Lena Terlutter is a Cologne-based entrepreneur, social media influencer, book author, designer, mother and recently also the proud owner of a new walk-in closet. We got an exclusive insight into her new fashion empire and you have the opportunity to shop great designer treasures from her wardrobe.
Interview with Lena
How did you start planning your wardrobe makeover?
We faced certain challenges with the planning because of the architecture of the room. A traditional built-in wardrobe was impossible due to the balcony and sloping roof. I thought about it for a long time and it’s only now, a year after I moved in, that I have found the perfect system to meet my needs. I gave particular consideration to how I wanted to organise my dressing room. Thanks to tips from my followers, I organised everything into winter and summer, and then by colour within each of these seasons. Well, we’ll see how long it stays so organised, but at least I’ve got space again thanks to my wardrobe detox.
What do you like most about your new wardrobe?
I love the appearance, the design and the exceptional quality of its features. When the interior decorator "Home Schlafen und Wohnen" presented me the first concept with so many small details, I was immediately blown away. The extendable mirror is particularly great for mirror snaps. You can turn it in every direction depending on which background works best.
Where do you get your inspiration for your furnishings?
I love interior design magazines and I spend a lot of time on Pinterest. I’m normally a bit of a messy person, (see my 500 screenshots on my desktop) but when it comes to Pinterest I have sections which are neatly organised by topic and subtopic. In particular, it was an enormous help when gathering inspiration for our new house.
Are there still any unfulfilled interior design wishes in your home?
Yes always ;) At the moment the biggest one is a new open-plan kitchen. It simply fits really well with the property, and above all with our lifestyle. We love being social and I think having the kitchen as the focal point of the home is just perfect!
How often do you detox your wardrobe?
I always try to detox at the change of a season, but occasionally I might sell a piece in order to treat myself to something new in between.
Which designer treasures would you never sell?
I am really attached to several things: e.g. my LOVE bracelet by Cartier - I’ll never get rid of that - or the vintage Collier de chien belt which I’ve been wearing for years. My watch (Rolex daytona rose gold) also has a special meaning for me: my husband gave it to me after the birth of our children.
What piece should every woman have in her wardrobe?
A really well-fitting suit or blazer (Balmain makes the best - there is no comparison), a designer handbag which goes with everything (Chanel flap bag medium) and well-fitting 3/4 length jeans as well as perfect white T shirts.
At the moment I’m a huge fan of Moncler.
What are your must-haves for the coming winter?
At the moment I’m a huge fan of Moncler. For me, as a Mum, it needs to be stylish and practical at the same time, so although a white Max Mara cashmere coat is on my wishlist, it would simply be ill-advised for my everyday life. My winter look will consist of athleisure & casual chic or of a mix: a beautiful cashmere jumper paired with a casual down jacket, leather trousers with Dad sneakers, etc.
What is on your wish list at the moment?
Vintage Chanel clip-on earrings, a Hermès Birkin 30 or 35 in beige/ light grey, a Louis Vuitton punching bag, a Juste un Clou bracelet by Cartier, a gold Rolex Submariner, little Black Jacket by Chanel, Versace vintage jewellery, Louis Vuitton vintage cosmetic case, Gucci hair clips and and and and - how much room have we got?
Your worst ever purchase?
Regularly shoes which are half a size too small, because I think, ‘Oh, they’ll fit’ (annoyingly I’m between sizes - sometimes 38 / sometimes 39). They are then on the rack. I drool over them, but can’t wear them for longer than one photo because they just hurt too much ;)
You are only allowed to save three designer pieces from your wardrobe. Which would you choose?
Hermès Birkin bag, Louis Vuitton Vivienne bag, Chanel Boy wine red.
Your current favourite designer?
Olivier Rousteing.
Your most treasured handbag?
Hard to say, but actually the ones that I bought to mark particular occasions. I often set myself goals and when I achieve them I love rewarding myself with a particular piece. Examples of this are my first Chanel bag (vintage) which I bought after I’d opened my store, Boutique Belgique, or a pink Timeless Chanel which I treated myself to after the birth of my second daughter - the things I especially love are the ones which have a certain meaning for me.
Vintage or runway?
Both combine for an individual, personal look. Just vintage or just runway is artificial, just like wearing only one designer from head to toe. The art lies in the middle; in creating your own style with the right amount of both.
Who is your style icon?
Emanuele Alt, editor-in-chief of French Vogue.
Diamonds or pearls?
Both, but if I have to decide: “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!”
Over the years I have learned to never say never!
High heels or flats?
Flats!!!! Of course, I also have a few pairs of heels but I only wear them for special occasions. I feel more comfortable in flats and it particularly changed once I’d had children.
What fashion trend would you never wear?
Over the years I have learned to never say never! I believe no-one can completely absolve themselves from being carried along by trends. I can well remember seeing the first photos of the Gucci fur loafers and everyone shouted “urgh”. Well, we all know how that turned out. There was hardly a fashionista who didn’t end up wearing them.
What is your all-time favourite fashion trend?
Not a trend, but a uniform. The pieces you never give away, the timeless classics which you constantly reinterpret with trendy pieces: whether it’s a Balmain blazer, a Burberry trench, Chanel ballerinas etc.
Which accessories would you never leave the house without?
My watch, my phone and my purse.