, especially together with white sneakers. I also like that they are high-waist.
Nadia: Well, that was it. Thank you so much! I have one last question before we’re done: Finish the following sentence with just one word – For me, jeans are…
Jil: Can I use two words?
Nadia: Sure!
Jil: Then I’d say cool and casual.

And by the way: If you like Jil’s jeans, you’ll find them and your other favorite pieces in our MUSTANG Online Shop. Here’s a little preview:

Jodelahiti!

In late March, we set out for Jochberg in Tyrol to spend a weekend with the influencers Fata, Jil, Kristin, Jüli, Elif, Ayda, Darya, Sophia and Louis. You’re probably wondering why we specifically chose provincial Jochberg, a community of only 1000 inhabitants, for this event. Well, actually one could say that the reason is simple!

At MUSTANG, we believe in a simple, honest denim philosophy that focuses on authenticity and being natural. In other words: a MUSTANG jeans is first and foremost authentic denim – no frills or chichi. This means that at MUSTANG you’ll find the perfect basic jeans, timeless classics for ideal mixing and matching.

And then there’s Jochberg, a sleepy little Austrian town, with a population of 1000 inhabitants, located 100 km south of Munich. Authentic, natural, down-to-earth: this is where tradition and authenticity meet. The view is just like a picture postcard. Jochberg doesn’t need much to convince you. The surrounding nature is simply mesmerizing.

We made up our minds very quickly: Jochberg is THE perfect place for our #back2basics photo shoot!

Upon their arrival, each influencer received their individual MUSTANG look, consisting of classically beautiful denim pieces and basic logo shirts. The only accessory is a dark blue bandana, which also can be converted for use as a belt or wristband.

The jeans jackets, which have been designed with individual lettering and images by blogger Kristin, are real eye-catchers. A brilliant project, in which fantastic one-off pieces were created.

Does this also make you feel like owning a couple of real denim classics? Then shop the influencer look here:

Actually, there is one personality who particularly fascinated us, which is why we decided to learn more about her. Are you curious about who that is? We’ll be publishing another article soon, where we will introduce this person to you. For now, we only want to say this much: it has something to do with nutrition, fashion and a truly remarkable approach to life by a young person in the prime of her life, whose focus is on some very important values.

On this note – until the next blog!

Your MUSTANG Team

Dear Reader,

Are you sometimes unsure about which shoe goes well with slim, jeggings or flared jeans? And do you sometimes wonder whether the jeans should be worn rolled up or not? Then you have come at the right place. In this article we will share our jeans expertise with you and hope you will enjoy reading the article!

We love denim! But only as classical jeans? No way! The popular fabrics can be worn in many different ways. We especially like the #AllDenimEverything look. We want to show you how easily you can own the look.

True to the motto “Blue is our happy colour”, the MUSTANG employees Katja, Jule and Flo present their favorite outfits to you.

In that sense: Blue, blue, blue means everything to us...

Katja’s all-time favorites are jeans with special washes and details like destroy effects. She also likes to experiment with a variety of waistband fits.

Here, she is wearing a light-washed, high-cut jeans in vintage look. The highlight: The high waistband not only magically makes the waistline slimmer, but also makes the legs look very long. She combines her favorite MUSTANG jeans with a simple horizontally striped shirt. A denim bomber jacket represents the highlight of this perfect casual look and can be worn with comfortable sneakers. If you like Katja’s outfit, you can shop the look in our MUSTANG eShop. We’ve selected some similar pieces for you here.

Jule likes it casual and comfy, but still wants to make fashion statements. So she likes to wear jeans with special details like embroideries or studs, which give the pants an exciting look.

The patches perk up the casual pants. The combination of rock-star jeans and a more classically elegant denim blouse create a cool break in style. You can easily recreate Jule’s look. We’ll show you all the options here:

As a true denim-lover, Flo is a fan of the untreated look and, in contrast to Katja, prefers to wear “raw” jeans without complex washes.

This rinsed look works particularly well with the Oregon Tapered fit and is contemporary and casual. The rolled up pant cuffs gives the outfit that additional coolness and casualness. In this case, Flo styles his MUSTANG jeans with T-shirt (of course with denim print), jeans shirt and boots. Are you inspired by this look? Then click through our selection:

Denim is perfect for all types of embroidery. We’ve selected our MUSTANG seventies shorts from the last Spring/Summer 2016 collection. You can also use a pair of jeans, jeans jacket or skirt. The other things you need are yarn in your favorite colors, a needle, fabric scissors and a piece of chalk.

The spring type

Your hair is light and your skin has a yellowish tinge and a tendency to freckle. Your eyes are green, blue or blue-gray or light brown. 

Warm color tones make your eyes shine and harmonize perfectly with your fair hair. The color palette comprises all shades of red on to yellow or brown color tones.

The summer type

In contrast to the spring type, your complexion is rosy. Your hair could have any color, the only exception being reddish tones.

Cool tones along with delicate and subdued colors suit you. Best color choices are lilac tones, light blue, mint and pretty, feminine shades of pink.

We wish you a fun time shopping!
Your MUSTANG Team

This time we chose a very special location for our MUSTANG lookbook shooting and ended up high above the rooftops of the city on the Spree, at a very special location: the Pan Am Suite, located on the eighth floor of an apartment building. The interior design of the duplex apartment right next to the Zoo is straight out of the sixties. Maybe you know the name “Pan Am” from the film “Catch Me if You Can” starring Leonardo DiCaprio? While Leo pretends to be a Pan Am pilot, who jets around the world, the real pilots who worked for the airline founded back in 1927, stayed in this comfortable suite when they had layovers in Berlin. But where is the connection to our collection? The atmosphere of the suite fits perfectly to the no-frills coats, plaid shirts and overall dresses in retro style.

While our hair & make-up stylist made up the pretty faces for the winter look, the MUSTANG Team used the time to steam and sort the looks and then dressed the models in the appropriate outfits. Both the male model, Nils, as well as the only 16-year-old Alysha did a great job, so that after only twenty shots our photographer Max ecstatically announced, “We got it! Thank you! Next look!”.

In order to design our MUSTANG Lookbook as dynamic and exciting as possible and to use the entire two-floor suite, we changed the setting a couple of times. Of course that takes a bit of effort to rebuild the sets, connect the technical devices and reposition the lighting. But it was worth it – the photos are not only very atmospheric, but also very diverse. We can’t wait to see the finished pictures in our Lookbook and look forward to finally flipping through the pages. We would like to give you a sneak peek of some impressions and glimpses behind the scenes:

Jule: You study retail textile management business administration. How would you describe that? 
Leonie: I’m learning about the basics of business administration and retail. We also deal with fashion topics in depth in various modules such as “textile feedstock and materials” and “product range design”. 
Jule: That sounds quite diverse, but also very theoretical. What made you decide to study management instead of fashion design? 
Leonie: Because I firmly believe that the management programme is more comprehensive, which means that I’m less restricted. Studying business administration has better prepared me and given me more opportunities to work in the textile industry. 
Jule: Tell us about the work-study system. What is your training like? 
Leonie: The work-study programme is composed of theoretical and practice phases in blocks. You spend around three months each semester at Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Heilbronn learning theoretical concepts that are important for training in the fashion industry. Then you spend three months at your partner company. This way you can get a feeling for important areas of the company.
Jule: That sounds very exciting, but also quite stressful. How do you deal with that?
Leonie: It is, but when the goal is in sight, I do everything I can to achieve it.
Jule: What are your options after you finish studying? What are your career prospects? 
Leonie: I’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration. Obviously I would like to stay at MUSTANG so I can see my career opportunities there through. My training at MUSTANG is very product-oriented. I only work in departments that are related to the product – departments such as retail, sales, marketing and purchasing. I can see myself in sales in the future. There is a world of possibilities in sales. I could support different stores and outlets as a field representative or sell collections to retailers as a brand representative.

Jule: What brought you to MUSTANG? 
Leonie: I came across MUSTANG on the DHBW Heilbronn website and saw that it was a partner company. After doing a bit of research on the brand, I could really see myself working for it. Then I just applied and was invited for an interview shortly after that. The interview was casual and they made me feel very welcome. It didn’t take long to realise that MUSTANG was the right partner for me. 
With a bit of luck and, of course, savvy (laughs), I was able to convince MUSTANG I was the right person for the job. I’m very happy to be part of the MUSTANG family. 
Jule: Have you always wanted to work in the fashion industry?
Leonie: Yes, I think it’s in my genes!
Jule: You only started studying last year. What are your impressions of MUSTANG and how are you liking it so far?
Leonie: That’s right. I’ve been here for just under four months and can say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve experienced so far. All of these experiences have confirmed my initial hunch that MUSTANG was the right company for me.The entire team really took me under their wing and the friendly atmosphere made me feel welcome right away.

Jule: What has been your biggest highlight so far?
Leonie: My biggest highlight so far was the collection training for our store employees, which I was able to attend. The denim training in particular, where we talked about washes, materials and production processes, was really interesting.
Jule: What do you hope your training at MUSTANG holds in store for you?
Leonie: I hope to be given exciting tasks that encourage me to be creative and I’m looking forward to working on something as a team.
Jule: How would you describe MUSTANG in three words?
Leonie: MUSTANG is a great brand that can hardly be described in three words.
Jule: What is your favourite pair of MUSTANG jeans to wear, and why?
Leonie:The Jasmin Jeggins are my favourite MUSTANG jeans. They’re very comfortable and they have a modern fit that allows them to be combined with anything. They’re my daily companion.

Jule:What role do jeans play in your wardrobe?
Leonie: The most important role – I wear my cherished jeans every day!
Jule:What is a must-have for every denim lover’s wardrobe come spring?
Leonie: You have to have at least one denim jacket in your wardrobe in spring.
Jule: How would you describe your own style?
Leonie: I’m definitely a jeans type of person and, depending on the occasion, I can be either elegant or edgy. A romantic look suits me also.
Jule: What inspires you? What role do social media and fashion blogs play for you?
Leonie: A big one! I gather inspiration for fashion and styling from the Internet and other media platforms.
Jule: What is the significance of fashion for you personally?
Leonie: Fashion lets you express your personality and communicate your emotions externally. The right outfit will make you fit in at various occasions. Fashion is a game of creativity. And as the saying goes: “clothes make the man”.
Jule: In one word: for me jeans are ...
Leonie: ... not just clothing, but an expression of my personality.

You should ask yourself this question before every shopping trip. It’s important not just to follow current trends and your personal taste, but also to enter your figure into the equation. Not all styles are one size fits all. We have created a guide to show you which fit is right for each figure. This will tell you exactly which model to look for so that you can find the perfect pair of jeans the next time you go shopping. We hope you have fun reading it – and shopping, of course.

Figure characteristics: Short, large bottom

Unlike with women, you as a man obviously want to distract attention from your behind rather than emphasise it. To do this, put on a pair of high-cut jeans, such as the MUSTANG Tramper or Oklahoma. Their high waistband and straight leg make them the perfect shape for your type of figure.

Figure characteristics: Short, slim

Are you looking for a pair of jeans that makes you look taller? Skinny fits are the best solution for short and slim men. Our Vegas Skinny and Frisco jeans – the narrowest styles from MUSTANG – are the right choice for this type of figure. They put the focus on your slim legs, adding a few centimetres to your appearance.

Figure characteristics: Short, stocky

You want to look taller but you aren’t a fan of skinny fits? Then try a pair of bootcut jeans.

Figure characteristics: Short, athletic

If you’re slim but your leg muscles are too large for skinny fits, then the tapered models are the ideal jeans for you. Although they narrow off, they offer your thighs and calves much more room than skinny fits.

Figure characteristics: Tall, slim

You can consider yourself lucky! Nearly every fit suits you. It’s up to you whether you like skinny or loose fits. You will look good in any pair of jeans.

Figure characteristics: Medium height to tall, well built

Straight fits are the best jeans for you. Jeans that are too narrow don’t offer you enough freedom of movement and can become uncomfortable quite quickly. Besides, they emphasise spots that you can easily conceal with straight fits.

If you would rather shop online, our virtual jeans assistant – the 'Fitguide' – will help you find the right pair of jeans for your figure.

We hope that our tips will help you always to find the right pair of jeans in the future.

High-waist, kick-flared, super-skinny or perhaps Marlene? Keeping track of all of these styles can be a real challenge. And just when you think you know how sport a boyfriend, a new model is already around the corner. Before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to ask yourself whether the particular style actually does anything for your figure. You’ll soon find out after that shopping spree with your best that not all models are one size fits all. Depending on your figure, the right style will conceal certain problem areas or even emphasize parts of your body that you like most. In this article, we have created a guide to show you which fit is right for each figure. This will help you find the perfect pair of jeans. We hope you have fun reading – and shopping, of course.

Figure characteristics: short legs, petite

YES: To make your legs look longer, we recommend a high waistband and long flared styles. You can combine these with high heels to give your legs a long look.

NO: Even if it isn’t particularly trendy at the moment, culottes, mid-length and kick-flared cuts have a compressing effect and make your legs look shorter.

Figure characteristics: short legs, feminine figure

YES: Generally, the same guidelines for the figure characteristics above apply here as well ...

NO: ... but you should stay away from super skinny fits.

Figure characteristics: robust thighs

YES: Dark washes conceal your legs while also making them look longer. The Marlene is also perfect for you. Its wide cut will make your legs appear more narrow.

NO: Less is more: avoid unusual washes, attached pockets and worn-in elements. They are too bulky.

Figure characteristics: curvy

YES: Grab a pair of jeans with a high waist to hide some of those unwanted curves. Skinny fits will also direct the attention to your legs.

NO: Jeans that sit at the waist tend not to be the best style for you.

Figure characteristics: flat bottom, small waist

YES: You could get a little bit more elaborate: light washes and slanted back pockets will give your bottom more volume. Try flared, boyfriend or skinny jeans. When worn in combination with a skinny top, these styles are real figure flatterers.

NO: Depending on your taste, you can avoid dark washes so that the few curves that you have don’t disappear completely.

Figure characteristics: large bottom

YES: Loose fits, such as the Marlene style, as well as dark wash jeans without back pockets are the best choice to distract attention from your behind.

NO: Lavish, attached pockets will give extra emphasis to your behind and do the complete opposite of what you want your jeans to do.

If you would rather shop online, our virtual jeans assistant – the 'Fitguide' – will help you find the right pair of jeans for your figure. 

We hope that our tips will help you to always find the right pair of jeans in the future.

This isn’t just a maxim for everyday life - it also applies to our wardrobe. After all, a lot has changed over the years when it comes to jeans. MUSTANG has taken up this theme and is presenting its extra elastic jeans, true to the motto “be flexible”. They feel like athletic trousers without sacrificing any of their authentic denim look.

The keyword here is clear: comfort! Nobody needs stiff jeans that chafe the back of your knees. That’s why we have employed 'stretch' - our secret weapon. However, this term doesn’t come close to accurately describing our highly elastic supermaterials. The new generation of stretch materials offers an unprecedented level of comfort. This is due to the material which boasts an elasticity of 60 to 80 percent for enormous flexibility, as well as the newly developed yarn that always returns to its original form. These materials allow the jeans to retain their shape and fit, even after repeated wear. They provide the body with optimal support and definition without being restrictive. A pair of jeans which are as flexible as we are.

Are things looking a bit grey and gloomy at this time of year? Nope, not for us! We’re defying the murky weather and kitting ourselves out in style by opting for tartan, our favourite pattern. Check is enjoying a massive comeback, as was clear from the catwalks, not to mention the wealth of street style images on Instagram. 

This pattern originally comes from the Scottish Highlands. Glen plaid was initially reserved for the Scottish aristocracy, but thankfully times have changed and we can all clad ourselves in this great pattern. Whether it features on a coat, jumper or blouse, check is this season’s must-have trend.

In summer a sweet gingham check looked just the part, but in winter it’s all about making an impact with big checks in strong colours like burgundy, forest green or midnight blue. Not only does the pattern look fantastic, but it’s much more versatile and easier to mix and match than it appears at first glance. For casual wear, checks make an ideal partner to denim, while a checked blouse is perfect for the office when worn with a skirt. The more daring option of pairing a striped shirt with checked pieces results in a pattern-clashing look that can’t help but pep up overcast days. Even classic, single-colour outfits that incorporate a tartan element are bound to draw admiring glances this winter.

Have fun trying out tartan, showing off your new togs and letting your inner stylist loose! 

#MUSTANGstyle #checkchecked #truedenim #winterishere

We’ve put together our finest MUSTANG checked pieces for a bit of inspiration.

Ladies:

Men:

Too tight, too tapered, too baggy, too long, too short - in one place it tweaks and in the other place winkles are formed… Finding the right jeans is often a big challenge. 

In this blog post we have prepared some tips for you. We will show you how to find the right jeans by applying the following 3 steps.

The eternal question of how best to end the old year always challenges us. The cool party or the festive dinner date – with no event the opinions are as far apart as on NYE. And in the end we stay at home. So that you do not have to worry about the outfitting, we have put together the most beautiful New Year’s Looks for all partygoers, home-stayers and dinner parties-goers. We wish you a happy new year!

It is certainly no coincidence that the cities of Paris, London, Milan and New York are considered metropolises for fashion. Many fashionistas around the world visit these cities every year to get inspired by the fashion show as well as by the street styles. We do not want to award the title “Fashion Metropolis” to any of these cities, but within this article we really want to draw your attention to another city.

Do you know that none of the above-mentioned cities is called “epicenter of jeans”? You are wondering what city is being addressed here? We are talking about the Dutch capital Amsterdam, where, for example, the Denim Days take place annually. This event is not only an absolute MUST for all indigo fans, but in the form of the so-called High End Fabric Fair, it offers a lot of space for the exchange of innovations and ideas among the important textile companies’ worldwide. Amsterdam has the highest density of jeans brands in the world.

This jeans boom is due to the 1990s, when many denim-brands settle down in the capital of Holland. Do you think this happened as though by chance? Barely not. Amsterdam is considered an adventurous, lively, casual, unparalleled and individual city and thus fulfills the same characteristics as the favorite clothing of the Europeans. Other aspects, such as the manageable size, the location and the tax policy, also contribute, that many creative ideas in the jeans market are arouse and created in Amsterdam. To ensure that the city is able to maintain the title of the jeans capital, the denim developer at the House of Denim study at the ROC Amsterdam School of Denim and are being trained for a career in the jeans industry. For more information, please visit the following website http://denimcity.org/.

One thing is certain: The best thing to do in the Dutch capital is jeans. Authentic denim styles and shapes are available at MUSTANG im Online Shop.

Tatjana

My gift tips for Christmas are a colorful mix of self-made items and personal tokens. This year I’ll be giving a CD with a collection of mutual favorite songs or vacation hits. In addition, I’ll be giving a voucher for the MUSTANG outlet in combination with a “shopping day”. A wonderful opportunity to redeem the MUSTANG voucher ;-). 

Angie

The Christmas season is a season of giving - and I like to give gifts where people spend time together. Depending on the budget and personal interests, there is an excellent selection of activities - especially online. Other gift tips are a brunch voucher, tickets for a concert, a movie at the cinema, tickets for a match from a favorite sports club or city trips to Prague, Paris or Berlin, which are inexpensive and easy to book online.

Viktoria

This year, in addition to the usual Christmas presents, I will be giving a self-filled Advent calendar. To fill it, I have purchased 24 smaller and somewhat bigger items like shower gel, tea, sweets and vouchers. I think that an Advent calendar lifts Christmas spirit and joyful anticipation and adds a bit of sweetness to each day of waiting. I was inspired by the DIY Advent calendar on the MUSTANG blog. 

Jana

Homemade is my motto for this holiday season, as I will be putting a hand-painted side table under the Christmas tree. You can find the raw materials for this in various DIY stores or in furniture shops. One or more lacquer paint colors or spray paints can be selected depending on personal style or the existing furnishings, then carefully mask the areas to be painted with tape and start applying the first coat of color. The hardest part about finishing the side table is to have enough patience, because each layer needs several hours before it is dry enough and ready for the next color. You only need minimal effort to make a unique and very creative present, which the recipient will surely love. :-) 

Ines

Every year on the 24th of December, I run around town like crazy and stand in line at the cash register forever, and always ask myself on the way back to my car: Why do I put myself through this year after year? Christmas doesn’t happen unexpectedly, you just have to start shopping early enough. And that’s exactly what I plan to do this year. I have sworn to pay attention when my loved ones gaze longingly into shop windows, talk about their must-haves over coffee or leave the magazine lying open on the table “accidentally” to the page with the picture of the stylish MUSTANG belt. A sweater here, a voucher there and Papa gets his favorite aftershave - like every year. Ultimately, gift-giving is really about giving thought to what others might like – and mainly to bring them joy.

Vanessa

A girlfriend got me involved in a so-called “Women’s Advent calendar”. This tradition creates lots of new present ideas (usually self-made) every year, which are not only limited to putting in an Advent calendar :-). The highlights are liqueurs, jams, key rings, candles and lanterns or heart-warming holiday stories, poems and pictures. I believe that it’s the little joys that make a big difference!

Lena

Have you also noticed that the actual meaning of Christmas is getting lost in the shuffle? I still believe in Christmas the way it was before it became so commercialized. That’s why my recommendation for Christmas giving is: Back to basics. Become more aware of how important time is and give it as a gift: time for yourself and time spent together with those dearest to you.

Florian

I like to put practical things under the tree at Christmas. And what does everyone need on every day of the year? Exactly – clothing to wear! That’s why I really like to give MUSTANG T-shirts and sweaters. People also love to receive self-made gifts. This could be, for example, pillows printed with photos from shared experiences and vacations.

Kathrin

I like to make my family happy with presents that allow us to spend time together and share experiences. For instance with a wellness voucher, concert tickets or a weekend in the mountains. Christmas is the celebration of love and this means bringing joy with meaningful little gifts, which is why I like to delight my neighbors with my homemade eggnog!

Sylvia

I’m involved in the world of stage design and costumes, which is why I like to give theater and musical tickets as presents. If you love theater, I can highly recommend that you come to Künzelsau to watch the play “Fear Eats the Soul”. This is a story about Emmi, who falls in love with Ali. Their love is threatened by the pressure of envy and lack of acceptance that they experience from the community they live in. This inspires Emmi and Ali to fight against all odds to uphold their love for each other.

Nadia

Due to my job at MUSTANG , I am literally at the source and can supply myself, my family and friends with clothing. I actually no longer have to ask my loved ones what they wish for, because the answer is always either “Bring me another one of those pretty MUSTANG blouses.” or “I’d like the Oregon Tapered in 32/32 in a variety of washes, please!”. It can’t get any more specific than that. That’s why you can find me every year in a nearby MUSTANG outlet or store, so that I can bring truly meaningful and practical joy to my family and friends.

Laura

My gift idea is a Beauty Box, which has always been a big hit! I fill a box with items from the drugstore or perfumery that fit to the personality of the person who is receiving the gift.

Martina & Anka

We’ve noticed that vouchers are a big favorite and highly appreciated gift idea. These can be purchased, for instance, in every MUSTANG store or outlet and come with a practical gift can. The vouchers can also be personalized: For example with a photo puzzle. By making a collage from pictures of recent vacations, family celebrations or other activities and integrating the voucher code as a text field.

Think outside the box, be your own designer and create this unique and stylish laced denim choker by following these steps:

I packed my bag and in it I put: the coolest pieces from the new 2017 spring/summer collection, of course. Because even though it’s getting colder and we all have to accept the fact that winter is just around the corner, there is something giving those of us in the fashion industry a little taste of summer: the new 2017 spring/summer collection. Its short shorts, light blouses and tops are already hanging on our clothes racks, sending rays of sunshine through the cold and grey November days. We have highlighted the coolest pieces in our new lookbook. Once it’s hot from the press and in our hands, it’s time to head to the phones and call up every editor from the far north to the deep south because the press tour is just on the heels of the lookbook photo shoot.

Once again, our little road trip that we take twice a year will bring us from Hamburg to Vienna via Munich. On this trip, we will visit editors from the most important fashion and lifestyle magazines and show them the latest and greatest trends from the current collection. We will also show them the lookbooks so they can pick out the pieces they would like to photograph at shoots. And because the fashion carousel at the publishers spins as fast as the seasons change, we have seen many new and familiar faces to have a pleasant chat with. From Grazia and Glamour to InStyle and Woman, we have visited every editorial office between the Elbe, Isar and Danube. We were happy to see that the new collection was so well received. Once again, it was well worth the journey and we are looking forward to seeing many gorgeous shots in the magazines. And of course, we’re looking forward to “hit the road again” soon.

Why buy an impersonal Advent calendar, when you can design your own? This year we created our own handmade Denim-Advent-calendar. In this Do It Yourself we want to show you how it works.

Enough said – Let’s do this:

Your personal and individual Denim-Advent-calendar is ready for you. It is always the right choice whether you use it for yourself, for your loved ones or as a present.

We wish you lots of fun!

While my fellow students discuss topics such as “the suitability of process-optimizing operation systems“, I am concerned with something else: Corporate Social Responsibility. Companies define it as a “voluntary contribution to sustainable development”. This includes ecological aspects as well as social and economic issues. How can that harmonize? How can something be given, something be contributed, while the meaning of trade is in exchange? And how can CSR come to live?

These considerations lead me to the Beschützende Werkstätte in Ingelfinden. Here I plan an interactive day with the people working and living there. But not only will I extend my horizon around this experience at this day. My idea to introduce a so called “social project” involves the participation of all trainees and dual students of MUSTANG.

By having breakfast together, working in groups and crafting little bags out of denim, we are talking, laughing, learning, making friendship. The question raised at the outset, which represent the usual theory, are exchange with immediate – and the subject of corporate social responsibility is brought to life.

Laughter fills my ears, and my eyes are watching shared looks, initially shy but soon filled with warmth and kindness. Everyone gets involved in work. While bags are created, the room captures a friendly atmosphere. Here, in the Beschützende Werkstätte in Ingelfingen, where handicapped people are employed since 1967. In the area of Heilbronn and Hohenlohe, there are now around 1,300 persons. Since several years, MUSTANG has been in cooperation with the Beschützende Werkstätte, on this September day I work with many at one table. Many who work here every day, many of our trainees who get an insight into this everyday life, many creative minds, many craftsmen, many peculiarities, but one common ground.

None of us thinks about CSR at this moment. Theory cannot be sewn well, for this kind of production something else is needed. This is you and this is me. Among us the same floor. No bridges have to be built. They already exist. I look into an open face. The corresponding body also leans on the railings, and in a smile, which touches me immediately. Humanly, directly. The most elementary and natural way of trading. And both sides profit.

Through an unusual way this experience will be remembered for a long time. What still exists: The changed perspective and the desire, after more such days.

Hamburg, early October, ten degrees and windy. This is nothing unusual in and of itself – unless you’re shooting the 2017 spring/summer collection on the 13th floor of a car park. 

After scoping out many locations – among which were a warehouse, a dance club and an old power station – we ended up on the roof of the Contipark car park in the Barmbek-Süd quarter of Hamburg. Many a weather app was used throughout the shoot. Alas, Hamburg is Hamburg and, despite the sunshine, we were forced to brave the cold north wind as we set up for the next two days. We had to bring a generator and plastic canisters seeing as there was neither electricity nor water on the parking deck. Where can the models get changed? Where should the clothes be steamed? What about catering? There were questions upon questions to be answered, but, with a bit of fantasy, we managed to turn the parking deck into our personal photo shoot oasis in hardly any time at all. Now that we had patio heaters, hot coffee and some sun, which had slowly begun to poke through the clouds, we were finally able to begin. The Hamburg skyline with its glass towers was the perfect backdrop for our shoot and the models exhibited astounding professionalism despite the more than brisk temperatures and their outfits, which consisted of shorts and T-shirts.

The weather wasn’t as kind to us on the second day; it was apparent just from looking out of the hotel room at eight o’clock that morning that it would be quite cold that day. But c’est la vie, we thought, and we headed to the shoot amidst an unpleasant drizzle under a grey and drab sky. Today the licenses and deadlines were on the docket. And the underwear motif that could not be done the previous day had to be shot today as well. Our models stood bravely on the parking deck in boxer shorts or in slips and a bra and looked fabulous despite the poor conditions. We would like to extend a huge thank-you to Lena, who was kind enough to bring warm blankets. We probably would have frozen without them! The pictures turned out beautifully despite the weather conditions, making our shoot in the lofty heights a complete success in the end. 

You will be able to see the results for yourself in a couple of months, but here are some highlights to hold you over. 

What are the key denim trends for autumn/winter? What jeans are people wearing right now? What decade is set to make a comeback in the world of jeans this season? These were the questions brought to us by the fashion team from Stylight, the hot online platform for fashion, inspiration and shopping. We didn’t need asking twice and were delighted to share our expert knowledge of all things denim with the fashion professionals! Here’s a short extract:

“Styles that are still strongly influenced by the fashion trends of the 1970s, including flares and patchwork jeans. At the same time, androgynous styles with a straighter cut are also trending right now. These include worker-style jumpsuits and cropped jeans with braces.”

We’d love to share the full Stylight report on everyone’s favourite material – denim – with you.

Click this link to go to the article.

Happy reading!

Ines: Tell us about your career. 
Tina: II’ll give you a short summary: secondary school graduation, apprenticeship as a seamstress, training as a seamstress manager, degree in fashion design. I’ve also had various internships and jobs in styling, tailoring/drapery, development and design.
Ines: You used to work for Vogue – that must be the dream of every woman. What made you make the switch to MUSTANG? 
Tina: :) I think everything runs its course. I like to face new challenges and design has always been exciting to me. It has its own demands. But you can also apply a lot of what you learn from styling to design. 
Ines: What was your first impression of MUSTANG? 
Tina: They were my mother’s first pair of jeans. I stole them from her dresser drawer when I was a teenager. 
Ines: MUSTANG is located in Künzelsau. What was it like for you to move to Swabia? 
Tina: It was a very bleak winter day when I came for my interview, which was also my first time in Künzelsau. I paid attention to the road when I entered the “Kessel” so that I wouldn’t make any snap judgements :). Now I’m in love with this beautiful region and the incredibly nice people who live here. 
Ines: Do you live here or do you commute? 
Tina: I live right here in Künzelsau – just a three minute walk to my office, which is such a luxury.
Ines: How would you describe your work in three words? 
Tina: To put it simply: inspiration, implementation, analysis.

Ines: How would you describe MUSTANG? 
Tina: To me, MUSTANG is a brand with a great history, an authentic look and incredibly great potential. You see this just as much in the employees as you do in the products. 
Ines: What brought you to MUSTANG? 
Tina: I was contacted by a headhunter. Back then I was planning on going abroad again, but now I’m here and very satisfied. 
Ines: What do you love most about your job? 
Tina: Three things: The search for fresh inspiration, working with the design options that textiles offer, and exchanging ideas and working with the team here at MUSTANG and our partners worldwide. 
Ines: What role does fashion play in your life? How important is it to you? 
Tina: Good question. I ask myself that a lot. Let’s put it this way: it’s my life; I can’t easily separate my professional life as a designer from my private life. Sometimes I take it seriously, sometimes I approach it with humour. It depends on the context. 
Ines: How would you describe your own style? 
Tina: Above all I value quality. This goes for the material as well as the process. And I have to be comfortable in whatever I wear. I avoid bells and whistles. They impede my creativity :), to be honest. And it’s important to me to dress just how I feel. Clothing should emphasise your personality
Ines: What inspires you? 
Tina: EVERYTHING. I try not to gravitate towards existing trends, but to always stay curious. Art (in every form), cultures (with all of the attributes that make them unique), personalities, mundane everyday life. It’s a mix of everything that gives birth to new ideas – especially when travelling!
Ines: What is the power of fashion in your opinion? 
Tina: Ohhh yes, fashion is incredibly powerful! Fashion is a statement, a clear message to your audience, environment, colleagues, business partners, etc. It depends on how and where you want to position yourself and here fashion can be a means to an end or BY ALL MEANS should be!

Ines: What do you do to balance out your working life? 
Tina: Well, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy my job even in more stressful times. The golden rule is to avoid work-related topics during my break and at the weekend. 
Ines: Which demands do you place on yourself? 
Tina: As a designer, I always try to develop the best product with the means provided to me.
Ines: In your opinion, what makes working in the clothing industry so special? 
Tina: It is incredibly exciting because the industry is in a constant state of change and there are always new developments on the market, and the possibilities to make something from these new developments are just as diverse. With regards to clothing, working with 3D design and human anatomy is what makes textiles so special. 
Ines: What role do jeans play for you? 
Tina: Jeans are so wonderfully uncomplicated. There is always a pair of jeans that I can put on that will match my shoes or top. 
Ines: What do you like to do in your leisure time? 
Tina: I like discovering new places and going with the flow. I like to be in nature, but I also like spending time at home. I do yoga religiously and I like to cook and make things with my hands. I don’t have a television set at home.
Ines: What was your biggest fashion faux pas? 
Tina: ???
Ines: What could you not live without? 
Tina: My roots. I’m Greek and I make it a point to go there at least once every year.
Ines: What is the most important thing you’ve ever learned about fashion? 
Tina: That must be the absolute power fashion has. 
Ines: Are you more inspired by designer looks or street style? 
Tina: For the MUSTANG collection, I’m a bit more inspired by street style, but I pay attention to all looks. I expect that from my team as well.
Ines: In one word: For me, jeans are ... 
Tina: Essential.

Burying your feet in the warm sand, taking in the salty sea air and feeling the wind in your hair – travelling not only offers us a break from our busy day-to-day life, it also lets us expand our horizons. This is especially true when we go off of the beaten path to wherever life may take us – away from all of the tourists. Regardless of where you go on your next holiday – whether it’s to Uruguay or Frankfurt – we have a few travel secrets for you that you won’t find in just any travel guide to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. Enjoy reading, finding inspiration, dreaming and travelling!

Ines

My home away from home – Apulia / A culinary travel guide

Although it does take a while to reach the heel of the boot – at least if you go by car – you will be rewarded with a bit of originality, which can be hard to find in Italy, once you get there. Sleepy fishing villages, clinking Vespas that dash through the narrow alleyways and roadside fruit vendors selling watermelons, peaches and regional vegetables. You have to try the cicoria (leafy green) with some coarse sea salt, fresh bread and olive oil. Speaking of which, they make the best olive oil in Italy right here. It is often sold straight from the bed of an old, rickety Ape. 

The best way to start your day is with a light breakfast. When we say “light”, we mean it; Italy is not known for kilometre-long breakfast buffets. It usually consists of just a cornetto caldo and an espresso (though you get this by simply ordering “un caffè") without ever sitting down. Do as the Italians and check out the bar Manzoni (Via Alessandro Manzoni 4, 73040 Neviano) in the small town of Neviano, near Lecce. In addition to the typical breakfast, they also offer handmade pralines and minicakes baked with so much love that you won’t be able to resist trying them all. It comes as no surprise that La Mamma herself is hard at work at the oven of the family business. 

With your knees at your chin and Adriano Celentano’s Azzurro in your ears, it’s time to head to nearby Gallipoli in a Fiat 500. An absolute must for every holiday-goer in Apulia is the fish market, which takes place every Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Even the locals buy their fresh fruits and vegetables, home-made pasta and freshly caught fish here. 

At the restaurant Scapricciatiello (Via Colombo, 73017 Località Lido Conchiglie, Sannicola LE), near Santa Maria al Bagno, you can watch the fishermen in the morning as they pull pesce spada, cozze and other seafood out of the water. Straight to the plate, you will enjoy their catch by lunch or dinner. Cozze nere crudo (raw mussels) and arrosto misto (mixed roasted seafood) comes especially recommended. For those who do not wish to stick out as tourists on the first day, never ever order a latte macchiato or cappuccino after your meal. Get an espresso, or caffè, instead.

In the afternoon, when the Italians are having their siesta, it’s time to head to the beach. The nicest spot is between Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca, otherwise known as the “Maldives of Salento”. The kilometres of white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water make you feel like you’re at the Indian Ocean – OK, just a little bit.

The best time to travel is from May to June or September to October; then, the beaches are empty and the air and water are still pleasantly warm. Even this far south, the beaches are filled to the brim with people in July and August. 

The small town of Polignano a Mare is also worth a visit. At first glance, the town isn’t much different than others in the area. But the beautiful, unique restaurant Grotta Palazzese (www.grottapalazzese.it), which, as the name implies, was built directly in a grotto, really sets the town apart. Here you can get anything from stuffed courgette flowers to tuna tartar and smoked salmon, and of course a fantastic red wine – whatever the heart desires. It is a bit pricey, but the unique atmosphere at sunset makes it well worth it. Remember to reserve a table up front at the water ahead of time!

No holiday to the southernmost tip of Italy would be complete without visiting the Baroque city of Lecce. Here you can stroll through the winding alleyways and browse the small shops. Then you can take a break for some gelato at the piazza for a true Italian dolce vita experience.

Jana

The Caribbean meets Sylt : José Ignacio, Uruguay

Large dunes, high waves, an expansive sandy beach: a small promontory without roads, just sandy paths. It is modern yet primordial and incredibly unique. La Huella provides a great dining experiecnce on the beach.

You can also combine your visit with a trip to Buenos Aires: a ferry runs between Argentina and Uruguay multiple times per day. When in Buenos Aires, you must spend a day walking around Palermo.

California Dreaming

The best Airbnb: with Chandler in the water tower on the way from San Francisco to L.A. https://www.airbnb.de/rooms/3263279

Jörn

Home sweet home

Offenbach

The L'Abbate dairy. An authentic Italian dairy right in Offenbach’s backyards. But be warned: the waiting times are long. That just goes to show that this is where you can get the best mozzarella and other culinary delights. 

Frankfurt 

The Goethe Tower in the Frankfurt City Forest. Drink an apple wine at the base of the tower and, after it has kicked in, wager a 70-metre climb to the top. The one-of-a-kind view of the Frankfurt skyline is well worth it.

Lena

Sardinia is always the right choice

My absolute favourite travel spot is Sardinia. The stunning coves with dream-like water quality surrounding Olbia are perfect for swimming in. An especially beautiful cove is located near San Teodoro, at the Capo di Coda Cavallo. The beach is not too crowded and it is easy to rent a boat that does not require a license, letting you explore the gorgeous nature reserve surrounding Capo di Coda Cavallo at your leisure.

Nadia

My favourite travel destination: Dublin

Dublin is the capital city of the green island. It is perfect for anyone looking to tune into the Irish accent and be enchanted by the charm of the Irish. Although the city is divided in two by the River Liffey, it is easy to find your way around. Endurance permitting, you can even include both the south and the north sides into your shopping itinerary and browse through the countless second-hand boutiques. 

The Vintage Kitchen, where traditional Irish dishes are served over an area of what feels like just 10 square metres, also comes especially recommended. What’s more is, the restaurant follows the bring-your-own-wine principle. Reservations are required. Go for lunch if you are not able to get a table at the weekend. It’s well worth it.

The festival season has started

From Berlin to Barcelona, millions of visitors flock to various parts of Europe for the festival season every year. The era of wallowing in mud, going without a shower for three days, and spending the entire day headbanging and drinking beer is long gone, however. Take the legendary Coachella Festival in Indio, for example, which draws hipsters to listen to indie rock and party beneath the Californian sun. All the coolest people gather at Coachella, from Kate Moss to Kendall Jenner and Alessandria Ambrosio. But it’s not just the beats at open-air festivals that draw so many people every year. When it comes to fashion, cool California girls have long been a source of inspiration. Borrowing elements of their style enables us to experience the festival feeling at home. Pieces like on-trend ethnic prints, cool denim shorts and edgy shirts make us feel good and are set to be our best (festival) friends all summer long. So if you haven’t managed to make the trip across the pond this summer, take a look at our top festival tips in Germany and the coolest pieces for creating the ultimate festival look.

In mid-February, it was once again time for the lookbook shoot in Berlin. 

The scene for the autumn/winter collection 2016 was set in a small studio in Wedding, tucked away in an industrial area between Poco Domäne and Punjab Food Traders. After a lengthy quest to find the studio, with many less-than-helpful directions given in heavy Berlin dialect, we lugged two full suitcases, boxes of shoes, steamers and water for ironing up to the first floor. Fortunately, I had a wonderful assistant in Justin, our outlet employee from Brandenburg. Upstairs, the catering service surprised us with an extravagant buffet, filled with everything imaginable, from coffee to granola and enormous cheese platters. After a quick break to get our strength back, we got to work. After all, there were more than 30 looks to be photographed. We got started with all the unpacking, hanging and ironing. Meanwhile, our models, Kassem and Melina, had arrived and were immediately summoned by our make-up artist, Benice. Kassem studies business psychology in Lüneburg, working on the runway in Paris, Milan and New York on the side. Melina lives in Hanover. After the lights had been adjusted, the models made up and the final creases steamed out of the garments, we finally got started. Our attempts at capturing the rays of sun that shined through the large loft windows made us realise just how dependent good photographs are on the weather and sunlight; thick clouds kept shifting in front of the sun, taking away our lighting effect. So we stood by the window and watched the clouds: “All right, the clouds are almost gone,” or “Here comes the sun, places everybody!” and “Yes, almost, now, shoot!”. By working as a team, we were able to capture the light, which really brought out Melina’s large green eyes and created stunning photographs. With Eliza Doolittle’s remix of ‘You & Me’ as the soundtrack and our photographer Thilo’s infectiously good mood, we wrapped in the early evening hours and were all thrilled with the results.

Justin put it best: “Wow, that was a real experience!”

There’s nothing more to say :)

After Berlin had welcomed us with blazing sunshine and warm summer nights for the last trade fair in July, the Big B on the Spree was showing its frosty side in January – of course only in terms of the weather. It really was anything but inviting. But what must be, must be! So we packed our bags and headed east. It's amazing how quickly six months go by, we thought as we met at our stand on Monday morning to decorate it with the newest trends in jeans & co. The weather also made a dramatic appearance in the big exhibition hall in the form of an ice-cold east wind that penetrated every crack, so we folded jeans and ironed shirts wrapped up in our thick winter parkas. Having finished our day's work we were awarded with a glass of bubbly from our wonderful catering team. As the Panorama opened its doors on the dot of nine the next morning, our city was glittering in the morning sunlight and we were ready to receive the crowds as they streamed into the hall. We didn't have to wait very long: customers, business owners, buyers, journalists and bloggers came to visit us, representing every aspect of the fashion business. And there was lots to see. The fair stretched over 40,000 square meters and included exhibitors showing 600 different collections.

True to our motto “True denim for true people”, we avoided anything flashy and focused instead on our products, which of course speak for themselves. Our special highlights this time were the lines “be flexible” and “Soft & Perfect”. Their high stretch content makes both of them wonderfully comfortable while also perfectly keeping their shape. In addition to presenting the newest collection, trade fair time is also about developing relationships. This is why we took advantage of being in the capital and were delighted to receive invitations from various publishers and magazines to brunch or receptions.

Our participation in the Panorama in Berlin was certainly worth it in every respect and we are delighted to have been there. And as the end of one fair always makes us think about the next fair, we are looking forward to the end of June when once again we will hear: Berlin calling!

Ludwigsburg

This baroque Christmas market is perfect for those who love a buzzing atmosphere. Year after year, visitors have been fascinated by the glittering angels with wings made of thousands of lights, and the illuminated arches that span the arcades surrounding the square. They have also been charmed by the two baroque churches on the square and the symmetry of the streets and gardens. The famous Residenzschloss (Residential Palace) provides an unforgettable backdrop. In keeping with the baroque theme, the former Württemberg King, Friedrich I, wanders around the market every Saturday around midday holding audiences and resplendent in full baroque costume. With more than 175 stalls, there is something for everyone: hand puppets and music boxes, antique and modern Christmas decorations, paper and ceramic creations, warm winter woollens and fine silks. There are culinary treats such as roasted chestnuts and waffles, Schupfnudeln (finger-shaped potato dumplings), Holzofendinnede (Swabian pizza) and gingerbread. A great variety of entertainment is also on offer. Every day at 7 p.m., and at 5 p.m. on weekends, a concert takes place with Christmas carols, swing, jazz or folk music. To make children's eyes light up, there are puppet shows, magicians and clowns. The Ludwigsburger baroque Christmas market is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. until 22 December.
For more information, contact the tourist office, phone +49 (0) 7141 910 22 52 or email: touristinfo@ludwigsburg.de

Bad Wimpfen

Not every town can boast the privilege of being granted permission by the Kaiser himself to hold a market before Christmas. This is what happened in Bad Wimpfen in 1487. Which means that this year the market celebrates its 528th anniversary and it hasn't lost any of its charm. Every year on the first three weekends in Advent, the already enchanting old town around the Staufer castle becomes the backdrop for this traditional German Christmas market whose fame extends way beyond the region. More than 120 stalls offer everything the heart desires from delicious treats to all kinds of crafts. A further highlight at the Old German Christmas Market is the European Village in Wormser Hof. This year, Italy is the guest country, and visitors can enjoy delights such as air-dried Parma ham, fresh pasta, antipasti, olive oil, exotic ice creams, coffee and other special drinks. The Old German Christmas Market is open until 13 December on Fridays from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
For more information, contact the tourist office in Bad Wimpfen, phone + 49 (0) 7063 97 200 or visit www.badwimpfen.de or www.weihnachtsmarkt-badwimpfen.de

Lake Constance

Walking in a winter wonderland – there is no better way to describe the Christmas scene at this meeting point of the four countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Countless Advent and Christmas markets all around the lake melt into one big Christmas village with the different cultures and delights creating a really special atmosphere. Short distances means visitors can discover the Christmas traditions from four different countries in one afternoon and experience this enchanting winter magic of nature, culture and culinary delights. Traditional crafts, regional products and a varied programme of entertainment can be enjoyed against the backdrop of the snow-covered Alps – picture-book Christmas. Don't miss the Lindauer Christmas harbour nights with beautifully decorated wooden huts, Christmas music and the night watchman's walk. An abundance of fir trees transforms the harbour promenade into a fairytale forest full with the aromas of Christmas. It even gets Christmassy on the water. The ”Christmas ship” entices with its onboard stalls. To list all the highlights here requires much more space. You just have to experience it for yourself. All markets around the international Lake Constance region are listed in the “Christmas Magic at Lake Constance 2015” brochure, available from the local tourist office, Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH, phone +49 (0) 7531 909 490, info@bodensee.eu and online www.bodensee-winter.eu

Stuttgart

The capital of Baden-Württemberg smartens up every year just in time for Advent. “The lovingly decorated stalls, sparkling lights and the beautiful historical setting always create a magical atmosphere”, says Andreas Kroll, chairman of in.Stuttgart, an event management company. The Christmas market extends from the Neues Schloss (New Palace) and Königsbau, through Karls and Schiller squares, around the Alten Schloss (Old Palace) and the Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church), and up to the Marktplatz (market place). With 285 fabulously decorated stalls, the Stuttgart Christmas market is one of the biggest and best of its kind in Europe. Hand-carved crib figures, tree decorations, traditional regional Räuchermännchen (wooden figures that ”smoke” incense), winter clothes, toys, Christmas cards and candles as well as an array of hearty winter dishes and sweet treats. There really is nothing you can't find here. An absolute must for all coffee fans is the “glass” coffee roasting house at the Wohlgemuth bakery on Schiller Square. Visitors here can order their own coffee creations. The team roasts a range of raw beans from all over the world and refines them to create their own special coffees. Visitors can purchase the beans whole or ground and can, of course, enjoy the diverse flavours in the café itself. Each coffee creation is prepared by a professional barista. The Stuttgart Christmas market also features daily concerts in the courtyard of the Old Palace, Children's Fairytale Land on the palace square, and the historical dolls’ houses on the first floor in Stuttgart Town Hall. Stuttgart Christmas market is open until 23 December, Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For further information and a calender of events visit www.stuttgarter-weihnachtsmarkt.de

Like everyone else, we too are busy with Christmas preparations – but we wouldn't miss a visit to one of these fantastic Christmas markets. We hope we have inspired you with our tips and we wish you a Merry Christmas with family and friends

Men love keeping things simple. When it comes to looking cool, you only need a few styling tricks and one key piece that goes with everything – like the olive-green MUTSANG parka. It doesn’t matter whether you are wearing a fine-knit sweater, jeans or a plaid shirt – it instantly and effortlessly gives every look a more casual touch, and keeps you warm thanks to the hood and think lining. Practicality meets style – guys, what more could you ask for?

Ines: What do you study? 
Alex: I study business management in Mannheim with an emphasis on fashion, trend and brand management. I’m in my fifth semester, which is my work experience semester. After graduating in Künzelsau, I really wanted to work in fashion. Then, I looked at which degree programmes would be right for me, and I found this one. I submitted an application and I’m very happy with my decision.
Ines: What do your studies entail? What can one expect to learn? 
Alex: For the most part, it’s a business studies programme with modules that are geared to fashion and brand management.
For example, we analysed the various youth cultures in the module “Fashion and Society” and studied the history of fashion all the way from Coco Chanel to Donatella Versace and Alexander McQueen. We also drafted a collection based off of mood boards that we created and conceptualised a corresponding marketing strategy. In the brand management module, we learned how a brand is built up, from brand identity to brand image and everything in between. In the trend management module we studied trends. What is a trend? Where do they come from? Trend management deals with microtrends, macrotrends and metatrends. We looked at what the current trends are and, of course, what future trends might be. 
Ines: What made you want to do your work experience at MUSTANG? 
Alex: I grew up in Künzelsau. MUSTANG was everywhere. While studying in Mannheim, I was always looking at MUSTANG’s development. Of course, MUSTANG was always a topic of discussion when I was studying. One of the things we talked about was how such a small company could turn into such a big global player. Then it was time to apply for my work experience. MUSTANG was obviously the first place I applied. When I was offered an interview, I was so excited. I called my parents straight away to tell them about it. After the interview, I knew I had to work here.
Ines: What do you do at MUSTANG? 
Alex: What I do at MUSTANG? I make coffee and fetch cake. NO, that was a joke! I have really cool tasks and projects that I’ve been able to supervise. I was at the exhibition in Berlin and supervised the stand in the entrance hall. Then we had various promotions, such as our iron campaign. Customers could iron sayings onto burlap satchels. Then there was the popcorn story. We worked together and came up with the idea to put a popcorn maker in stores. Besides that, I helped build and supervise our pop-up store at the Dodenhof Mall in Bremen and monitor update processes. I also helped manage the Facebook campaign “MUSTANG True Style”. The idea behind the project was for MUSTANG employees to post a picture of themselves in their favourite MUSTANG outfit. The employee with the most likes won a MUSTANG outfit. The campaign was really popular and was a lot of fun. 
Ines: What do you love most about your job? 
Alex: I’ve loved everything I’ve done so far. The marketing team is fantastic. I was included in all of the department’s processes from the very beginning, and was able to get a good overview of the daily routine as well as of special events, such as the exhibition and the pop-up store that I just talked about. The DIY campaigns for our MUSTANG blog were also really great. You could really let loose creatively.

Ines: Are you a very creative person? 
Alex: Creativity lies in the eye of the beholder. For some, I’m creative; for others, I’m not. Personally, I think I possess a healthy dose of creativity. The most important thing is that I have fun doing what I do.
Ines: How do you make use of your creativity? 
Alex: I have definitely destroyed dozens of pants, T-shirts, hoodies and satchels while acting on my creativity – to various degrees of success. I’m interested in designing and remodelling things, even if the final product isn’t always what I had imagined.
Ines: Do you want to work for a fashion company like MUSTANG after you graduate? 
Alex: Definitely! My work experience at MUSTANG helped me realise my dreams, grow in the fashion industry and build my future.
Ines: What role does fashion play in your life? How important is it to you? 
Alex: It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but, at the moment, fashion is my life. We’ll see. Maybe it will level off at some point.
Ines: How would you describe your own style? 
Alex: I’m pretty open and don’t subscribe to a particular style. As long as it’s not too colourful or flashy, I’m for it. .

Ines: What inspires you? 
Alex: My family, my surroundings and my friends are all an inspiration to me. And, of course, a drink or two.
Ines: What do you like to do in your leisure time? 
Alex: Leisure time is a luxury that I can’t afford at the moment. I have a large family that is very important to me. I’m a three-time uncle, so there’s always something going on. Otherwise I’m always out and about.
Ines: What will you take with you from your work experience? 
Alex: I learned that the fashion industry can be very exciting and interesting, but also very merciless. You shouldn’t be to picky and it’s important to try out new things. Even if you don’t really have a clue, your will is what counts. I have amazing co-workers who I can call friends.
Ines: In one word: For me, jeans are ... 
Alex: timeless!
Good-looking and nicely fitting jeans cost a half month’s rent!

Take what feels like the hottest day of the year and add a couple of hidden locations on the streets of Berlin-Schöneberg, one likeably crazy photographer, two stunning models and some of the coolest looks from our forthcoming spring/summer 2016 collection – you have the perfect photo shoot for our next MUSTANG lookbook! 

The locations have already been chosen and checked out by bike (in true Berlin style, of course) the day before. All the outfits are hanging on the clothes rails. 

And so, on the first Tuesday in August, we arrive at an old apartment building known as Casa Kolonne in Berlin-Schöneberg. Our male model is already being photographed on the roof, while the make-up artist is creating a natural look for 22-year-old Liliya. True to the slogan “summer in the city” we couldn’t have wished for better weather – the sun simply won’t stop shining! That’s very fortunate for us as not only does it mean the lighting conditions are perfect, but we can also enjoy a spot of sunbathing now and then at each of the charming locations. By pulling together as a team, we manage to photograph all the outfits as planned by the end of the shoot, despite top temperatures of over 36 degrees.

Our compliments to everyone involved – the hours fly by. That’s probably due partly to the photographer’s conversational skills and also to the wonderful models who work in harmony to present our collection impeccably on the hot asphalt.

Why not see for yourself and be inspired by some of the impressions from our lookbook photo shoot!

The hostesses, dressed in yellow bermudas, striped shirts and straw hats, greet every fashion-hungry industry insider who walks through the big glass doors into the daylight-flooded foyer. Just a glance to the right and you see our small but beautiful pop-up space, where we present our best sellers and our image film for the spring/summer collection 2016 as a teaser for our large stand in Hall 3. 

There you can't miss the presentation of our MUSTANG world: Even with the really high back walls and huge photo installation, the authentic wooden elements create an inviting and relaxed ambience and the perfect setting for the exclusive presentation of our new shapes, washes, fabrics and cuts. Delicious sandwiches, cakes and other snacks along with mint-blueberry or strawberry-lemon flavoured water keep everyone refreshed. 

The international flair of the fair is amazing, with trade visitors and exhibitors from all over the world. On show are women's and men's fashion, accessories and shoes that have never been seen before. And so the first hours of the fair go by in a flash with new impressions and input from the world of fashion and textiles.

Late on Wednesday evening, all of the exhibitors are invited to a summer party. Directly on the banks of the Spree with a view of the television tower, we are treated to live music and a well-stocked bar and really let our hair down – this is definitely the highlight of the week and the perfect lead in to the last day of the fair.

Although this gets off to a bit of a slow start due to lack of sleep, we are determined to give it our all once again. And so Thursday goes by in the normal crazy way: Men in flashy comic costumes and neon colours provide some eye candy, painless flash tattoos in gold and silver decorate our wrists and a girl band on a nearby stand sing away in the background.

We are tired but happy. The days in Berlin were exciting and really successful. So from our point of view there is nothing more to add except:

dear Panorama, thanks for having us – once again. See you next year!

Nadia: Tell us about your career. 
Rebecca: It's really funny how I came to MUSTANG. I used to be a musician in a band that was kitted out by MUSTANG. Heiner Sefranek (editor’s note: former Managing Director and son of founder Albert Sefranek) came to one of our concerts and asked me if I would like to write my master's thesis in cooperation with the MUSTANG Group. I took advantage of this opportunity as I had always wanted to combine my knowledge of business management with something creative. And I believe that fashion is the perfect combination of creativity and management. 
After I had finished my master's thesis, I worked in MUSTANG's export department for two years and was responsible for the foreign distributors. Then I spent two years in Hong Kong, where I set up a local branch of MUSTANG. After Hong Kong, I took over retail purchasing for another two years, which at the time was based at the office in Frankfurt. Following that and in conjunction with the appointment of the new managing director, I was asked by the CEO, Dietmar Axt, if I would like to take over the entire retail division. At first I doubted whether I was up to the task. After I had openly explained to Dietmar the skills I lacked, he replied with confidence: "You can learn all of that. The most important thing is that you have the will and the passion, and you definitely have both of those things." Today I am very grateful for the fantastic opportunity and the trust that was placed in me. 
Nadia: What was your first impression of MUSTANG? 
Rebecca: Authenticity. That was what always appealed to me about this brand. I believe that anyone who is authentic can be lastingly successful and convincing. No frills. We make real jeans. It's also fashion, but fashion without victims. 
Nadia: How would you describe your work in three words? 
Rebecca: Exciting – always something new – people focused. 
And that is the most important thing for me personally. In my opinion, when you invest in people, create opportunities for them and show them that they are valued, this investment comes back to you. The biggest capital a company has is its staff. This is why we always try to fill vacancies internally first. All our district managers, for example, started out as MUSTANG store managers.
Nadia: While we are on the subject of staff: You are responsible for an incredibly huge number of staff. Around 400 people. How do you manage to cater for all these different personalities, and what are the main difficulties? 
Rebecca: The structure of MUSTANG is such that I carry the main responsibility for retail. Directly below me are the Country Managers. The Regional Operation Managers (ROM) report to their respective Country Managers. Every store has a store manager who is responsible for the staff in the store. As opposed to the traditional image of a director as a figurehead, it is my aim to have a personal connection with the staff. That is why I know every store manager. I am always there in person when a new store is opened and I train the team myself on site. This is because when I really know the team, if there are challenges, it is easier for me to assess where the difficulty lies and why. For me, the team is a very important success factor. The collection and the management strategy are of course important, but the people who represent us and present our brand to the public are the staff in the stores. I always have an open ear for them. And just as I can rely on my wonderful people, I hope that they have the same trust in me.

Nadia: Apart from the personal aspect, it's also easier for you to make strategic and conceptual decisions when you know what the staff think, isn't it? 
Rebecca: The store staff are involved in the front line. They see what happens and how different concepts are received by the customers. This is why the ideas for many of the promotions that we launch actually come directly from the store staff.
Nadia: Not all MUSTANG stores are in Germany. Does your role as CRO of the MUSTANG Group involve a lot of travelling, and what are your main tasks? 
Rebecca: On average I am in the office in Künzelsau three days a week. My job is conceptual, that means I create concepts, such as the questions: Where do we want to go? Which trends will we follow? What steps do we need to take? Apart from that, it is important for me to keep an eye on the different areas: outlets, full-price stores, e-commerce. When there are problems, it is my job to recognise them as quickly as possible and to look for solutions. My working day is a mixture of numbers and working with people. I'm like an umbrella that keeps everything together. 
Nadia: How would you describe MUSTANG? 
Rebecca: We are an absolute denim specialist. We produce premium denim with outstanding quality and excellent fit for the mid-range market. In other words, at a price people in the middle income bracket can afford. 
Nadia: And how would you describe the MUSTANG target market, or how would you define MUSTANG customers? Are they also in the middle? 
Rebecca: Basically our target market is made up of three different segments: the first half is our core target group, we call them the "new middle". Quality is really important to these customers and they value the fashion aspect of the brand, although they don't follow every trend. The second segment, the "traditionalists", accounts for about a third of the MUSTANG target group. They buy our Girls Oregon for example, or the classic Tramper. These customers have their personal favourite MUSTANG fit, which they have known and loved for years. And finally, the "fashionistas" account for about 20% of our customers. They want to try out the new denim trends we introduce and are open to new fits, materials and colours.
We will definitely never be the absolute trend setters. We stand by this and stay true to ourselves. The newspaper "Die Welt" described us a very honest company. And that is what defines us – true and authentic – these are the brand values that we embody.

Nadia: In your opinion what makes working in the clothing industry so special? 
Rebecca: For me it is the combination of numbers and creativity: to convert analytical knowledge into style and trends. Another special thing for me is working with denim. I am really fascinated by the history of jeans. There is hardly anything else in the clothing industry that is as timeless or versatile.

Nadia: What is the power of fashion in your opinion? 
Rebecca: Clothes make the man. I believe that how people behave in combination with the clothes they wear makes them who they are. 
Nadia: You are very successful and now part of the senior management of MUSTANG. Have you got a tip for young people who would also like to be successful in the clothing industry? 
Rebecca: Whatever you do – do it with passion! Never be closed to new experiences and don't take anything for granted.
Apart from that my motto is: "There is no such word as 'can't'!". There is always a way and a solution. Even when I was studying, a lot of people said to me that I wouldn't be able to combine doing an MBA with my music. Or now people say to me that I won't be able to manage looking after my daughter, who is six months old, and have a career. But it works. I have people who support me, both in my private life and in the company. 
Nadia: What do you do to balance out your working life? 
Rebecca: Being a mum and having a full-time job is a real challenge. I still play music and I love dancing. 
Nadia: What do you strive for, for yourself? 
Rebecca: To deliver the best result possible. In everything I do. Even when my figures are not always perfect, I know that I have got the best out of what I had at my disposal. 
Nadia: Have you had a highlight yet in 2015? 
Rebecca: There are several highlights: I love the Spring/Summer 2016 collection for women which will be in our shops in December. I really like the direction the collection is going in and the new jeans styles.
Even though she was born in 2014, my daughter is a personal highlight for me. We'll just include her in 2015, is that OK? 
Nadia: That shouldn't be a problem :-). Do you have a dream holiday destination for the future, perhaps? 
Rebecca: We travelled a lot as children because my father was often away and he used to take us with him. I learned a lot about other cultures at that time: to be tolerant, accepting and open with other people. My father wanted to show us the world – and that is what he did. I am very grateful today for the experiences and impressions that I was able to gather. And, of course, it helps me in my job.
My dream destination would be Vanuatu, which is even further than New Zealand. 
Nadia: What could you not live without? 
Rebecca: Wifi! After the birth of my daughter, I had to stay in hospital for a week. The nurse was shocked when I asked about wifi access. But when you spend a week in hospital, you need to be connected to the outside world, don't you!? 
Nadia: In one word: for me jeans are... 
Rebecca: Effortless.

Ines: How long have you been working at MUSTANG?
Christian: I've been the manager of our store in Weiterstadt since 2009, so almost six years now.
Ines: What brought you to MUSTANG? 
Christian: First I was a customer. I was working in the centre nearby and I had always loved going into MUSTANG stores. So I applied and then I had a fantastic interview. As a result I started working at the Frankfurt store as a sales assistant; in between I spent a year in Wiesbaden, then back to Frankfurt before I moved to Weiterstadt.
Ines: What does your job as Store Manager entail? 
Christian: I make sure that everything runs smoothly in the store. This includes managing the staff, advising the customers, coordinating everything, and of course looking after stock control in the store.
Ines: What do you love most about your job?
Christian: Definitely working with people, whether they are customers or staff.

Ines: Have you always wanted to work in the fashion industry?
Christian: Not consciously :-)
Ines: What does fashion mean to you? 
Christian: Fashion has to be fun, that's the most important thing, and you have to feel comfortable with it. That's why I try to stay true to my own style with every outfit and don't follow trends that don't suit me.
Ines: What are your first three thoughts when a new customer comes into the shop? 
Christian: Great, a customer :-) / What would he like? / Smile!!!
Ines: How would you describe your favourite customer? 
Christian: Friendly, fun and open to ideas from myself or one of the staff.

Ines: Tell us a funny anecdote from a typical working day?
Christian: So many funny things happen in the store, from stag parties to a "strip" that someone suddenly did one day. But for me the best thing is when I go out at night and a customer comes up to me in a bar and says: "Hey aren't you the guy from the MUSTANG store?!". And then he tells me how he loves the clothes and we sit together and chat a bit over a drink.
Ines: How important is giving good advice in your profession? 
Christian: If you don't advise the customers, well then you can forget it!!!
Ines: Where do you get your knowledge about jeans from?
Christian: From our internal meetings and training; but I have picked up a lot of it along the way. Also, at some point you start to read certain articles in a more focused way. 
Ines: Let us in on your best trick as a salesman?
Christian: Friendliness, honesty and of course knowledge about the business.
Ines: How important is knowledge of human nature in your job?
Christian: Very important! You have to be able to deal with all sorts of customers.
Ines: How would you describe your own style?
Christian: Sporty, casual.
Ines: Do you also like wearing jeans in your free time? 
Christian: Always, except on Sundays on the couch.
Ines: Do you like following fashion trends?
Christian: Yes, but only if I like them.
Ines: In one word: For me jeans are... 
Christian: Essential!

This casual denim waistcoat in the popular destroyed look should be part of every man's wardrobe. Because it not only adds a cool touch to every outfit, but also looks great with t-shirts, sleeveless tops and shirts. It's also perfect for balmy summer evenings.

Breathe out, girls! 

After what seems like an age of squeezing ourselves into skinnys and jeggings, ignoring every slice of cheese cake that comes our way and running to bums and tums classes three times a week, finally we can relax and feel comfortable and (this is the best part) still look good and fashionable. 

The magic words are "a new shape". The designers have heard our prayers: Because suddenly it's all about wide comfortable styles. It all began with the 70s trend. Now flares are back and they are as popular as they were forty years ago, of course with clogs and a Carmen blouse to complete the look. When it comes to jeans this shape is also called "flared". They are cut tight on the thigh and flare out from the knee, giving you a shapely figure, making you look taller and magically creating legs that go on and on. The trend for straight fits will continue. These are basically a unisex style as they have a loose cut and are completely straight from the waistband to the end of the leg. So keep an eye on your boyfriend, otherwise your jeans might end up in his wardrobe by mistake – of course you can always share! 

Apropos boyfriend. Whoever is thinking: "But I always felt great in my skinny jeans, I don't know what all the fuss is about", rest assured. When it comes to shapely legs, we have the perfect all-rounder – the tapered B-fit. In this case B stands for boyfriend (and tapered means that the leg narrows in to the ankle.) Only the top part of this cut is wider; they are almost as narrow as skinny jeans from the thigh right down to the ankle. You could say that this is the transition style for those who are not sure if the trend suits them.

But one thing's for sure – no matter which fit you choose – you will not have felt this good in jeans for a long time!

Even though we’re all dying to put this winter behind us and turn our faces eagerly towards the first rays of the sun, we are already two steps ahead at MUSTANG.

In mid-February we made our way to Berlin to shoot the lookbook for the autumn/winter season 2015. With four large suitcases packed full with the latest collection, clothes rails, irons and steamers, off we set for the capital. Our location for the upcoming production was a typical old apartment in Berlin-Schönefeld, which we would have all loved to have moved in to. 

The photo shoot was true to the motto „LoveXMUSTANG“. We wanted to stage a home story, recreating a day at home, from waking up in the morning to late at night. Our models Paul, who is not only a model but also a passionate musician, and the 19-year-old Josephin both came from Berlin and harmonised perfectly with each other during the shoot. Credit is due too to our excellent and continually good-humoured photographer Thilo, who knew exactly how to tease out every emotion from both of them. Hair and make-up artist Timo was in raptures about Josephin’s flawless skin and conjured up a natural glow to her face. Envious and at the same time fascinated by so much dexterity, we could not resist sneaking a few tips from the professional, drawing out from him the one or the other beauty secret. PSSST, just between you and me: The Naked2 eye shadow palette from Urban Decay and the Poudre Universelle Libre from Chanel were highly recommended to us. 

When the make-up and the outfits were perfect, it was finally time for – lights, camera, action! You can check out the results in a few months here on our blog and on our Facebook page.

To make up for the long wait though, here are a few sneak previews for you.

The time has come. Spring is suddenly at the door once again and the scales are showing at least five kilos more than we would like. Typical. But now instead of rummaging in a panic for the dusty stepper in the cellar and banning all carbohydrates from our diet, we have kept calm at MUSTANG and have focused instead on finding a more practical approach. A few weeks, countless cups of coffee and several all-nighters later we have developed a new body-shaping denim specially for women. This denim perfectly shapes, supports, lifts and defines the female body. The main points are comfort, quality and function. It hides what should not be there while accentuating our sexy curves. The innovative dual-core technology makes it all possible; yes, you read correctly – technology. Because jeans not only involve simple cotton yarn any more. It’s all about real science and state-of-the-art technology. In this innovative procedure, two elastic fibres, which perfectly complement each other due to different properties with regard to elasticity and recovery, are spun to an extremely stretchy thread that does not go baggy. Pure cotton fibres completely enclosing the double helix of elastic fibres form a visible external sheath. So the body-shaping jeans look like a normal pair of jeans on the outside, but thanks to the elastic fibres, they do not wear out and they fit perfectly even after hours of wear. Never have we managed to pack away our spare tyres so easily.

So ladies, come out of the musty gyms, hop into your new slim jeans, put on your sunglasses and head out to enjoy the spring – ideally with a delicious iced coffee and cream!

P.S. The new MUSTANG body-shaping jeans are now available in shops!

MUSTANG's cool, used-look dungarees are the absolute must-have this season. So we opened up our wardrobes and saw that these jeans aren't only a real eyecatcher, but also a true master of metamorphosis - whether stylishly teamed with a silk blouse, as part of a fresh marine look, or trendy with a Milles Fleurs bomber jacket, the possibilities are (almost) endless.

Ines: What brought you to MUSTANG?
Viola: I came to MUSTANG following a great meal and a nice chat with Dietmar Axt (CEO). 
Ines: What are your responsibilities as Area Manager? 
Viola: First and foremost, an Area Manager needs to be well-organised and resilient. My responsibilities centre primarily on planning and managing all women’s sales activities in the Eastern German area. You can divide my job into two levels. First there’s the personal level with customers. This involves identifying and acquiring new customers, establishing long-term relationships with customers and taking care of existing customers who have been with us for many years. Then there’s the business level. This entails taking quarterly orders and rush orders, working with customers to create limit plans and optimising the orientation of customers’ NOS. As you can see, the job is multifaceted and very varied.
Ines: Describe your typical day. 
Viola: There’s no such thing as a typical day in field sales! Every day is different and surprising.
Ines: What does your work involve now that the trade fair is going on?
Viola: Firstly, I give my existing customers an insight into the current collection. Secondly, I want to acquire potential new customers and, ideally, invite them to a viewing or ordering event in the showroom.

Ines: Do you yourself take a look at the shows in the tent, or are you primarily interested in the fair?
Viola: Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time to watch the fashion shows. Apart from that, it's problematic for us as exhibitors to visit other stands or watch shows by other designers. There’s a lot of competition – everyone is afraid of being copied.

Ines: Are you more inspired by designer looks or by street style?
Viola: I’m more inspired by street style. During Fashion Week, Berlin is full of colourful, crazy people dressed in a huge variety of styles.
Ines: How significant is Berlin as a fashion capital? 
Viola: I think Berlin is a very important city for seeing new looks and finding inspiration. Unfortunately, though, there are only a few major fashion companies in Berlin. The city tends to attract smaller, individual labels.
Ines: Do you like the Berlin style? 
Viola: I’m a Berliner myself! I love this city and its diversity. Styles are conservative, classic, alternative, punky, rocky or just plain crazy ... but never boring. 
Ines: What else do you like about Berlin? 
Viola: I like everything from the industrial prefab apartment blocks to the chic city villas. Here you can find whatever you’re into.

Ines: What role does denim play in your wardrobe?
Viola: I wear it every day – at work, in my free time, as shorts or jeans, as a denim jacket or a denim skirt.
Ines: Why are jeans such a special item of clothing? 
Viola: Because you can wear them to any occasion once you style them right.
Ines: How would you describe your own personal style?
Viola: Sporty-chic.
Ines: What was your biggest fashion faux pas?
Viola: Probably anything that I used to wear in XXL size in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Ines: What is the most important thing that you’ve learned about fashion? 
Viola: That fashion has nothing to do with money. You can’t buy style. And you don't have to spend a lot to dress well.
Ines: Finish the sentence: Jeans for me are … 
Viola: …feminine & sexy!

Even if you’re still digesting the Christmas turkey and dealing with your New Year’s hangover, we’re already looking to the new year and the coming spring.

To shorten the time until the first warm rays of sunshine for you, we’ve gathered together a few fresh inspirations for you this spring.

With this in mind: Hello spring!(… watch out: summer is just around the corner!)

Even the not-so-soft gender is becoming more and more demanding when it comes to comfort: men today grab a pair of jeans with a comfortable elastane content more willingly and with more confidence than ever before. (But women were there first ...) When it comes to the perfect combination of comfort and an authentic denim look, our demands are growing exponentially. Europe's oldest brand of jeans is driving this trend – and yes, we are undoubtedly talking about real denim pioneers here, made in Germany. In the coming Spring/Summer collection, MUSTANG will be presenting its innovative REALXJEANS for the first time – a high-tech sweat denim that looks like real jeans and feels like jogging trousers!

The highlight here is the special sweatshirt material that breaks with all the negative characteristics of commercial joggers, while preserving their benefits: no bulging, no bagginess, no drooping. Just high-end, robust sweats in a classic indigo and used like your favourite jeans in your wardrobe. So, girls and boys – slip them on and jump on the sofa, go to a party, the office, the shops, the in-laws ... and – RE(A)L(A)X

PS: The REALXJEANS by MUSTANG are in stores now!